: I need help deciding which one. Having read many posts on this board and
: paddled a few I’ve narrowed it down to just ???? One thing missing from
: the posts on this site is how these yaks handle. I think builders are just
: so thrilled once they’ve finished that the bottom line is–my God, it
: floats!! While realizing that no one boat is better than another, I am
: interested in the handling characteristics of any of these kayaks – based
: on tracking, turning, and stability in big water. (I’m 5’6, 1651bs): 1)
: Laughing Loon “North Star” (is there really a problem with the plans re:
: fairing)
: 2) Jay Babina “Outer Island”
: 3) One Ocean Kayaks “Cape Ann Storm”
: 4) Guillemot “Expedition”
: My original choice was between the Guillemot and Night Heron, but after brief
: paddles in these beautiful boats, I felt they were poor trackers (how
: about installing a skeg). Having paddled for only a year, I am still
: learning basic stuff but first thing I did once deciding on the sport was
: buy a plastic Capella—based entirely on user reviews. I’m happy with the
: choice, it’s a great yak but is a terrible tracker, unless the skeg is
: deployed. I only mention this because the relationship of sea conditions
: and the handling characteristics of the kayak seems the principal factor
: in the choice. One characteristic of kayaks I don’t understand is their
: ability to either punch through waves or ride on them. Eg, the North Star
: is said to be high volume and rides over waves. What I would like to know
: is: is this actually an advantage in rough seas, or is a Greenlander style
: much more suited to swells/breaking waves? Is it preferable to punch
: through waves rather than over them, assuming you don’t want to surf? My
: paddling water is the Hudson and New England coast. Thanks for your input.

I have been out paddling instead of working or looking at this BB.

To answer your questions:

There are no problems with the lines of the North Star. Unless you plan to do a lot of expedition paddling I'd suggest the Shooting Star as more appropriate to your size and weight.

Since I study native designs for my kayak sources I don’t use rudders and most of my designs emphasize tracking over turning qualities. Two days ago, while I was in Ontario, I let someone try out my Shooting Star while I paddled his glass Perception Sea Lion on a lake with strong winds but little waves. I could not believe how much work it took to keep the Sea Lion going straight, it was continuously weathercocking (turning into the wind) and I was veering across the path of the this fellow in my Shooting Star who did not show any effort at keeping the boat on course.

I have great confidence in stating my sea kayaks track as well or better than the best.

In terms of baidarkas i.e. North Star's ability to ride over or punch through waves the difference is between getting hit in the face with waves as you punch through (Greenland fine stems) or riding over the waves dry (baidarka).

Of course wave height and distance between waves is everything. In smaller waves the Greenland kayak is smoother as it cuts through the wave and the baidarka tends to slap on small short waves. If you paddle only in small waves, a foot and under you’ll probably be happier in the Greenland fine stem boats.

All the best,

Rob Macks
Laughing Loon CC&K
www.LaughingLoon.com