Resistance Data - Using KAPER by John Winters
KAPER is a mathematical performance prediction program designed by John Winters exclusively for the design and evaluation of small lightweight
human powered water craft. It is based on over 200 ship, boat and model tests of light displacement, shallow draft, low Beam/Length ratios and
refined to suit tank test data from both canoes and kayaks.
The first edition of KAPER was created in 1989 and limited to high beam/length ratios common to canoes. It was based upon Admiral David Taylor's
formula for ship resistance modified to suit low Displacement/Length ratio hulls and canoe test data. After many permutations the existing program
was refined to its current state in 1996. You may have seen the KAPER data in the kayak reviews in Sea Kayaker Magazine.