C-Forum

Well my Taureau got delivered today, and I'm pretty geeked to get it out. Having never had a boat with only bulkhead outfitting, I'm wondering how snug I should make the fit? I removed enough foam around my knees to be able to get into it, and it's quite snug, which feels really nice to be that connected to the hull, but it is a bit tight to get back out. I know when the minicell gets wet, it is quite slippery, so maybe good and snug is the way to go. What do you guys recommend?
Thanks,
Mike

did you check out craigs tips on kayak outfitting.com? very good insight. i have outfitted a few foam bulkhead boats. the angle of the thigh hooks is important. you will be held in more securely if they are angle more toward your crotch, as opposed to staight up and down. tightness is a matter of choice. i outfitted a spanish fly recently. i had to shave off some foam to get in with all the winter gear on, must have outfitted for the pool. i wouldnt take off any more foam than what is comfortable to you. you can always shave off more latter, hopefully not riverside. goodluck, comfort is the key.

Tim,
Yeah, I've been reading and re-reading Craig's tips.
Right now, I really like how comfy and snug it feels compared to my boats with straps or straps and foam bulkhead for my knees. I was thinking of putting on my winter gear and trimming accordingly. I know in my strap system boats, when I get the straps as snug as possible, but it seems after 15 minutes or if I do a roll, I have to readjust them tighter, but then I'm good from there on...so I am thinking before I trim too much, to just get it in the water and see how I feel after paddling it a bit.
Right now it feels like I would have to push on the hull to slide out, but it always seems that changes with water added. Part of the problem may be that the footpegs are all the way back and I could really use another notch or two. Makes it a bit tricky to slide off the pegs right now.
Thanks for the input!
Mike

Okay, after climbing in and out of it this morning, I think I know what's so different for me. When wet exiting in my other boats, the straps slide down some while my butt is lifting off, whereas in this boat, my bottom stays planted much better, and the sensation? of trying to slide back with the foam on my thighs not giving, so it seems like I have to slide backwards more to release...not sure I'm describing that the best...but anyway, I think I'm going to like this setup.

I have never liked bulkheads. Locks my hips up too much. I found I could stay centered over the boat with much more on off/ onlide lean with thigh straps rather than with bulkheads. I also thing it contributes to bad form , at least it did in my case. Instead of generating boat lean by pushing down with my knees I found I was pulling up on the opposite bulkhead which is inherently more off balance . It really showed up when bouncing through class 4 rock gardens..

It took me a while to get the outfitting just right, but when I did it was a sweet setup. I did the following to mine:

hacked down the saddle. My seat wasn't glued down so I just cut off the bottom. I cut two notches on bottom so water would transfer.

Made sure my knees were as wide as possible in that boat. The hull is quite narrow (compared to most boats). I bet people who are long legged, would have trouble with this boat.

Just started shaving a little at a time. It was a mess and alot of getting in and out of the boat. But ended up perfect for me. I was in so tight, but found I could get out easily. All you really have to do is release your ankles (if you use the pegs). Here is a link of how easy it was for me to get out. I should have thrown a cross bow, just didn't have the balls. Had some good surfs that day, but a buddy had to post the carnage. That's what friends are for.

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/photos/?photoid=10751

Adam T