Keel or Not on the redbird?

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arcticranger
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2010 5:42 am

Keel or Not on the redbird?

Post by arcticranger »

hello has anyone put a keel on the redbird i do i alot of larger lake paddleing and would like to know if anyone has put a keel ont he redbilrd? if so how did you incorporate it?
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Patricks Dad
Posts: 1476
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2004 1:11 pm
Location: Warrenville, Illinois

Post by Patricks Dad »

I didn't, and wouldn't. The rocker on the Redbird is very small, it has a very fine entry into the water and tracks very well.
Randy Pfeifer
(847) 341-0618
Randy.Pfeifer1@gmail.com
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mtpocket
Posts: 562
Joined: Wed Sep 08, 2004 2:48 pm
Location: Indiana

Post by mtpocket »

I totally agree with Patricks Dad. It is perfect just the way it is.
arcticranger
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2010 5:42 am

Post by arcticranger »

thanks for the info guys. have you guys been out in the middle of the lake during a big wind?
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Auvo R
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Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 12:21 pm
Location: Finland
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Post by Auvo R »

arcticranger wrote:thanks for the info guys. have you guys been out in the middle of the lake during a big wind?
Depends how big is big. I am very satisfield with my Redbird and defenately
it does NOT need keel.

I think it is able to manage well in windy conditions with right position of load and
yourself and and right way to paddle.

Auvo R
arcticranger
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2010 5:42 am

5 foot waves in redbird.

Post by arcticranger »

I'm glad i took everyones advise and did not put a keel on my redbird! i had her loaded with gear and food for 2 and a portage cart. thank god everything was straped in the wind picked up and she handled the 5 -6 foot waves and huge white caps like a surf board. what a blast we had, the other guys in the 15 foot colman might have a few different choice words. they made it thought as well and we sure had to empty the water out of the boat when we got to the portage. very very very happy with they way the boat turn out and handles rough water. quick and very nice to paddle. I was a little worryed on the how stable the canoe was going to be when i first build the canoe and questioned if I was building the right one. I did thanks to the bear mountians creating great plans for other canadians to build and enjoy. good work and my hats off very pleased!
cheers steve
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