: I think this issue has been posted before, I can't find the answers in the
: archives so I'm seeking some help with my problem..

: I have a S&G Guillemot which tracks well and handles easily in wind and
: waves.
: I've just completed a Guillemot 17 stripper. I loved building it but it seems
: to behave much differently in the water..

: I can't make it go straight.. Also,when I let it glide, it veers to one side
: tracking a J ... This was in fairly calm water with a very light breeze
: from the stern. As the boat curls upwind there was a cavitating action at
: the stern.. ( This does not happen with the S&G.).

I think the S&G has a bit more of a defined keel, and a lot more keel at the aft end, which really influences your tracking.

If you start to turn, the Guillemot will "break free" and skid a really sharp turn. I think this is a Good Thing...evidently you find it seriously distracting. That's just the way the boat paddles. If you really don't like it, there have been some good posts about adding a fixed keel skeg to improve tracking.

: I tried moving the seat , No change.
: I'm 180, the boat was not loaded..

It's the boat and your paddling skills. Changing trim will have some effect, but not really as noticeable...especially if it's not windy anyway.

: If I need to paddle differently.... How so??

Keep your paddle strokes close to the boat. Stroke parallel to the boat's centerline. Don't let your blade stray out away from the side of the boat. Remove the paddle from the water at your hip--paddling back behind your hip can be inefficient, and it also is a sure way to start your boat into a turn.

I haven't needed the skeg. It's less difficult to go in a straight line with one, but paddling without one will make you a better paddler. Period.

: Thanks to all for any advice.. Bewildered Terry

Good luck, and if you have any more questions, reply or email me.

Shawn