: Hi Tom -
: Nice looking boat! Can you share something about the handling
: characteristics? I lived in Golden for almost 15 years...where did you
: launch, Cherry Creek?

Jim

The pics were taken at Chatfield State Park. Generally, less power boats to
deal with than Cherry Creek. Normally, I paddle at Aurora Reservoir, as it
is closer to my little house on the Prairie ( Elizabeth), and there are no power
boats allowed. It's the wind-surfing lake of choice. This year, due to the
drought, it's at less than 50% capacity, which makes for some very muddy
put-ins.

Handling -

With no wind / waves to deal with on the first paddle, I can only speak in
general terms. At 22" beam, it's just a bit tender in initial stability, but
secondary is real stable. I use lots of deadrise, 18 degrees on "Symetrik",
so my kayaks all tend to have these characteristics. The steep deadrise allows
excellent tracking, and the rocker ( 3.5") allows it to turn quickly for such
a long kayak. Of course, with the long overhangs( 22 deg), the LWL is
considerably shorter, probably 14.5ft or so.

Most folding kayaks, if not all, have little rocker or deadrise, but I see
no reason why a folder should be built any differently than any other kayak.
If care is taken in maintaining the rocker during construction and skinning,
it wil maintain the designed rocker in the water. If you look at the first
on-water pic, you will notice that the coaming is higher than the ends.
Once loaded, the coaming will be at the same height as the ends, with a flat
deckridge, as was designed.

Tom