05-29-2009, 08:47 PM
Quote:[/quote]
You said "but a little harder to row because the wider profile creates drag". The Width has nothing to do with the drag. I worried about the center piece causing drag (instead of two long pontoons, like skis), but the center piece doesn't touch the water...it is two skis.[/quote]
You are right that the overall width does not creat drag. I was talking about the width of each individual pontoon. The pontoons when deflated a bit widen out into more of an oval rather than the circle when fully inflated. This give the pontoons more surface area touching the water which creates more drag, and also the wrinkles in the material are more pronounced. It is like the difference between a flat bottom skiff and a canoe. The canoe will be faster due to the narrow profile and less surface area.
When I deflate it a bit, the center piece does start to touch the water where it starts the inside bend on both sides. It starts to act as a funnel of sorts. It seems that the wind does not move me quite as much as it sits a little lower in the water. I do find the wind will turn me to a certain position and then it stays. I have noticed also the standing platform will touch the pontoons when delfated slightly. I am watching this to see if any wear starts in this area.
I only noticed some of these things because of fishing all day when it is hot I have it fully inflated, but when evening rolls around in starts to delfate a little and that is how I started to notice these little things. None of these are a huge differences or a big deal. Just something I notice when out fishing.
The wider shelf sounds like a great idea. I could use a little more room. The price may be a bit much for me tho. I may have one built locally. Will have to use this one for a while longer to see if it is really worth the $ to make a new one.
Time to go fishing...
[signature]
You said "but a little harder to row because the wider profile creates drag". The Width has nothing to do with the drag. I worried about the center piece causing drag (instead of two long pontoons, like skis), but the center piece doesn't touch the water...it is two skis.[/quote]
You are right that the overall width does not creat drag. I was talking about the width of each individual pontoon. The pontoons when deflated a bit widen out into more of an oval rather than the circle when fully inflated. This give the pontoons more surface area touching the water which creates more drag, and also the wrinkles in the material are more pronounced. It is like the difference between a flat bottom skiff and a canoe. The canoe will be faster due to the narrow profile and less surface area.
When I deflate it a bit, the center piece does start to touch the water where it starts the inside bend on both sides. It starts to act as a funnel of sorts. It seems that the wind does not move me quite as much as it sits a little lower in the water. I do find the wind will turn me to a certain position and then it stays. I have noticed also the standing platform will touch the pontoons when delfated slightly. I am watching this to see if any wear starts in this area.
I only noticed some of these things because of fishing all day when it is hot I have it fully inflated, but when evening rolls around in starts to delfate a little and that is how I started to notice these little things. None of these are a huge differences or a big deal. Just something I notice when out fishing.
The wider shelf sounds like a great idea. I could use a little more room. The price may be a bit much for me tho. I may have one built locally. Will have to use this one for a while longer to see if it is really worth the $ to make a new one.
Time to go fishing...
[signature]