I'm surprised with the general view that a K1 is tippier than a ski. The K1 has a significantly higher socondary stability due to the triangular shape behind the seat which helps in bracin whereas on a ski you don't have any secondary stability. Also, paddling 7mph on a K1 is hard word whereas the same speed on a ski is easier given the more efficient shape. Anyone agree?

Just a quick reply to points raised by Thomas, Dave and others

As mentioned in my first post on this topic, length overall does not effect the top speed potential of the ski.  The misconception may have arisen because of the "hull speed" that is dependent on waterline length on monohull sailboats and non planing powerboats.  As I explained earlier, this limiting effect does not apply once the length to beam ration exceeds 7:1.  This is a very well established bit of physics, used by the Vikings in the design of their long ships and more currently in the design of VSV vessels.  Although wave dynamics are not a limiting factor in kayak speed, the inertia of the water displaced by the hull as it passes through the water is.  This value is exponential and rises at the square of the speed.  The less you need to displace the water, the smaller the effect will be, hence a narrow boat will not be effected as much as a wider one as the water does not have to me moved as far.

Next, a K1 is faster than a ski because it has a narrower, rounder underwater profile, reducing the inertia mentioned above and the skin friction mentioned by Thomas.  It also has less rocker, which again reduces the effect of the inertia of the displaced water.

And... A competitive K1 is less stable than a ski because of the hull shape mentioned above.  Wings disappeared some years ago when the ICF got rid of the minimum beam rule.  the were there to conform with a regulation and were never designed to enhance stability.

And also...5% performance disadvantage may sound a lot, but when you are loosing 15 minutes per hour to the front guys, an extra 3 is pretty academic.  I say go for the more stable ski until you are running near the front, then start worrying about the equipment.

And finally.....I am a solidly placed D grade paddler.  Although I have been paddling for many years and can handle any boat that I have tried very competently, this does not put me at the front of the pack.  To get there I need better genes, better training and less beer.  I would say quite categorically that you don't need to be an elite paddler to enjoy the fastest, most slippery shapes about.

Thank you for reading this far.

Stuart

I'm pretty sure I've got socks that are older than most of the people posting here.

Having said that.... I recently took delivery on my third ski: a Huki S1-R.

Balance-wise: it's the most stable ski I've ever paddled except for one, which I'd say was *too* stable (i.e. it was a log....)

Beauty-wise: I've had three people come up to me already to say how pretty this thing is.   Never had that with either of the two previous skis.   In fact my son-in-law (who could care less about boats, surf skis, kayaks, or the water in general) went on about how beautiful this thing looked for at least fifteen minutes.... It was borderline-embarrasing.

Here's what I'm talking about - pretty much exactly, since Jude did a second layup to the same spec in order to get me a few more inches of leg room: http://tinyurl.com/4lrjre   Scroll down to the yellow one "HUKI S1-R Log hopping Ultra Light Construction SOLD".