Re: Shearwater 17 handlin

Posted by CLC on Jan 23, 2006

I second Lee's comments. Lee has paddled a Merganser but not a Shearwater to my knowledge. They have the same hulls and, having paddled both, I think the handling is very similar.

The Shearwater feels faster and I think it's easier and more precise to steer than the Gulfstream.

The cockpit openings are within fractions of an inch of being the same, so getting in and out should be similar. The volume of the cockpit compartment is about 10% smaller in the Shearwater.

The Shearwater is a very strong tracking boat due to the fine ends and to me has neutral handling in crosswinds. You could always add a retractable skeg but I'd go use the boat for awhile first.

In Response to: Shearwater 17 handling by Bob Lippold on Jan 22, 2006

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