I paddled the Impex version of the OI last weekend extensively and I would have to say that it does not turn, not ever. Not laid on it's side, not edged, not swept around. It is probably the most firm tracking general purpose kayak I have ever been in. It excels at going in a straight line efficiently and quickly, very quickly. I would not want to take into a rock garden with swells washing in and out. It might be a good boat for club racing though.

I doubt that a minor rocker tweak could get it anywhere near the handling of a Night Heron, Petrel, Redfish King, or Redfish Golden. Making anything more than minor design changes can easily lead to compromising other characteristics like weather cocking and such. Unless you feel like throwing a bunch of time at an experiment, there would less risk of not liking the results by getting the plans for a design that more closely meets your needs.

Ted

: Hi there,

: I purchased plans for the OI from Jay a few years back, and I am on the verge
: of building a strip boat this fall. I really want a boat that turns fairly
: quickly, for rougher water. Anyone have any experience with increasing the
: rocker a bit? Does it make more sense to do it evenly fore and aft of the
: cockpit?

: My other thought is to build the Outer Island as is, then maybe build a
: Petrel down the line.

: Thanks for any input you might have.

: James