: I am looking to buy the Pax 18 Plans/Kit to race in the 'Fast Sea Kayak'
: class of the Blackburn Challenge and the New York Mayor's Cup.

: I'd like to know, whether the Pax 18 would qualify or slip into the High
: Performance class.

: > From the rulebook: >
: > The categories are based not on overall dimensions but on waterline
: > length to width ratio: >
: > SK or touring Sea Kayaks
: > FSK or Fast Sea Kayaks 9.25 : 1 to 10.99: 1
: >
: > HPK or Hi-Performance Kayaks > 10.99 : 1
: >
: > How are waterline dimensions determined?
: >
: > - Sea Kayaker magazine reviews of boats- they always measure the
: > waterline dimensions
: >
: > - Canoe & Kayak magazine - annual review of all the models to get
: > overall dimensions as a reference point
: >
: > - Manufacturers information - some supply it (not many unfortunately)
: >
: > - Tape measure - actually very accurate if you read on
: >
: Can you share the hydrostatics for the Pax 18? Can you share the Pax 18 KAPER
: drag curve as well as the stability curve, if you have?

: How is it paddling? We have a few Pax 20s competing locally around New York
: and they seem competitive with the surf ski crowd. However, I'm not that
: much of a kayaking pro and like to stay with the training amateurs in the
: Fast Sea Kayak class.

: Best Regards,

: Ruedi

Btw, normally waterline measurements are done now days on a computer. I'd call CLC and ask them. If you're over the weight limit it won't matter as you'll sink the boat below the design waterline width and won't qualify as the waterline beam gets bigger as the boat sinks lower.

Bill H.