[Paddlewise] my boat(s)

Both my daughters have Umiaks which are their first boats and should be
adequate for a year or two more if I'm lucky.

I have an old Klepper Tramp II in delicate condition that I used to play
around in and use as a first timer boat for people that just wanted to
know how it felt to be in a kayak on the water without necessarily being
in the water.  It's 16' fiberglass and very stable, looks like a red
torpedo in the water!

Also have a Northwest Mariner XL with a rudder that is a great all
around fiberglass boat.  On one of Bill Lozano's trips I used a Mariner
of his and finally found a used one myself.  Used this one for a couple
years on all kinds of water.  One thing that's hard to get used to is
the hatch covers.  They are fiberglass lids with neoprene covers.  I'm
always very cautious about the lids blowing away when their off. And its
sometimes a bit of a struggle to fit the neoprene covers back on
correctly.

My favorite and newest boat is a Wilderness Systems Shenai.  It's kevlar
with VCP hatch covers.  It has the best fit and feel of any boat I've
been in.  Handles well, maybe a bit better when loaded down.

Future plans include a WW playboat!

Jim

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