Kayaks and Airstreams

[nickcrowhurst]

I had to break off for dinner. I wanted to say that grade 2 in a tourer/ocean kayak will be considerably more challenging than, for example, paddling grade 2 in a creek boat like mine. The main challenges will be avoiding capsize on eddy lines and during the landing after even small drops. The underwater shape of white water boats is broader and flatter, leading to greater stability in chaotic white water.
It can certainly be done in a tourer (and I have done so) but you need a higher level of skill.
Nick.

[nickcrowhurst]

Here are a couple of action shots on a typical class 2 section of river.
Nick

[Zeppelinium]

Thanks, Nick, I think a class 2 ought to be the limit for now. I'm not reluctant to tackle eddies (what's a capsize now and then?) and waves, but drops of almost any size are way out of bounds for a long boat.

Zep

[timzog]

I'm going to put a hatch in the back of my 20' Caravelle. It would be cool to be able to slide a boat through there under the rear bed and out into the trailer during travel. Would this work for boats 16' and under? What size of opening would be required for a typical kayak?
Thanks,
Tim

[mutcth]

We own both whitewater and sea kayaks. The thing that would bother me about using the sea kayaks in Class 2 stuff is broaching the thing sideways between two rocks. Not all Class 2 rivers are the same - if you have a straight shot through the rapid, easy peasy. But I also paddle some Class 2 stuff where my P&H Scorpio LV would be stuck sideways - it's probably longer than the river is wide, in spots. Zep, do a bit of research to find out what the rapids are like.

Tim, IIRC, a sea kayak could fit through the open back window of your Caravelle (it would fit through my Minuet's back window, and that's essentially the same trailer. But. A 16' boat would basically take up the entire length of the interior. Not sure it would ever lay flat, and of course you'd have to secure it somehow.

I would buy a folding kayak (like our beloved Folbots) or an inflatable instead, especially given the work of designing and waterproofing a big hatch in back. Having said that, I'd love to see how this works out...

Tom

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by mutcth

... The thing that would bother me about using the sea kayaks in Class 2 stuff is broaching the thing sideways between two rocks. ... Zep, do a bit of research to find out what the rapids are like.

Totally agree. My conclusion is that larger rivers with some class 2 ratings ought to be investigated, rather than discarded out of hand. The highest resolution satellite images can provide some idea of whether or not there are broad channels or not, but to actually scout the rapids is not possible for some stretches, eg, Green River south of I-70, Colorado River in some of the more remote areas between Grand Junction and Moab, etc.

Originally Posted by mutcth

... Tim, IIRC, a sea kayak could fit through the open back window of your Caravelle (it would fit through my Minuet's back window, and that's essentially the same trailer. But. A 16' boat would basically take up the entire length of the interior. ...

When DOORGUNNER gets back from kayaking in the Pacific, maybe he'll re-post the photo of one of his sea kayaks sticking out the back of his Overlander(?).

Zep

[timzog]

Originally Posted by mutcth

We own both whitewater and sea kayaks. The thing that would bother me about using the sea kayaks in Class 2 stuff is broaching the thing sideways between two rocks. Not all Class 2 rivers are the same - if you have a straight shot through the rapid, easy peasy. But I also paddle some Class 2 stuff where my P&H Scorpio LV would be stuck sideways - it's probably longer than the river is wide, in spots. Zep, do a bit of research to find out what the rapids are like.

Tim, IIRC, a sea kayak could fit through the open back window of your Caravelle (it would fit through my Minuet's back window, and that's essentially the same trailer. But. A 16' boat would basically take up the entire length of the interior. Not sure it would ever lay flat, and of course you'd have to secure it somehow.

I would buy a folding kayak (like our beloved Folbots) or an inflatable instead, especially given the work of designing and waterproofing a big hatch in back. Having said that, I'd love to see how this works out...

Tom

Thanks for the info. I want to add a rear hatch anyway and was trying to think of all the things it could do before I figured out how big to make the door. It looks like a hatch the same size as my rear window would work for a medium size kayak. There will be a space all the way from the front to back (just shy of 17') and a few hold downs would be easy to install. It would be useful of lots of long things to be determined.
Thanks again,
Tim

[Road Geezer]

Check out this video clip ...

Legendary kayaker makes history in giant surf off Oregon

[doorgunner]

Here's a shot of the start at yesterday's race. It's called a scramble for a reason, all classes start at the same time.This year there was a fairly strong current, I did manage to squeak out the 5 miles in 51:21, a personal best. Not bad for an old guy in a wood boat.It's a fun event, I'm lucky to be in an area where there is so much paddling.

[Zeppelinium]

Congrats, Tim. What was the air temp?

Hey, I think I see an Airstream at the top of the hill, behind the trees...

Zep

[doorgunner]

46F. at the start. cloudy. the forecast was for rain but it never showed up.
The event was held @ Lake Natomas where Sacramento State has it's facility. One of the best 2000 meter rowing sites in the USA. We get to see the best collegiate rowers on the west coast.always a good time.
still holding on to your six pack!!

[bolerama]

What a great thread! We're hoping to get a Hobie Tandem with mirage drive this summer or next summer. However, a few of you stated that you traded in a tandem for 2 singles. We'll consider that. Hobie will be having a "test drive" day in May, and we can't wait to try them all out.

[cms4140]

I checked out the Eddyline Shasta at a 'yak shop over the weekend and was really impressed. Shasta - Thermoform Kayak Models - Eddyline Kayaks & Swift Paddles

I have been shopping, test paddling, and renting for the past few months - really unsure what move to make considering the age of my children - particularly, my son who just turned 8. He really enjoys paddling, but clearly not ready for a boat of his own. He's not been comfortable with it the couple times he's tried a small boat out on his own. My daughter is 5 and loved the rental kayak experiences too. So, I think I am back to square one - get a tandem. I think I can get a couple years of use out of it, maybe longer with the daughter.

I really liked the flexibility of the open cockpit Shasta. Seems to also be a decent fit for a 6'4" tall guy. Plus it "only" weighs 63lbs compared to the 70+lbs of the sit on tops.

I am open to any ideas/feedback....

-Chris

[doorgunner]

Chris,
Eddylines are first cabin quality kayaks.The shasta probably can fit you and the 2 kids in it for some fun on the water.
I just added a Swift Skookum 200cm to my arsenal of paddles.Having said all that, Dan Arbuckle is a close personal friend of mine. I'll be paddling with him tomorrow!! funny huh.
Remember water safety with the kids, get them used to wearing a PFD at all times when on the H2O. enjoy the time.

[doorgunner]

Found this at a local distressed moving out of california sale. had to have it.
gonna see if it floats this saturday with a gang of fishing guys. Linda Lu isn't to thrilled about this latest arrival, It would be perfect for crabbing.

[ldomela]

Originally Posted by doorgunner

Found this at a local distressed moving out of california sale. had to have it.
gonna see if it floats this saturday with a gang of fishing guys. Linda Lu isn't to thrilled about this latest arrival, It would be perfect for crabbing.

Love it! Looks like it's got a lot of the same accessories our Hobie Tandem Island has...the hatches, handles, etc. Looks perfect for fishing/crabbing!

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by doorgunner

had to have it. gonna see if it floats this saturday with a gang of fishing guys.

Love it. Looks like a modified Pygmy. Um, no, looks like it only has a 3-panel deck. What do you think?

Zep aka Yakman

[doorgunner]

idomela, yup it has a hobie hatch, and a few other mfg hatches, Tons of storage, entry to all the bilges.this thing is heavy, I'm gonna build a strong-arm lift assist tomorrow so I can load/unload alone.maybe sent a image if it works..

Zep. come on man, there are more yak designers out there, pigme isn't the only one.kinda like saying my 93 burb looks like your 2011 maroon silverado.

anyway saturday I'll be out with some really experienced yak fishing guys, should be fun.

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by doorgunner

...Zep. come on man, there are more yak designers out there, pigme isn't the only one.kinda like saying my 93 burb looks like your 2011 maroon silverado....

Are you sure about this? I wuda swore that pygme's (sic) were unique. Ooh, on second thought, it couldn't be a pygme if it was heavy.

Zep

[doorgunner]

Originally Posted by Zeppelinium

it couldn't be a pygme if it was heavy.

Zep

seems as I recall,, it took the both of us to unload your tandem last summer!!
that thing has displacement, not to mention the torpedo tubes, you used how many gallons of epoxy on that thing? like 4 maybe.

while you're here, the airplane guy in Co. geez I forget things, like his name, he sent out a link for some tool and I was looking at that site and noticed a hand held wet sanding block that had a direct line to attach to a faucet, WAY cool. imagine that wet sanding without having to go back and forth between the bucket. course it would require boat building in an area that drains well. **** man last year when I was finishing off Linda Lu's boat I was sanding in the rain. worked out real nice. california rain is warm, btw
gotta go, Justified is on in a few minutes;