[Rhodes22-list] Roger's Old Articles On Kayaks For Wally
Roger K. Pihlaja
rhodes22-list@rhodes22.org
Thu, 25 Jul 2002 23:55:12 -0400
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Wally,
I found my old articles on kayaks in the SailNet archives:
Enjoy!
Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium
_________________________________________________________________________=
___________
Rigging Sea Kayaks For Towing
_________________________________________________________________________=
___
http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/boattow_1.jpg
http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/boattow_2.jpg
=
_________________________________________________________________________=
___________________________________
=20
As many of you kow, my two sons & I are planning a trip next summer =
wherein we will circumnavigate Isle Royale National Park in=20
western Lake Superior. We plan to tow 3 Old Town Loon 138 sea kayaks =
behind Dynamic Equilibrium for the Lake Superior crossing. =20
We will use Dynamic Equilibrium as the mother ship & the sea kayaks as =
our means of exploring the island's rugged coastline. =20
We will stay on board Dynamic Equilibrium sometimes as well as beach =
camp. Isle Royale is the most remote, least visited national=20
park in the lower 48 states. The island lies about 22 nm offshore from =
Grand Portage, MN.
=20
You don't just attempt a voyage like this without a certain amount of =
preparation. This article is concerned with rigging the sea kayaks for
towing behind the mother ship. The photo web site has a couple of =
pictures of the setup. I started with the towing harness we've used for =
years to tow our 10 foot inflatable sport dingy behind Dynamic =
Equilibrium. After some experimentation this summer, it turns out the =
most=20
stable configuration for towing 3 kayaks is an inverted V-formation, =
with 2 kayaks in front & 1 behind. The kayaks are held in this inverted =
V-formation with a custom-made harness. The custom inverted V-formation =
harness is made from 7 snap shackles, 4 pieces of=20
1/2" dia scd 40 X 36" long PCV pipe, eight 5/16" ID X 1" OD nylon =
washers, & about 50' of 1/4" dia nylon line. The nylon line is threaded =
thru=20
the 1/2" PVC pipe using the nylon washers & stopper knots at each end. =
The PVC pipe functions in compression to keep the kayak hulls=20
separated as waves roll thru the formation. The 1st picture shows a =
close-up of the rear kayak's towing harness. The 2nd picture shows the=20
entire formation under tow at 5 knots. This setup takes boat wakes & =
turns beautifully. The 3 kayaks tow more easily than our 10' inflatable =
sport dingy. The effect on sailing performance is negligible.
=20
I am currently building a set of 3 "mooring covers" to seal off the =
kayak cockpits while they are under tow. This will prevent Lake =
Superior waves
from filling & swamping the kayaks while they are under tow. We have =
spray skirts, but of course, they have openings for the paddler's torso =
to=20
fit thru. We need to completely seal off the cockpits. Having sealed =
cockpits will also allow us to store some of our paddling & beach =
camping=20
gear inside the kayaks while we are sailing. The Loon 138 kayak is =
rated at:
=20
380 lbs payload X 3 kayaks =3D a lot of camping gear + supplies.
=20
Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium
_________________________________________________________________________=
______
Boarding A Sea Kayak From A Rhodes 22 & Kayak Self-Rescue
_____________________________________________________________
http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/boarding_kayak.jpg
http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/kayak_cockpit.jpg
http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/kayak_self-rescue.jpg=20
____________________________________________________________________
=20
As regular readers of the Rhodes List are aware, my two sons & I are
planning a cruise to Isle Royale National Park in Western Lake Superior =
next summer. =20
We are planning to sail our Rhodes 22 from Grand Portage, MN across 22 =
N.M. of=20
Lake Superior to Windigo Ranger Station in Washington Harbor,Isle =
Royale. =20
>From Windigo, we will circumnavigate Isle Royale in a clockwise =
direction,=20
ending up back at Windigo about a week later - give or take a few days, =
depending=20
upon Lake Superior's moods. We will be using 3 Old Town Loon 138 kayaks =
to help=20
explore the island's rugged, rocky coastline. Previous articles have =
described how=20
we plan to tow the kayaks behind the mother ship (Rigging Sea Kayaks For =
Towing, 8/23/01)=20
& how we will transport the kayaks while trailering our Rhodes 22 over =
the road=20
(Carrying Kayaks On Vehicles or What I Did On Labor Day, 2001, 9/8/01).
=20
Our float plan intrinsically implies the ability to get into & out of =
the kayaks from=20
the mother ship numerous times. Lake Superior water is very cold, even =
during the=20
summer when we'll be there. We don't want to have to 1st get into the =
water every time=20
we want to use the kayaks. Because of the difference in deck heights =
between the=20
Rhodes 22 & the kayaks, getting into or out of the kayaks involves =
momentarily standing=20
up in the kayak. Now, kayaks are very stable craft when you're sitting =
down in them. =20
But, have you ever tried standing up in one, especially a kayak loaded =
with beach=20
camping gear & the only food available for 20 miles in any direction? =
Just for good=20
measure, imagine there's also a 2-4 Foot Lake Superior chop. When =
you're sitting down=20
in the kayak, you can attach the spray skirt to the rim of the cockpit. =
With the spray=20
skirt in place, a capsize is no big deal, the water stays outside, the =
precious gear=20
stays inside, & you Eskimo Roll yourself back upright. But, when you're =
standing up,=20
the spray skirt can't be attached & you're vulnerable to whatever Lake =
Superior dishes=20
out, just at the moment when your elevated center of gravity makes you =
the least stable.
=20
This problem can't be entirely eliminated, but it can be minimized to =
the point where=20
we feel the risks & consequences are acceptable.
=20
The photo web site has 3 annotated pictures of how we mitigated this,
potentially show-stopping, issue. The 1st picture is a close-up of the
cockpit & side decks on one of the kayaks. Note the eyebolt & deck =
cleat=20
with the coiled-up line on the port & starboard side decks. The =
attachment=20
points of these eyebolts & deck cleats are equally spaced fore & aft of =
the=20
Center of Resistance (CR) on the kayak's hull when it is evenly loaded & =
floating on its designed waterline. The coiled-up line would be led =
from the=20
eyebolt, up around the stanchions on each side of the side gates on =
Dynamic=20
Equilibrium's railings, & back down to the deck cleat. When you stand =
up or=20
sit down in the kayak, put a little more weight on the side closest to =
the mother=20
ship. This offset weight causes the kayak hull to heel slightly until =
the slack=20
in the line is taken up & the kayak is supported. As long as you keep =
your weight=20
slightly off center towards the mother ship, the relative rolling motion =
is very=20
small. Having the line's attachment point centered on the kayak hull's =
CR means=20
that wind, waves, & chop cause a minimum amount of relative yawing=20
(side-to-side motion in the bow & stern). Having the mother ship & =
kayak tied=20
together in this manner causes them to rise & fall together in any sort =
of=20
reasonable swell, thus minimizing the relative pitching=20
(up & down motion in the bow & stern). The 2nd picture shows my =
15-year-old son,=20
Gary, practicing this boarding maneuver off our dock on Sanford Lake. =
Gary waits=20
for a powerboat to go by & then uses the boat wake for practice. Our =
dock height=20
is about the same as the deck height on our Rhodes 22. By moving around =
to each=20
side as well as the end of the dock & using both port & starboard sides =
of the kayak,=20
boarding practice with waves coming from various directions can be =
simulated. Note=20
that practicing off our stationary dock is actually somewhat more =
difficult than off=20
the deck of our Rhodes 22 because the relative motion is greater with =
the fixed dock. =20
Although it's MUCH easier than before, this boarding maneuver is by no =
means bulletproof=20
even with the new system. You don't want to stand up in the kayak any =
longer than you=20
absolutely have to. Proper wave timing & a certain amount of balance & =
coordination=20
are still essential. Standing up is more difficult than sitting down. =
But, at least=20
it's possible now as opposed to VERY difficult before & it gets easier =
with practice. =20
These built-in dock lines & deck cleats will also be useful for tying up =
the=20
kayaks anywhere.
=20
Even with the new system, it is still possible there will be a kayak =
capsize=20
during boarding at sometime during our cruise. Isle Royale is the most =
remote;=20
least visited National Park in the lower 48 states. There will very =
likely be=20
no help available nearby; so, we must be prepared for self-rescue. In =
the 1st=20
picture, there is a hand bilge pump under the gunnel on the port side of =
the=20
cockpit. All 3 kayak cockpits are set-up the same - P is for pump & =
port side. =20
The bilge pump is a Beckson Thirsty-Mate kayak bilge pump, Model No: =
318P1/FPS3R. =20
Note the built-in orange floatation collar on the pump in case it is =
dropped=20
overboard. Under the starboard side gunnel is a kayak paddle floatation =
bag. =20
These safety devices are mounted in Beckson Clipper Clips. They are =
held in=20
place very securely & don't interfere with the paddler, but also simply =
snap=20
in & out when needed. The Beckson Clipper Clips are also functioning as =
the=20
backing plates for the 10-24UNC oval head stainless steel thru bolts on =
the=20
side deck eyebolts & deck cleats. It turns out that the mounting hole =
spacing=20
on a Beckson Clipper Clip & a Schaffer Model No: N3200080, 3 inch nylon =
deck=20
cleat are nearly the same, close enough to use them together with minor =
machining. =20
To eliminate protruding threads & nuts inside the hull & out, the =
Schaffer=20
deck cleats are mounted with, 10-24UNC X =BD", Beckson barrel nuts =
instead of=20
conventional nuts. The paddler's legs are right in the vicinity of the =
deck=20
cleat mounting & I wanted to eliminate the possibility of chafing or =
cuts on=20
exposed hardware.
=20
In the event of a kayak capsize, the bilge pump would be employed by the =
person=20
in the water to get as much water as possible out of the hull.
Kayaks have some built-in floatation, but not enough to support the =
hull,=20
gear, & paddler when the hull is full of water. Once the hull is pumped =
out,=20
the kayak paddle floatation bag is manually inflated & secured to the =
blade on=20
one end of the kayak paddle. Kayak paddles float & each kayak will be =
equipped=20
with a spare paddle in case a paddle is lost during the capsize. The =
blade on=20
the other end of the kayak paddle is secured under the bungee cords on =
the kayak's=20
foredeck just in front of the cockpit. The kayak paddle with the =
floatation bag=20
will now function as an outrigger allowing the paddler to climb back =
into the=20
cockpit without flipping the kayak again. Once back inside, the paddler =
uses=20
the bilge pump to remove any remaining water. The 3rd picture shows =
Gary=20
practicing this self-rescue maneuver in deep water just off our beach in =
Sanford Lake.
=20
Finally, we will mitigate the consequences of a boarding capsize by
following certain procedures:
=20
No one kayak will carry all the food, gear, & other consumable supplies =
such=20
as water, stove fuel, etc.
=20
We will load only the supplies & gear necessary for that particular =
beach camp=20
into the kayaks, usually an overnighter + a contingency day's supplies
in case we can't get back to the mother ship due to weather or some =
other=20
reason. The rest will be left on board Dynamic Equilibrium.
=20
We will carry 3 days extra supplies on board Dynamic Equilibrium.
=20
Gear & supplies will be loaded into water tight "Baja Bags" & secured=20
inside the kayaks. I will be adding some internal padeyes to all 3 =
kayaks=20
to facilitate this.
=20
We will always be wearing shorty wet suits & PFD's when we use the =
kayaks in
order to provide floatation & some protection against hypothermia if=20
we end up in the water.
=20
Based upon on our degree of boarding/kayak handling competence at the =
time=20
of the trip next summer, we will establish go/no go weather criteria for =
use
of the kayaks & the Rhodes 22. There may be some days when we have to =
stay=20
on board Dynamic Equilibrium or in camp ashore waiting out the weather.
=20
This boarding stability issue is a major reason why inflatables are
preferred as yacht tenders. We have a 10 foot inflatable sport dingy. =20
It's rated to carry over 1000 lbs and nearly all the floatation is =
around=20
the perimeter. I weigh 230+ lbs & I can stand on the side tubes, walk=20
around inside the boat, or climb in from the water anywhere around the =
boat=20
without flipping it. Inflatables are so stable that boarding stability =
is=20
simply not an issue.
=20
Those of you using small hard dinghies, folding boats, or canoes for =
your=20
tender may want to consider adding some side mooring lines similar to =
the=20
ones discussed in this article. If it works for something as squirrelly =
as=20
a kayak, it can only work better on anything more beamy & stable.
=20
Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium
________________________________________________________________________
Carrying Kayaks On Vehicles or What I Did On Labor Day, =
2001____________________________________________________ > =
http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/kayak_carrier.jpg____________________=
___________________________________________________>This is another =
installment about my preparations for acruise/circumnavigation of Isle =
Royale National Park in western LakeSuperior next summer. The plan is =
to trailer our Rhodes 22 from Sanford, MI to Grand Portage, MN & make =
the 22 nm Lake Superior crossing out to the island. Much of the Isle =
Royale coastline is rocky & inaccessible to a "large" boat. We plan to =
tow 3 Old Town Loon 138 kayaks behind the Dynamic Equilibrium for the =
Lake Superior crossing & as we travel from place to place around the =
island. A previous article (Rigging Sea Kayaks For Towing, 8/23/01) =
discussed how we are going to tow the 3 little boats. We will beach =
camp sometimes & stay on board the mother ship at times, using the =
kayaks as our means of getting ashore & exploring the island's rugged =
coastline. However, somehow, the kayaks must be moved over the road =
while trailering.>The photo web site has an annotated picture of my 18 =
year old son Daniel standing by our Astro minivan loaded with kayaks & =
mountain bikes. The mountain bikes & kayaks are riding on a Thule roof =
rack system. We chose the Thule roof rack system because it offers such =
a wide range of interchangable carriers & racks. The roof rack in the =
pictureis configured to carry 2 kayaks & 2 mountain bikes. When we go =
on our Isle Royale cruise, the roof rack will have 3 kayaks loaded on =
it. I like the model 835 Hull-A-Port kayak carriers because the kayaks =
are carried on their sides, so they don't collect water & it is possible =
fit 3 of them across the roof of a minivan. Different Thule rack =
configurations can carry our 10 foot inflatable sport dingy, a 16' 4" =
long canoe, up to 6 bicycles, up to 12 pair of skis or 4 tobaggans or 4 =
snowboards, up to 6 sheets of plywood or drywall, or a luggage pod (not =
all at the same time of course!).>By the way, in case you are wondering =
what's going on in the photo, Daniel & I went kayaking & mountain biking =
on Labor Day, 2001. In the picture, we're about to unload the kayaks & =
lock them to a tree under the M-55 bridge over the Rifle River about =
7-1/2 miles east of West Branch, MI. Then, we drove the Astro minivan =
to a MDNR canoe launch site at the Maple Ridge Rd. bridge over the Rifle =
River about 5-1/5 miles west of Maple Ridge, MI. Here, we parked the =
minivan, unloaded the mountain bikes, & rode them about 16 miles back to =
the kayaks. Back at the M-55 bridge, we locked our mountain bikes to a =
tree, loaded our gear into the kayaks, & paddled about 14 river miles =
back to the Maple Ridge Rd. bridge. This section of the Rifle River has =
several class I - II rapids, which are always fun. At the Maple Ridge =
Rd. bridge, we loaded the kayaks back up onto the roof rack, & then =
drove back to the M-55 bridge to recover the mountain bikes. All this =
represents roughly 9 hours of quality time with my son plus another 4 =
hours of travel time to & from our home in Sanford, MI. Yes, it was a =
lot of frogging around, but the fun is in the journey & we had a good =
time!>Roger PihlajaS/V Dynamic =
Equilibrium______________________________________________________________=
_________________=20
=20
=20
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<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Wally,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>I found my old articles on kayaks in the SailNet =
archives:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Enjoy!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Roger Pihlaja</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>S/V Dynamic Equilibrium</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT=20
face=3DArial>____________________________________________________________=
________________________</FONT></DIV>
<DIV>
<H1 style=3D"MARGIN: auto 0in"><FONT face=3DArial size=3D4>Rigging Sea =
Kayaks For=20
Towing</FONT></H1>
<DIV class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><FONT face=3DArial size=3D4></FONT></DIV><PRE><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D4>________________________________________________________________=
____________</FONT></FONT></PRE><PRE><A =
href=3D"http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/boattow_1.jpg"><FONT =
face=3DArial>http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/boattow_1.jpg</FONT></A>=
</PRE><PRE><A =
href=3D"http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/boattow_2.jpg"><FONT =
face=3DArial>http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/boattow_2.jpg</FONT></A>=
</PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial> </FONT><FONT =
face=3DArial><STRONG>____________________________________________________=
________________________________________________________</STRONG></FONT><=
/PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial><STRONG> <?xml:namespace prefix =3D o =
ns =3D "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" =
/><o:p></o:p></STRONG></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial>As many of =
you kow, my two sons & I are planning a trip next summer wherein we =
will circumnavigate Isle Royale National Park in </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
face=3DArial>western Lake Superior. We plan to tow 3 Old Town Loon 138 =
sea kayaks behind Dynamic Equilibrium for the Lake Superior =
crossing.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"></SPAN>We will use Dynamic Equilibrium as the mother ship & the =
sea kayaks as our means of exploring the island's rugged coastline.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
face=3DArial><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN>We will stay on =
board Dynamic Equilibrium sometimes as well as beach camp.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Isle Royale is the most =
remote, least visited national </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial>park =
in the lower 48 states.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN>The island lies about 22 nm offshore from Grand Portage, =
MN.</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
face=3DArial> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial>You =
don't just attempt a voyage like this without a certain amount of =
</FONT><FONT face=3DArial>preparation.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>This article is concerned with rigging the sea kayaks =
for</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial>towing behind the mother =
ship.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The photo web site =
has a couple of pictures of the setup.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>I started with the towing harness we've used for =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial>years to tow our 10 foot inflatable =
sport dingy behind Dynamic Equilibrium.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>After some experimentation this summer, it turns out =
the most </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial>stable configuration for =
towing 3 kayaks is an inverted V-formation, with 2 kayaks in front & =
1 behind.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The kayaks are =
held in this inverted </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial>V-formation =
with a custom-made harness.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN>The custom inverted V-formation harness is made from 7 snap =
shackles, 4 pieces of </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial>1/2" dia scd =
40 X 36" long PCV pipe, eight 5/16" ID X 1" OD nylon washers, & =
about 50' of 1/4" dia nylon line.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>The nylon line is </FONT><FONT face=3DArial>threaded =
thru </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial>the 1/2" PVC pipe using the =
nylon washers & stopper knots at each end.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The PVC pipe functions in =
compression to keep the kayak hulls </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
face=3DArial>separated as waves roll thru the formation.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The 1st picture shows a =
close-up of the rear kayak's towing harness.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>The 2nd picture shows the </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
face=3DArial>entire formation under tow at 5 knots.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This setup takes boat wakes =
& turns beautifully.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN>The 3 kayaks tow more easily than our 10' inflatable =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial>sport dingy.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The effect on sailing =
performance is negligible.</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
face=3DArial> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial>I am =
currently building a set of 3 "mooring covers" to seal off the kayak =
cockpits while they are under tow.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>This will prevent Lake Superior =
waves</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial>from filling & swamping =
the kayaks while they are under tow.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>We have spray skirts, but of course, they have =
openings for the paddler's torso to </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
face=3DArial>fit thru.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We =
need to completely seal off the cockpits.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>Having sealed cockpits will also allow us to store =
some of our paddling & beach camping </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
face=3DArial>gear inside the kayaks while we are sailing.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The Loon 138 kayak is rated =
at:</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial> </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
face=3DArial>380 lbs payload X 3 kayaks =3D a lot of camping gear + =
supplies.</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
face=3DArial> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial>Roger =
Pihlaja</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT face=3DArial>S/V Dynamic =
Equilibrium</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
face=3DArial>____________________________________________________________=
___________________</FONT></PRE><FONT=20
face=3DArial>
<H1 style=3D"MARGIN: auto 0in"><FONT size=3D4>Boarding A Sea Kayak From =
A Rhodes 22=20
& Kayak Self-Rescue</FONT></H1>
<H1 style=3D"MARGIN: auto 0in"><SPAN style=3D"FONT-WEIGHT: normal"><FONT =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><FONT=20
size=3D4>_____________________________________________________________<o:=
p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></H1><PRE><A =
href=3D"http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/boarding_kayak.jpg"><FONT =
size=3D2>http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/boarding_kayak.jpg</FONT></A=
></PRE><PRE><A =
href=3D"http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/kayak_cockpit.jpg"><FONT =
size=3D2>http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/kayak_cockpit.jpg</FONT></A>=
</PRE><PRE><A =
href=3D"http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/kayak_self-rescue.jpg"><FONT =
size=3D2>http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/kayak_self-rescue.jpg</FONT>=
</A><FONT size=3D2> </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>________________________________________________________________=
____</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>As regular =
readers of the Rhodes List are aware, my two sons & I =
are</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>planning a cruise to Isle Royale =
National Park in Western Lake Superior next summer.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN>We are planning to =
sail our Rhodes 22 from Grand Portage, MN across 22 N.M. of =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>Lake Superior to Windigo Ranger Station =
in Washington Harbor,Isle Royale.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2><SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN>From Windigo, we will circumnavigate =
Isle Royale in a clockwise direction, </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>ending up back at Windigo about a week later =96 give or take a =
few days, depending </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>upon Lake =
Superior=92s moods.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We =
will be using 3 Old Town Loon 138 kayaks to help </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>explore the island=92s rugged, rocky coastline.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Previous articles have =
described how </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>we plan to tow the kayaks =
behind the mother ship (Rigging Sea Kayaks For Towing, 8/23/01) =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>& how we will transport the kayaks =
while trailering our Rhodes 22 over the road </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>(Carrying Kayaks On Vehicles or What I Did On Labor Day, 2001, =
9/8/01).</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>Our float =
plan intrinsically implies the ability to get into & out of the =
kayaks from </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>the mother ship numerous =
times.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Lake Superior =
water is very<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>cold, even =
during the </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>summer when we=92ll be =
there.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We don=92t want to =
have to 1st get into the water every time </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>we want to use the kayaks.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>Because of the difference in deck heights between the =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>Rhodes 22 & the kayaks, getting =
into or out of the kayaks involves momentarily standing =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>up in the kayak.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Now, kayaks are very stable =
craft when you=92re sitting down in them.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2><SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN>But, have you ever tried standing up =
in one, especially a kayak loaded with beach </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>camping gear & the only food available for 20 miles in any =
direction?<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Just for good =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>measure, imagine there=92s also a 2-4 =
Foot Lake Superior chop.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN>When you=92re sitting down </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>in =
the kayak, you can attach the spray skirt to the rim of the =
cockpit.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>With the spray =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>skirt in place, a capsize is no big =
deal, the water stays outside, the precious gear </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>stays inside, & you Eskimo Roll yourself back upright.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But, when you=92re standing =
up, </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>the spray skirt can=92t =
</FONT><FONT size=3D2>be attached & you=92re vulnerable to whatever =
Lake Superior dishes </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>out, just at the =
moment when your elevated center of gravity makes you the least =
stable.</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>This problem =
can=92t be entirely eliminated, but it can be minimized to the point =
where </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>we feel the risks & =
consequences are acceptable.</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>The photo web =
site has 3 annotated pictures of how we mitigated =
this,</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>potentially show-stopping, =
issue.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The 1st picture is =
a close-up of the</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>cockpit & side =
decks on one of the kayaks.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN>Note the eyebolt & deck cleat </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>with the coiled-up line on the port & starboard side =
decks.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The attachment =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>points of these eyebolts & deck =
cleats are equally spaced fore & aft of the </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>Center of Resistance (CR) on the kayak=92s hull when it is =
evenly loaded & </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>floating on its =
designed waterline.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The =
coiled-up line would be led from the </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>eyebolt, up around the stanchions on each side of the side =
gates on Dynamic </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>Equilibrium=92s =
railings, & back down to the deck cleat.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>When you stand up or </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>sit down in the kayak, put a little more weight on the side =
closest to the mother </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>ship.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This offset weight causes the =
kayak hull to heel slightly until the slack </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>in the line is taken up & the kayak is supported.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As long as you keep your =
weight </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>slightly off center towards the =
mother ship, the relative rolling motion is very </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>small.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Having =
the line=92s attachment point centered on the kayak hull=92s CR means =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>that wind, waves, & chop cause a =
minimum amount of relative yawing </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>(side-to-side motion in the bow & stern).<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Having the mother ship & =
kayak tied </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>together in this manner =
</FONT><FONT size=3D2>causes them to rise & fall together in any =
sort of </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>reasonable swell, thus =
minimizing the relative pitching </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>(up =
& down motion in the bow & stern).<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>The 2nd picture shows my 15-year-old son, =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>Gary, practicing this boarding maneuver =
off our dock on Sanford Lake.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN>Gary waits </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>for a powerboat to go =
by & then uses the boat wake for practice.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Our dock height =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>is about the same as the deck height on =
our Rhodes 22.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>By moving =
around to each </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>side as well as the end =
of the dock & using both port & starboard sides of the kayak, =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>boarding practice with waves coming =
from various directions can be simulated.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>Note </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>that practicing =
off our stationary dock is actually somewhat more difficult than off =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>the deck of our Rhodes 22 because the =
relative motion is greater with the fixed dock.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN>Although it=92s MUCH =
easier than before, this boarding maneuver is by no means bulletproof =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>even with the new system.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You don=92t want to stand up =
in the kayak any longer than you </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>absolutely have to.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN>Proper wave timing & a certain amount of balance & =
coordination </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>are still essential.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Standing up is more difficult =
than sitting down.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But, =
at least </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>it=92s possible now as opposed =
to VERY difficult before & it gets easier with practice.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN>These built-in dock =
lines & deck cleats will also be useful for tying up the =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>kayaks anywhere.</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>Even with the =
new system, it is still possible there will be a kayak capsize =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>during boarding at sometime during our =
cruise.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Isle Royale is =
the most remote; </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>least visited National =
Park in the lower 48 states.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN>There will very likely be </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>no =
help available nearby; so, we must be prepared for self-rescue.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the 1st =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>picture, there is a hand bilge pump =
under the gunnel on the port side of the </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>cockpit.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>All 3 =
kayak cockpits are set-up the same =96 P is for pump & port =
side.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"></SPAN>The bilge pump is a Beckson Thirsty-Mate kayak bilge pump, =
Model No: 318P1/FPS3R.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"></SPAN>Note the built-in orange floatation collar on the pump in =
case it is dropped </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>overboard. Under the =
starboard side gunnel is a kayak paddle floatation bag.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN>These safety devices =
are mounted in Beckson </FONT><FONT size=3D2>Clipper Clips.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They are held in =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>place very securely & don=92t =
interfere with the </FONT><FONT size=3D2>paddler, but also simply snap =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>in & out when needed.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The Beckson Clipper Clips =
</FONT><FONT size=3D2>are also functioning as the =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>backing plates for the 10-24UNC oval =
head stainless </FONT><FONT size=3D2>steel thru bolts on the =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>side deck eyebolts & deck =
cleats.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It turns out that =
</FONT><FONT size=3D2>the mounting hole spacing </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>on a Beckson Clipper Clip & a Schaffer<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Model No: N3200080, 3 inch =
nylon deck </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>cleat are nearly the same, =
close enough to use them together with minor machining.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN>To eliminate =
protruding threads & nuts inside the hull & out, the Schaffer =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>deck cleats are mounted with, 10-24UNC =
X =BD=94, Beckson barrel nuts instead of </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>conventional nuts.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN>The paddler=92s legs are right in the vicinity of the deck =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>cleat mounting & I wanted to =
eliminate the possibility of chafing or cuts on </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>exposed hardware.</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>In the event =
of a kayak capsize, the bilge pump would be employed by the person =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>in the water to get as much water as =
possible out of the hull.</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>Kayaks have =
some built-in floatation, but not enough to support the hull, =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>gear, & paddler when the hull is =
full of water.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Once the =
hull is pumped out, </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>the kayak paddle =
floatation bag is manually inflated & secured to the blade on =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>one end of the kayak paddle.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Kayak paddles float & each =
kayak will be equipped </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>with a spare =
paddle in case a paddle is lost during the capsize.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The blade on =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>the other end of the kayak paddle is =
secured under the bungee cords on the kayak=92s </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>foredeck just in front of the cockpit.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The kayak paddle with the =
floatation bag </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>will now function as an =
outrigger allowing the paddler to climb back into the =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>cockpit without flipping the kayak =
again.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Once back inside, =
the paddler uses </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>the bilge pump to =
remove any remaining water.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN>The 3rd picture shows Gary </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>practicing t</FONT><FONT size=3D2>his self-rescue maneuver in =
deep water just off our beach in </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>Sanford Lake.</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>Finally, we =
will mitigate the consequences of a boarding capsize =
by</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>following certain =
procedures:</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>No one kayak =
will carry all the food, gear, & other consumable supplies such =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>as water, stove fuel, =
etc.</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>We will load =
only the supplies & gear necessary for that particular beach camp =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>into the kayaks, usually an overnighter =
+ a contingency day=92s supplies</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>in case =
we can=92t get back to the mother ship due to weather or some other =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>reason.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>The rest will be left on board Dynamic =
Equilibrium.</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>We will carry =
3 days extra supplies on board Dynamic =
Equilibrium.</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>Gear & =
supplies will be loaded into water tight =93Baja Bags=94 & secured =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>inside the kayaks.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I will be adding some internal =
padeyes to all 3 kayaks </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>to facilitate =
this.</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>We will =
always be wearing shorty wet suits & PFD=92s when we use the kayaks =
in</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>order to provide floatation & =
some protection against hypothermia if </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>we end up in the water.</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>Based upon on =
our degree of boarding/kayak handling competence at the time =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>of the trip next summer, we will =
establish go/no go weather criteria for use</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>of the kayaks & the Rhodes 22.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>There may be some days when we have to stay =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>on board Dynamic Equilibrium or in camp =
ashore waiting out the weather.</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>This boarding =
stability issue is a major reason why inflatables =
are</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>preferred as yacht tenders. <SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We have a 10 foot inflatable =
sport dingy.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"></SPAN>It=92s rated to carry over 1000 lbs and nearly all the =
floatation is around </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>the =
perimeter.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I weigh 230+ =
lbs & I can stand on the side tubes, walk </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>around inside the boat, or climb in from the water anywhere =
around the boat </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>without flipping =
it.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Inflatables are =
so stable that boarding stability is </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>simply not an issue.</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>Those of you =
using small hard dinghies, folding boats, or canoes for your =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>tender<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>may want to consider adding some side mooring lines =
similar to the </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>ones discussed in this =
article.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If it works for =
something as squirrelly as </FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>a kayak, it =
can only work better on anything more beamy & =
stable.</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>Roger =
Pihlaja</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>S/V Dynamic =
Equilibrium</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>________________________________________________________________=
________</FONT></PRE><PRE><H1 style=3D"MARGIN: auto 0in"><SPAN =
style=3D"FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 24.0pt">Carrying Kayaks On Vehicles or What I Did On =
Labor Day, 2001</SPAN></H1><H1 style=3D"MARGIN: auto 0in"><SPAN =
style=3D"FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; =
mso-bidi-font-size: =
24.0pt">____________________________________________________</SPAN><FONT =
size=3D2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></H1><PRE><FONT size=3D2>> =
</FONT></PRE><PRE><A =
href=3D"http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/kayak_carrier.jpg"><FONT =
size=3D2>http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/kayak_carrier.jpg</FONT></A>=
</PRE><PRE><FONT =
size=3D2>________________________________________________________________=
_______</FONT></PRE><PRE><FONT size=3D2>></FONT></PRE><PRE><SPAN =
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">This is another installment about my preparations for =
a<o:p></o:p></SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; =
FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">cruise/circumnavigation =
of Isle Royale National Park in western =
Lake<o:p></o:p></SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; =
FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">Superior next =
summer.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The plan is to =
trailer our Rhodes 22 from Sanford, MI </SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN =
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">to Grand Portage, MN & make the 22 nm Lake Superior crossing =
out to the island.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN></SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"></SPAN>Much of the Isle Royale coastline is rocky & =
inaccessible to a "large" boat.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN>We plan </SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; =
FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">to tow 3 Old Town Loon =
138 kayaks behind the Dynamic Equilibrium for the =
</SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">Lake Superior crossing & as we travel =
from place to place around the island.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>A previous </SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN =
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">article </SPAN><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">(Rigging Sea Kayaks For Towing, =
8/23/01) discussed how we are going to tow </SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN =
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">the 3 little boats.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN>We will beach camp sometimes & stay on board the mother ship =
at </SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">times, using the kayaks as our means of =
getting ashore & exploring the island's rugged =
</SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">coastline.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>However, somehow, the kayaks must be moved over the =
road while trailering.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN =
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">><o:p></o:p></SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; =
FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">The photo web site has =
an annotated picture of my 18 year old son Daniel standing by =
</SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">our Astro minivan loaded with kayaks & =
mountain bikes.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The =
mountain bikes & kayaks </SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: =
12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">are riding on a =
Thule roof rack system.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN>We chose the Thule roof rack system because it =
</SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">offers such a wide range of interchangable =
carriers & racks.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The =
roof rack in the picture</SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: =
12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">is configured to =
carry 2 kayaks & 2 mountain bikes.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>When we go on our Isle Royale </SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN =
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">cruise, the roof rack will have 3 kayaks loaded on it.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I like the model 835 =
Hull-A-Port </SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; =
FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">kayak carriers because =
the kayaks are carried on their sides, so they don't collect water =
</SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">& it is possible fit 3 of them across =
the roof of a minivan.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN>Different Thule rack configurations </SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN =
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">can carry our 10 foot inflatable sport dingy, a 16' 4" long =
canoe, up to 6 bicycles, up to 12 </SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN =
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">pair of skis or 4 tobaggans or 4 snowboards, up to 6 sheets of =
plywood or drywall, or a </SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: =
12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">luggage pod (not =
all at the same time of course!).<o:p></o:p></SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN =
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">><o:p></o:p></SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; =
FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">By the way, in case you =
are wondering what's going on in the photo, Daniel & I went =
</SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">kayaking & mountain biking on Labor Day, =
2001.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the picture, =
we're about to unload </SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; =
FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">the kayaks & lock =
them to a tree under the M-55 bridge over the Rifle River about =
</SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">7-1/2 miles east of West Branch, MI.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Then, we drove the Astro =
minivan to a MDNR </SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; =
FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">canoe launch site at the =
Maple Ridge Rd. bridge over the Rifle River about 5-1/5 miles =
</SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">west of Maple Ridge, MI.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Here, we parked the minivan, =
unloaded the mountain bikes, & </SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN =
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">rode them about 16 miles back to the kayaks.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Back at the M-55 bridge, we =
locked our </SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; =
FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">mountain bikes to a =
tree, loaded our gear into the kayaks, & paddled about 14 river =
</SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">miles back to the Maple Ridge Rd. =
bridge.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This section of =
the Rifle River has several </SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: =
12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">class I - II =
rapids, which are always fun.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN>At the Maple Ridge Rd. bridge, we loaded the =
</SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">kayaks back up onto the roof rack, & =
then drove back to the M-55 bridge to recover the =
</SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">mountain bikes.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> </SPAN>All this represents roughly 9 hours of quality time =
with my son plus </SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; =
FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">another 4 hours of =
travel time to & from our home in Sanford, MI.<SPAN =
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Yes, it was a lot of =
</SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">frogging around, but the fun is in the =
journey & we had a good time!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN =
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">><o:p></o:p></SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; =
FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">Roger =
Pihlaja<o:p></o:p></SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; =
FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">S/V Dynamic =
Equilibrium</SPAN></PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; =
FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt"></SPAN> </PRE><PRE><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; =
FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">_________________________________________________________________=
______________<o:p></o:p></SPAN></PRE><P class=3DMsoNormal =
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