: For all you high tech people.

:
: http://www.surfski.info/images/stories/2012/05/Length/Optimization%20of%20the%20length%20of%20a%20surf%20ski%20kayak.pdf

It is an interesting article. It points to the importance of displacement as driving boat design. The "best" boat for any paddler will be the one designed specifically around the paddler's weight.

They made several assumptions that made the exercise easier. They stuck to one width. The optimum length will depend on the width because making the beam less will reduce the displacement available and the wetted surface area allowing longer lengths. They also chose one speed to evaluate for optimization. This will also effect the optimum length. The speed is really a proxy for power. A weaker paddler will not able to go as fast as a more powerful paddler, so the weaker paddler may be better served by a shorter, slower, boat because it allows him to go faster with his lesser power than if he were trying to push the "faster" boat.

I use the same power prediction software "Michlet" for the evaluation of my designs, and it has an "artificial life" module that uses evolutionary techniques to find "optimum" hull forms. Epic's V10 was also created with the help of this design tool, so it is really no surprise that the V10 measures in right at the optimum length.

Playing around with this tool I have found that there are a whole range of optimum lengths depending on power, displacement, stability etc. If you are willing to deal with a less stable boat, you may be better served by a longer hull. If you aren't a very strong paddler, your fastest boat may be shorter than what is best for a stronger paddler.