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Stability, Primary, Secondary, Hard Chine, Multi?

Posted by: Rick Mitchell on January 2, 2000


I'm a newbie with some side to side balance problems (much and quickly improved by Kayaking class) so it is important that I understand stability before I build a boat. All help appreciated.

After taking a Foundation of Sea Kayaking class, this is what I think I understand:

Primary Stability relates to how stable the boat is when it is just floating. Secondary is how stable the boat is when it is underway. Therefore, it seems that newbies desire high Primary when in fact high Secondary is a better log term goal with a touring boat.

Is that about right?

Hard Chine vs Multi Chine - What I read leads me to believe that leaning a multichine is like slipping on a banana peel. It's a smooth ride side to side but going over, you can't so easily stop once you get going. And hard chine allows the boat to go over on its side, not as smooth, so you know it. Then it takes a little more lean to go all the way over.

Can someone clarify in newbie non-tech speak?

I plan to rent boats of each type before deciding what to build.

Thanks. Love the board and the web ring,

Rick

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