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lee johnson · Post by **lee johnson** » Sat Sep 19, 2009 8:52 pm

The image above is of a BackBone in my Expedition. Note the "Vee" shape it makes, even when the craft is resting on its side. When one sits on it in the water, the V-shape becomes more pronounced; and, from water pressure sliding up from this BB keel to the waterline at the sides, the hull takes on an additional gull-wing contour. The net result is improved gliding and tracking over a hull without a BB - which, by comparison, is rather flat - and the BB also provides longitudinal stiffness which prevents "taco-chipping" when one faces large waves in high winds or a storm. Given its light weight, in addition to its other virtues of improved gliding, tracking, ease of paddling, and stiffness and safety of the kayak, what's not to like?