Merrimac bottom runners

[Barneseye]

The couple of times i've had her out if i'm paddling fairly slowly i can keep straight just paddling on one side.
But when i try get moving she's all over the place and need to change side every couple of strokes.
Would it be worth gluing runners along the bottom to help tracking.
I'm a bit torn. I'd like her to track a little better but i am reluctant to do the runners.
Any opinions would be muchly appreciated.
I need to decide to decide as i'm going to graphite the bottom and now the weathers warming up enough for epoxy i'm just getting ready to finish the build.

[jem]

If you glue the runners, it will help. But it will make a bit harder to turn when you want it to. So if you spend most of your time in a straight line path, then you should be just fine.

[Oldsparkey]

Google the "J" Stroke and try it when paddling , it moves you forward and keeps the boat in line at the same time without having to switch sides.

Chuck.

[Barneseye]

There's some good bill mason videos on google videos that i've had a look at.
I can do the j stroke and keep her straight if i'm not going too fast.
If i try to pick up the pace it goes all over the place.
I'm sure i could still improve my technique though.
I'd prefer to keep the keep the bottom as is so I'll just have to practice more.

[Oldsparkey]

I'm sure i could still improve my technique though.
I'd prefer to keep the keep the bottom as is so I'll just have to practice more.

After a while it just natural ( 2nd nature ) to you when you paddle , no matter if you are just easing along or trying to cover some water.
I have had a little practice at it , slightly more then 55 years , and none of my boats have runners or keels on them.

Chuck.

[tx river rat]

I watched Chuck paddle on the Brazos ,he knows his stuff.
Ron

[Barneseye]

Thanks for the input.
It sounds like a good excuse to spend more time in the boat 'practicing'.
Just need to get her finished.

[john the pom]

Looked at the blurb for a Merrimac and it says it has moderate rocker and is very manouverable.... That's your trade off for speed and tracking. I know "cos I have an inflatable whitewater kayak,
similar characteristics. Add wind and gets worse. Just enjoy the paddle, let the olympic guys worry about speed. Speeeeeeeeeeed vs efficiency
Regards John.