Took the new 230lb size LPB kayak frame down to the water for some shrink wrap testing. I couldn’t get my hands on an appropriately sized paddler for the test so we had to rely on Tom plus some water bags for weight. This is a little risky because there’s no guarantee that the weight is actually distributed right but I think it’s pretty close.
I brought the 160 lb size LPB (which this is an exact 1.065 scale clone of) down to the water for comparison.
My first thought is that the target weight for this is kayak is probably closer to 225 pounds or even 220 for a general purpose kayak that can be loaded with 50 pounds of gear, but I think it could make a nice day boat for anyone up to about 240-250.
Like all LPBs, this kayak has a longer waterline and a higher wetted surface which makes it a bit less glide-y and turn-y than the F1. On the positive side, it has a slightly higher top speed and excellent paddling ergonomics. (see yesterday’s post)
Both this size and the medium sized version are sitting slightly bow high which slightly negatively affects calm water efficiency and maneuverability, but I choose to keep it this way because this trim allows this kayak to punch out through the surf and also surf down wave much better. It’s also fairly effortless to shift the balance of a bow high kayak with gear loading but the opposite is not true of a stern high kayak. Also, this kayak will not weathercock, AT ALL.
It didn’t cut quite as an aggressive edge turn as I wanted so I’m going to to slightly increase the stern rocker.
The most positive thing about this test is that proves that the LPB can be scaled proportionately which means that I can create custom sizes for paddlers with pinpoint accuracy. I’m debating whether to skin it now or wrap it again to double check the trim with the correct size paddler.
Next up saran wrap test on the New 250lbs size F1 frame.
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