Birder II

[marvinwus]

How well does this kayak track in a straight line?  It seems like it would benefit from a skeg or keel due to its flat bottom.

[Ken_Potts]

Actually the Birder II has a v-bottom.  I can't tell you how it tracks because although I've seen two of them I haven't paddled one yet.  Someone else will surely chime in soon to answer your question, though.

[Charlie Jones]

Can't speak for the II but I debated putting a keel on my Birder. I'm glad I didn't- the VEE in the bow and stern gives more than adequate directional control- Since I paddle in some twisty places I'd not want to spin my Birder around if it had a keel .

I like it without. Oh and the bottom ain't really flat- it just looks like it

[JeffM]

Technically, I think its called an arc bottom.  I'd not seen one outside of Ted Brewer's book on yacht design until I saw the Birders.

[chipveres]

It is definitely possible to have too much directional stability in a kayak.  I paddle a Chesapeake 18 that tracks straight through wind and fair-sized waves; like it is supposed to.  It does inspire confidence for offshore trips.  But it is a chore to turn.  You horse it onto a new heading and set off straight again. :-\

[jollymon258]

I recently finished a birder II modified to hold only one person(similar to CLC's Mill Creek). I decided to try it without any appendages  and that is how it will stay. The boat tracks just fine as is. It doesen't seem to be bothered much by side winds, but then there isn't a lot of boat above the waterline to catch a breeze.

Marty