: Hello--

: I built the prototype BLUFIN this spring and am generally happy with it and
: its performance. It is a low profile multichine hull. It is intended as a
: performance touring boat. it is 18 feet by 21 inches.

: Issues I found this summer include: 1. it could track a little better to
: reduce weathercocking effect. I prefer not to have a retractable skeg or
: rudder.

: 2. low profile is good in wind as is but bow punches through waves.

: 3. Rear deck is 9-1/2" high at combing may be a little high but it rolls
: well as is.

: My current plan is to modify the tracking by adding some skeggyness to the
: stern but leave the rest as is as I am happy with it generally. I do not
: mind a bit of punching through waves and the deck seems OK to me (I'm
: 6'2") I have modified the origional plan in several ways but keep
: returning to the origional.

: what are your thoughts?
: --eric

If you like the way the kayak tracks when paddling when not in a crosswind as it is currently designed, I would leave the keel alone. Instead if you raise the profile of the bow (above the water line) a little, it will catch more of the crosswind and reduce weathercocking and at the same time add volume to the bow to punch through wave maybe a little higher. I like 4 inches between the back band and the rear coaming. If there is that much space a 9 ½ inch high rear deck will allow laying back for rolls. If not move the coaming back and leave the seat where it is.

A second option is to move the seat and cockpit back (or lengthen the cockpit back). Moving the paddler back will raise the front deck and front keel and lower the rear deck and aft keel. All four of those movements will individually, and of course collectively, reduce weathercocking.

Dave