New Kodiak

Posted By: Stewart Crisler
Date: 4/10/07 10:02p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: New Nimble Kodiak Owner Introduction (Rich Propsom)

Congratulations. I also have a Kodiak "Binnard" plan boat (1996) with fixed keel and 18 horse Yanmar diesel. I'm located in Charleston, SC, but my boat spent about 18 months near you on Washington Island with its previous owner. With the 18 horse, I cruise around 5 to 5.5 knots through the water. I have a main and a roller furling jib (no yawl rig). In light air, the boat could stand more sail. At 10 to 15 mph, it is in harmony with nature. I have been out in winds gusting to 30 mph with a reefed main and reefed jib - no problem. Maybe it is my lack of ability, but in heavy air it is easy to get caught in irons when tacking. The pilot house has enough windage that it eats all the boat speed before the bow can make it through the eye of the wind; therefore, I frequently will back the jib to give the bow some extra kick at the critical moment. In a steep chop the bow will pound. Not surprisingly the boat is not especially great at pointing. On the other hand, 27 horses is my definition of the perfect way to go to weather. All in all the boat sails much better than it looks like it would and as a trailerable pocket cruiser, I have one word - REMARKABLE. I'm sure you will enjoy your Kodiak. Stewart Crisler