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Fastest man-powered water vessal?

  • 29-01-2008 12:49PM
    #1
    bazman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 581 ✭✭✭


    What would be the fastest human powered craft to travel 8k on the lakes of Killarney?

    It's for the Irish Adventure Challenge: http://www.irishadventurechallenge.com/canoeingreg.html

    Next questions would be:
    - where could I get my hands on this vessel?
    - how long would it take to get up to speed?

    Any advice appreciated - perhaps some of you will even enter the race : )


Comments

  • #2
    250882
    Closed Accounts Posts: 206 ✭✭250882


    Probably the skul (one of those really narrow rowing boats with the oar locks about 4ft out either side and the sliding seat) they need calm water and a lot of practice but they are really really fast. other than that a racing kayak (K1 long unstable and delicate, usually have a rudder) fiberglass is better than plastic as its lighter.

    other than that maybe a 400HP RIB(throttle needs human power to move it:D)


  • #3
    JamesM
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,774 ✭✭✭JamesM


    A scull would take too long to learn to row. A kayak would probably be the best bet. Unless you find a HPV on foils - I saw one on the net a few years ago. :D
    Jim.


  • #4
    Pigeon Reaper
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,274 ✭✭✭Pigeon Reaper


    A skull for a single person. As said above you'll need to learn how to row one otherwise you'll be swimming very quickly. You'll need at least two weeks to learn how to skull correctly. Also the PDF will be a problem in the skull. A racing kayak or possibly sea kayak next but again balance is an issue.


  • #5
    250882
    Closed Accounts Posts: 206 ✭✭250882


    Takes a while to learn (and in my case a swim or 2) but damn are they fast and quiet, pity you are sitting the wrong way though.
    kayak next but careful on your choice,
    - Shoe canoes (short plastic ones) are a barrel of fun on rough water or the sea but a dog to paddle on the flat
    - Fibreglass are alot easier to paddle but a bit fragile and they always leak.
    - Plastic way too heavy but you could run over them in a car and they wouldnt break
    - Sea canoes are a bit of a nightmare to manoever in confined spaces and have a lot of drag but lovely over a long distance, rudder helps


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