28.05.2013
As I wrote before, my body did not fit exactly in the cockpit. So today I added some foam underneath the thigh-grips and on both sides of the seat to match my hip-width.
Today the wind was nice again: NE force 4. So fine conditions to check if my improvements are enough.
And: Well yes, I was satisfied because, when paddling with the knees unlocked, I could still edge for steering just on my hip-contact with the boat.
When using the knees as well, while edging, I was very surprised how easy I could turn the kayak.
As I was on the water anyway I made a small tour of 8 km to enjoy the weather and the wind. My attention was drawn again to the weathercocking. In fact you can, in windy conditions, best paddle with the retractable skeg fully dropped down. Most of the time this is enough to paddle a stable course. But sometimes in a tailwind, blowing a bit from aside, you have to correct course every stroke for weathercocking (with the skeg full down).
I think that this kayak needs a bigger skegblade. Next time at sea I will take some ballast for the aft-compartment to investigate if this helps for the moment. But also to find out if the SI18 with a heavier person than I am, weathercocks less.