Loreto to La Paz, Baja Mexico

This is from a trip we did in 2008 going from La Paz to Loreto in Baja Mexico. It was a pretty plush trip with a support boat and great food we were living the good life for sure. We took a whole range of boats Manitous, lookshas, Elizas and Chathams. The paddlers ranged in experience from novice to advanced. We cruised along at between 2.5knots to 3.5knots when we had a little wind with us. It was interesting that at the beginning of the trip the longer boats were the favorites. As the trip went on it was obvious the shorter boats could keep up no problem they became the go to boats as they were a lot of fun to explore the coast line with. It was great for me from a design stand point to be able to have all these boats on the same trip and be able to switch out so easily. I find I learn the most about boats when I get to jump back and forth from design to design. You really get to feel the subtleties of each one. I’m sure many of you have done this trip as it is a classic but if you haven’t it is well worth it and if you want someone to take you Sea Trek do a great job. We had a writer from Mens Journal with us (I include the link to the article). We weren’t quite sure how that would work out at first but he turned out to be a cool person and a very accomplished waterman. He picked up paddling like a pro and we had him riding swell in no time. In the evening we had fun doing rolling classes and got several people rolling. Hope you like the pictures and once again thanks to Jock Bradley.



http://www.mensjournal.com/wild-shores-of-baja

Temp Mold

For speed we seal the foam and build a mold. From that we can make the boat. We have the process down to only a few days to get from model to prototype.

New boats for Ocean and Necky

Your chance to laugh at R/D guys trying to speak

Ocean Kayak Torque
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PNU2fhJFJ8

Ocean Kayak Nalu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YgT4RACefw

Necky Kayaks Rip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKzyOILGx_E

Carlisle Taboo paddle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB9-t0-pZPU

(ACS) Active Comfort System Seat featured on select Old Town and Necky kayaks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcxOvDYvtxc

CNC Cut Plug

After the plug comes of the machine we still do some hand work to get the details and adjustments that you just can't see on a computer screen (Even with a big screen). It is just fine tuning but it makes a big difference.

Who says sit on tops arn't fast.

Photo Jock Bradley

Stability Curves

It does not mean much with nothing to compare to but I'll add in more as we go.

Next step

So once the model is looking ok we start to make a proto. I have stability curves on it so we have a record to compare to later protos. At this stage we don’t put in any details like RDF’s etc as we just want to get the hull and the fit right. So next we will cut the model out on the CNC machine and make a temporary mold.

Water line cross section and Draft

Draft at 250lbs

Typical entry/exit. Has dips in bow/stern

New 17ft'er waterline with 200lbs person in it. Bow entry looks clean stern still has a little dip

Cross Sections

Vertical cross section 14" from the bow.

The full entry not only gives lots of volume for a dry ride but provides a smooth entry with little bow wave. I will cut the model at waterline to have a look at the entry.

Hull cross section at the paddlers hip. Reasonable amount of V and full chine. Hopefully will give us great glide and a responsive lean turn.

More Details

New 17ft'er Model for first Proto

Couple pictures from the west coast

Photos by Jock Bradley

New 17ft'er

We have been working on a new 17ft’er. It will be composite only at this point. We want this boat to be a great trip/expedition boat. I will try to walk you through the stages of development.

These are some of the things we looked at for the first prototype.

Efficient for a long paddle

Glide on flat water

Controllable in rough water and wind
Want to see if we can increase the swell riding potential. May as well use that energy especially on a long paddle
Long waterline for potential speed
Decent amount of rocker for responsiveness

Stable enough for when it gets nasty or your getting tired
Would like to keep the boat 22 or under so you can still have an efficient paddle style. So will most likely put a fairly full chine on the hull

Lots of storage for self supported trips
Maximize storage but still has to be good in the wind and not feel like a bath tub

Comfortable fit but still with great contact for better control
This is going to be a boat that can be paddled in all conditions so a good interface with the paddler is vital

This will be a ruddered boat
Standard Necky rudder, would like to have toe control rather than sliding foot braces

Two large hatches (and bulkheads)
Standard Necky cross lock system. Large opening with quick and easy access with one large buckle. Works even if your hands are cold.