: I haven't yet Jim. I want to get my skeg fitted into my boat and refinish the
: boat befor I start a new project. I am reading George Dyson's book
: BAIDARKA, that has lots of bifurcated bows like the Shooting Star's in it,
: and I am trying to understand what gives it an edge over other kayaks. It
: would seem that in waves, the upper part of the bow keeps the the bow from
: dipping down in the water too much and therefor having less wetted haul
: surface for more speed. That's my guess, perhaps othrs know for sure. If I
: build that fancy bow, I would like for it to have a reasoning to it rather
: then being a decoration.

: John

I paddled a Shooting Star at the Newfound Rendezvous - it was one of my favorite boats there. The lower bow cuts through smaller waves very nicely. The upper bow allows the boat to ride over larger waves, rather than diving into them and letting them wash over you - giving a drier ride. It gives the boat a very comfortable ride. The downside is that it is not truly a dry ride - spray was coming up on either side of the bow, and hitting me in the chest. Perhaps a little ballast would help with the spray, or at least move it forward of the paddler.

The boat is fast and maneuverable. If not for the spray, it would have been my favorite boat there. Plus, the bow looks cool - or at least different. That alone makes it worth building. And yes, it's on my list for a future project.

Ken