: I recently finished a Guillemot Expedition and love the way it paddles so
: far. My question for Nick, others who might have the same model, or some
: knowledge about handling issues is, this boat seems "loose" or
: lacking in tracking. I have not loaded the boat with an expedition size
: load yet, and that may be the cause of some of the looseness. I weigh 220
: and probable tip the scales at 240 with all my paddling gear loaded up.
: Should I load some ballast for day trips if that seems to solve the
: tracking issues? Should I put a rudder on the beast? I like the look of
: One Ocean's setup--and I already have the Yakima footbraces. What
: complicates the issue is I want to install a guzzler foot pump that I have
: already bought. Any solutions to tracking, steering a rudder, and using a
: foot pump?

Hi Dan,
I paddle the Expedition Single and find it tracks very strongly. I have even heard comment that it tracks too strongly. I weigh about the same as you. I use a short paddle with a high angle stroke. My wife weighs 115# and rarely paddles at all. She says the Expedition tracks better than any boat she has paddled. I find a very slight tendenancy to weathercock in some conditions but tracking is always good even in wind driven beam seas.

The Expedition is a difficult boat to strip especially at the stern. I have seen many builders comment how they could not get the strips to follow the forms at the stern and just let them relax, away from the forms. Without the knifedge stern of this design, tracking would probably be affected. I don't know if you had any problems in this area but it's a thought.

I agree with Nick, give it some time before adding appendages. I also agree with Shawn. You will learn to love the quick manuverablity (with a slight lean) of Nicks designs. Tracking will be secondary.

Good luck,

Larry C.