OK. First, I don't have a dog in this fight, but here are some references.
First, I quote:
"When I first considered the idea of circling Vancouver Island, I looked at
rowing. I had spent years as a white-water guide rowing rafts and river
dories, and I had friends who had rowed enormous distances in open water.
But I didn't want to be sitting backward. At least on the river you're
facing forward as the current carries you. That left kayaks, but I was not
sold on the conventional style. We live in the San Juans and are frequently
reading or hearing about yet another kayak rescue (or worse), all of them in
traditional boats.
I had paddled standard kayaks before. I knew a guy could get proficient in
one, roll semi-reliably, and get a confidant handle on float assisted
self-rescues, but the impression I had, then and now, was that the element
of probability for failure when you were cold and numb and more than a
little stressed, was just not acceptable. Period.
I had a good friend, Steve Braun, a very experienced kayaker and swimmer,
die here in local waters in a conventional style of boat. Have a look at
George Gronseth's book: Deep Trouble, a collection of sea kayaking mishaps,
fatal or near-tragic, none of which involved an open style of boat. When I
discovered the open style of kayak, the bump on a log concept, it made good
sense.
The boats we use are all open kayak, and more reminiscent of a surfboard
than a conventional kayak in many respects. We use the best, Kevlar, long
distance, open, or sit-on-top (if you prefer), kayaks. These things are
amazing. They have scuppers or drain holes, built through the hull and they'
re open on top. If you happen to spill, you flip the boat back upright and
seal-flop aboard. The water drains within seconds through the holes and you'
re ready to go"
End quote. From
http://www.lyonexpeditions.com/equipment.html
Another:
"Equipping the Open Kayak Journey
The open kayak is the ideal coastal tourer. Self-rescue is a snap and the
larger boats are big enough to haul the sink. While the typical open kayak
is wider and more stable than a conventional style boat, touring models in
production and on the drawing boards these days have a slimmer, longer
waterline and a commensurately satisfying scoot. These babies are truly the
Macintosh of kayaks, way user friendly and embodying most of the better
features of a conventional kayak without the nagging liabilities" From
http://www.wetdawg.com/pages/lyons_5.html
End Quote
OK, now I see that these are from the same guy, different article.
Still....
--
John
"Blankibr" wrote in message
...
I've looked at several sit-ins, but
saw an article that said SOTs were the best for expedition since they are
inherently safer.
I would be interested in knowing the source of that information. I have
never
heard of anyone doing an "expedition" using a SOT but plenty in decked
boats.
Find the local kayak club and talk to some paddlers. I have paddled the
prism
and I think you will enjoy a decked, composite boat a lot more.
Brian Blankinship