Kayak Design
Kayaks? of today cover the same basic design principals of the early, somewhat primitive versions. Design parameters are fundamentally the same, but they very greatly, in material and function. Moreover, time has allowed a variety of functionality when considering which type of kayak to purchase.
A more commonly known kayak, that follows the traditional style, is referred to as the monohull open sea kayak or touring kayak. These and most all other designs were inspired by the native design. The design additions are really what make them much different from there ancestors. Starting out as merely a paddle board with a seat, the extreme carbon fiber high tech versions that are available today, have many custom factors inner twinned with there style and practicality.
Custom fit seats, special alloy foot braces, light weight material and computer aided design methods have lent there way to produce a far more superior watercraft. The design differences rendered by today?s standards provide more ease in navigation and maneuverability. Advancement in design has also given various levels of stability, both primary and secondary, giving an increase in overall speed. The length of a kayak is indicative of the means of use. Longer kayaks are meant to be faster, while kayaks of shorter stature are designed for maneuverability. Most generally shorter kayaks a ideal in rough, whitewater river excursions. There longer counterparts are meant for open water touring, such as lakes and ponds. Touring or open sea kayaks are usually between 16 and 19 feet, and are much narrower. Whitewater kayaks most generally are much shorter, between 6 and 8 feet. The rivers current it what provides propulsion, therefore the shorter the kayak, the more maneuverable they tend to be. The width is a benefit, merely by providing stability, much like a footprint. The wider it is, the more stable it will be.
It is important to note, that length alone, does not predict complete maneuverability. There are certain built in specifics such as the rocker. The rocker is the predetermined curvature of the boat from bow to stern. A perfect example would be a kayak that is intended for whitewater river purposes. By creating a curve which raises the bow and stern above the center most point, increases the ability to maneuver. Therefore this watercraft is considered to have a much heavier rocker.
Hull designs for a kayak are divided into specific categories based on three primary forms. Fish form, sets the widest part of the boat, forward of center; Swede form where the widest portion is aft (to the rear) of center and Symmetrical, where the widest portion is centered. More pronounced ?V? bottoms give the kayak ability to be more maneuverable and more stable in rough water. The opposite is true of a less obvious ?V? bottom, providing easier flow through the water in such instances as a lake or pond.
It has come to a point in the kayaks design philosophy, that has allowed for a combination of designs, creating a more recreational and practical application of a general purpose kayak.
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