As an aside...when I sailed my canoe with only the idea of sailing it and not making a big deal of it--like publishing a magazine--all seemed so simple. Now, as we delve into these seemingly simple issues and I watch them become more convoluted and technical, I find I become more fascinated with my simple canoe with its rag. It's becoming as complicated as fly fishing! I love it!

Yeah, that 'c' word occurred to me, too, as I was writing that last post. Seems as if drilling down into any of these issues brings up the complications pretty quickly. But simple is soooo nice. So perhaps one of the complications is figuring out which complications pay off and which ones don't buy you so much. ??

Generally, this thread has been about better windward performance and I think that's one of the areas that have a better payoff. At least that's the case for me so I've been doing some homework on the subject, trying to absorb what I can. And you're right--it does get fascinating (though I don't know how it would compare to fly fishing). I'm hoping I'll be able to apply some of that in the next project, currently abuilding on the strongback.

Better windward....yeah, I'd like that!

So--what are you building? Care to share it as a series of short articles? IF so--email me!

Aye! which back ye strongin and will she be flyin'?

The project is a version of the Bufflehead that's a little more suitable for strip building since I have no experience working with ply to build a chined hull. It will use airfoil sections for the leeboard and rudder--but no hydrofoils.

These can be simple concepts if you let them. Convolution happens but sift it all out and becomes simple. There have been many varying and functional designs. combine lee boards with V tail and voila! Make two and the beam to accommodate and no need to trapeze. Rudder and stabilizer give control. Elevation can be mechanically automated. Unwetted is the limit. Keep em gears turnin boys uh folks!