Problem with kayak tracking down wind

I had my AI (in kayak mode) out in about 12-14 knots of wind paddling down wind.....or rather with the wind just off the port stern. The AI would not track to save its soul. The bow would go to port and even if I paddled hard to compensate and paddled ONLY on the port side, I rarely could bring it back straight and would finally have to just use the paddle to 'rudder' it back to starboard and then of course I would lose my speed. Any ideas how to counter that tendency?

I've had that problem. It helps to leave the rudder down and in neutral position.

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Having the rudder down as Chris says is good. Having the dagger board in under these conditions would probably help. Do you have the mirage drive? Using the drive, you can also use the rudder conveniently.

The Adventure does not have a long, sharp keel in the water. It is easy to slide around. So, as it starts to come down a wave, the bow hits bottom first, and, unless the boat is kept perfectly perpendicular to the wave front, the stern will slide down the wave to whichever side comes off perpendicular. In your case, the wind was blowing the stern to the right causing the stern to slide down the wave to your right. The bow will nose to the left in the wave trough. The stern sliding down to the left or right represents a lot of torque and is difficult to control with a paddle. You need to use the mirage drive and rudder (& dagger board if deep enough.) Of course, this problem is why landing an Adventure (kayak mode) through surf will be especially dangerous. Most sea kayaks have this same problem to varying degrees. Those with more rocker (curvature along the keel) are easier to control.

Keith

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2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

"Less is more" Anon

Thanks for the input. I'm not in the ocean using this in this case. I'm just on a mile diameter lake in my backyard with NO waves or surf.....just the wind. Sometimes I just want to paddle the thing without the mirage drive and was surprised how poorly it did steering as I mentioned above. I didn't even have the mirage drive in the kayak at the time, but I guess at a minimum I better always carry the removable keel and see how that works in helping it track better. Prior to the AI, I had a Hobie Mirage Sport which never seemed to have such a problem, but of course, that hull shape is way different. Still, I was surprised how poorly the AI as just a kayak performed in this situation. Will try the rudder down trick too.

No waves? Then, you are having a problem w/ weathercocking. How is your trim--that is, is your boat level from one end to the other? Most kayaks will turn towards the wind automatically, if you do not take some action to prevent that. The problem is accentuated if your trim is poor.

Keith

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2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

"Less is more" Anon

Deacm

When I was using the shorter REVO, I had the same problem paddling through shallow reefs. That was headed into a 10-15 mph breeze (which we ALWAYS have). No waves. My low speed Hobie paddling experiences are worse than any kayak I have used.

Hobie's mirage/rudder combination seems to work great though, when you have the ability to use it.

I would suggest keeping the daggerboard in but sweeping it all the way back against the hull. This should enhance the keel somewhat and give you more tracking stability. Paddling, while lightly peddling at the same time, may improve it too.

When you have this mastered, try chewing gum as well.

I have yet to try the Adventure in monohull mode, so please let us know if that works.

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The Wind Is Your Friend...

Deacm,
I understand, it's what makes the AI so versatile.
I regularly paddle my AI in Adventure mode without the Miragedrive but with the drivewell plug in. Part of your problem would be paddling technique, which will improve, but nothing substitutes for a rudder especially in those conditions. Your body and the hull become a sail.
That's why very few kayaks 15'+ come without a rudder.
Chris's rudder down suggestion should solve your problem. I paddle rudderless in calm conditions but as soon as the wind picks up I drop the rudder. It takes a bit to adjust it to the neutral position but once done I can get to my destination much quicker, not having to compensate with paddle strokes. I have often thought about a mod to allow steering with your feet, however if conditions get that bad I always pop the drive back in!
I see no reason to use the daggerboard.