: 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?

Well, here is a simple shot in the dark. (I'm not a kayak design guy, and have almost no experience paddeling)

Could you try sitting further forward. That is maybe move the seat forward, or put a blocker between the rear seat and your back. I know little about kayak design, but I'm wondering if the center of boyancy and the center of mass are brought closer toghther, if this would help with tracking. In my mind it would reduce the torque on the paddle stroke.

However, I suspect this will make the turning into the wind a bit worse.

Well, I'm sure some one will let me know if I'm totally out to lunch. It seem like an easy thing to try.

Myrl