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The following are quotes and articles from writers with comments on ballast and stability.

Testimonials

If anyone would like to share articles or experiences using ballast in their boat, please email to info@paddlingpartner.com, or use our contact form. Experiences related to use of ballast for trimming, freeboard space, weathercocking, stability/tippiness, and other challenges would be appreciated.

Your comments about the Paddling Partner are also welcome.

 "Although I have been kayaking for about 15 years, all my experience was in closed boats until a group of friends who paddle sit-ons convinced me to get a sit-on for the summers in Florida.  Not wanting a floating barge, I purchased a 16' Current Design Zone with a bearm of 24".  My regular boat is a QCC 18' sea kayak with a 21.5" beam and I never had a problem with stability.  The Zone is a different animal with almost no initial stability and little secondary stability.  Lack of initial stability made me nervous and I was lost about what to do until I found out about the Paddling Partner which immediately saved the day.  It definitely added stability and made the boat comfortable, especially in rougher water.  All of my friends who tried the Zone before I installed the Paddling Partner said it had less stability than any boat they had tried.  If the Paddling Partner can do that for the Zone, I am sure it does even more for less challenging boats."  Verne, FL

"I have used my Paddling Partner in my 18ft. sea kayak twice and I can see a big change in the kayak. The first time was in a fairly large river with a good current, I paddled both up and down stream with a total of 7 miles each way. The second was in the gulf. I was in the boat about 7 hours that day. I'm very happy with it. Much more enjoyable to paddle the boat now."                -John, Florida

"I have been using the Paddling Partner and I love it.  I paddle a Current Design Solistice GT Titan LV which is a large boat.  When it is full of gear it paddles like a charm.  Unloaded I get a wobble which stops when using the Paddling Partner.  I would recommend it to any one.  Easy installation, I had to cut nothing."  John, New York

"The Paddling Partner increased the secondary stability significantly.  On some boats you can feel the stability firm up as you lean it over on edge.  It feels like a slight increasing resistance as you begin to heel the boat over.  This probably corresponds to the top of the stability curve for the hull.  Without the Paddling Partner, my sea kayak had none of that.  As the boat leans over it just feels mushy, and then quickly wants to go all the way over.  After I installed the Paddling Partner, it gave the boat a nice firm edge.  So as you start to lean the boat over, it starts to resist and push you back upright.  So you feel like you're actually in a boat, not teetering on top of a log waiting to roll over." Will, WA

"The system is fantistic. I had it in my kayak and I could go faster down waves. The system is perfect for trimming the kayak and increasing the waterline.  Nothing was slipping and sliding.  I could really tell the difference from my home made systems.  I am sure a lot of people would love the unit." Sue, Wisconsin

"I paddle a Valley Quajariaq(Q-Boat) which I acquired from a friend two years ago.  I love big water, especially when it gets rough and Lake Michigan and Superior are my playgrounds.  The Q-Boat is a great boat but because of it's high volume and my low volume, the initial stability was a bit dicey, especially in rough conditions.  The Paddling Partner was the perfect solution.  I installed the system in my day hatch and got the perfect amount of additional stability I was looking for in rough water.  Because its portable, I leave it onshore when I don't need it.  It doesn't take up much room so I can still use the day hatch compartment to store my gear.  The design is unique and well engineered and I recommend it without reservation."  Bob, Wisconsin

"I tried my kayak with the Paddling Partner installed for the first time this evening.  I paddle a Current Designs "Sirocco" and I'm very pleased with the improvement the PP has made to the handling.  The kayak is still completely responsive, but the PP has taken away the twitchiness and has smoothed out the transition between primary and secondary stability.  Now, when I stop leaning the kayak stops leaning too; it feels much more secure and predictable.  Thanks for a great product and good service."   Peter, Manitoba, Canada 

"I tried the Paddling Partner over the weekend and noticed a definite stability improvement for some of the "both hands over the side" maneuvers such as draws and bow rudders.  Rolls seem to be just a bit easier too.  Where I noticed the biggest improvement was during surfing which I did Sunday at Harrington Beach.  The waves were SW about 2-3 feet, which provided fun conditions to test the Paddling Partner.  I was able to hold the waves longer than previously.  I had some nice rides -- about 15 to 20 seconds, which is long for Lake Michigan.  I'm also impressed with the quality of the materials in the system."  Ken, Wisconsin

"I have been kayaking for several years using folding kayaks that would not roll if you stood on the side of it.  Then,I bought a used fiberglass Seda Impulse which is only 21" wide and easy to roll.  In fact it was very "tippy" and unstable; especially with wind and waves on the beam.  Your ballast made a significant improvement in its initial stability and I now enjoy the increased speed offered by the Seda Impulse."  Marshall, Arizona 

"I have found the Paddling Partner system to be a welcome addition to my Current Design 'Gulfstream' when the water gets a little choppy.  Upon initially graduating to the 'Gulfstream' from an older 14"7' plastic "Carolina' I was a bit intimidated by the new boat.  While I appreciated the increased responsiveness and speed, the 'Gulfstream'felt twitchy, especially in anything more than a light chop.  Beam sea and quartering seas from behind were especially challenging.  The Paddling Partner adds a degree of initial and secondary stability that I have found valuable in paddling Lake Superior and other "big water".  Installation instructions are straightforward and installation was a simple process.  If it is a calm quiet day I can leave it behind, if is choppy I can add the stability of the Paddling Partner's secure ballast system.  Thank you  Carl!"  Doug, Iowa  

"The ZONE by Current Design is out of production, only produced in 2009, it has a day hatch and a frontal hatch. I put the Paddling Partner in the day hatch just between the cockpit and tankwell. Last Sunday I paddled in the lake downwind at 30 knots with 1.5 ft. waves and the stability was great. Congratulations, you have a winner product." Julian, Mexico

My son paddles a Necky 16 Askla and he has always complained about the tracking. After talking with a friend, he suggested your product. Very easy installation and my son's boat now tracks wonderfully and paddling with him is a joy again!!! Thanks you so much for designing a product that was such an easy fix for my son's boat. Daryl, Wisconsin

I have paddled for over 30 years and instructed for 20+ years in white water canoe and kayak and long touring boat open water as well.  I own a Current Design Slipstream which is very fast yet very twitchy on initial stability.  The very first time I paddled the Slpstream with your ballast system, I was amazed at the gain in initial and secondary stability.  It was like I was paddling a different boat except that it still is very fast.  I'm very impressed with your system and I recommend it to others.  Thanks, Lennie, NH