Re: [Paddlewise] touring boats

In a message dated 98-01-28 22:43:39 EST, dhagen_at_methow.com writes:

<<  Still, I think that the Arctic Hawk is
 one of the very best boats that I have paddled.  It has a wonderful,
 lively feel; it carves great turns; it's reasonable stable; and it's
 pretty fast.  The bottom line is that it is a *fun* boat to paddle.  I
 am thinking of adding one to my collection.
  >>

Dan,
The Hawk *is* a great boat but limited by it's gear capacity.  In the real
rough stuff it suffers a bit from the fine stems.  It weathercocks a bit but
was meant to. (1900's replica of West Greenland skin boat)  I have a skin coat
(no gelcoat) kevlar 32lb. boat that I *love*.  But my latest, newest, <guess
I'll *cheat* on the hawk> boat is the FALCON 18 and I REALLY LOVE it.  
I sell kayaks, been doing it for 13 years and IMHO the 18 is the finest sea
that kayak I've had the pleasure to paddle.  The kewl concept of the falcon
series and certain other kayaks for I matter is the design of a vessel to be
"balanced".  Balanced in the wind, current, waves, etc.  
The Intuits had it figured out and you can find boats in ancient design that
had a certain balance for a reason (i.e.: weathercocking to always be pointed
upwind for hunting).  Modern manufacturers strive at designing a boat to be
both maneuverable and good tracking.  Unfortunately, some of the designs
usually suffer some sort of imbalance in this realm.  A boat that is
maneuverable is usually blown off course by the wind (compensate with rudder)
A boat that tracks too stiffly is hard to turn (by the novice) but will
usually behave in the wind.  Where is the compromise that will make a boat
desirable??  Your choice!
The FALCON is a "sports car".  It's not overly stable initially, but has
wonderful, secure secondary stability.  This allows you to edge the boat and
take it off its GREAT tracking keelson to maneuver.  Comfortable cockpit,
watertight hatches (a little small, but what the heck) gear capacity for a
week <read x-mountain climber> and of course, good looks!  If I sound like a
salesman, I am!!!  I'm also a *paddler, guide, and instructor* 
Hope this stirs up some dialog!  LOL
Steve Scherrer
www.aldercreek.com
Ps. I also happen to know where 2 used hawks are *for sale* 


***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
***************************************************************************