Truly adjustable ouftitting for plastic boats
Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2011 1:28 am
All the talk of new boats, the growth of oc1 and such has me thinking. The new boat designs are all great.
However canoe outfitting has not yet followed. Bulkhead outfitting is great for an individual that has time to cut, shave, glue, tweak and retweak.
But they are NO GOOD for demo boats, school boats or for anyone else to use unless they fit just like you do.
Plastic boats use bulkheads as that is whats easy to put in. A plate system adds weight. What about molding in some adustable anchors into the plastic for thigh straps or a semi rigid strap such as snowboard strap like.
Seeing what they mould into kayaks, sit on tops and such, it should not be a big problem.
People need to fit in these boats so they can perform. It can be very intimidating for someone to start carving up their brand new saddle.
Kayak manufactures understand the need for a good fit and have made some huge advancements. A new paddler can get into a kayak and some ratcheting and they are nice and secure, not sliding around or too tight.
We need this in canoes. If someone does not fit into a Ledge or Spanish Fly or Taureau or the next new boat they will not be able to make the boat perform. They may not give the boat a second chance. But if they jump in, are able to make it fit, be comfortable and have a fun time it is much easier to hook them.
so our collective challenge and brainstorm a truly adjustable outfitting system for plastic boats. This would include not only adustment for thigh straps or retainer or hooks but also seat height. We all know how critical proper outfitting is for a good Open boat experience so lets find a way to make that easy for newcomers or converts.
However canoe outfitting has not yet followed. Bulkhead outfitting is great for an individual that has time to cut, shave, glue, tweak and retweak.
But they are NO GOOD for demo boats, school boats or for anyone else to use unless they fit just like you do.
Plastic boats use bulkheads as that is whats easy to put in. A plate system adds weight. What about molding in some adustable anchors into the plastic for thigh straps or a semi rigid strap such as snowboard strap like.
Seeing what they mould into kayaks, sit on tops and such, it should not be a big problem.
People need to fit in these boats so they can perform. It can be very intimidating for someone to start carving up their brand new saddle.
Kayak manufactures understand the need for a good fit and have made some huge advancements. A new paddler can get into a kayak and some ratcheting and they are nice and secure, not sliding around or too tight.
We need this in canoes. If someone does not fit into a Ledge or Spanish Fly or Taureau or the next new boat they will not be able to make the boat perform. They may not give the boat a second chance. But if they jump in, are able to make it fit, be comfortable and have a fun time it is much easier to hook them.
so our collective challenge and brainstorm a truly adjustable outfitting system for plastic boats. This would include not only adustment for thigh straps or retainer or hooks but also seat height. We all know how critical proper outfitting is for a good Open boat experience so lets find a way to make that easy for newcomers or converts.