I'm so confused! I attended a 'kayak demo day' this past weekend. I tried out appr. 20 kayaks, initially wanting to purchase a nice kevlar boat. I currently have an Ocean Scrambler and a Jocassee and am ready for something a little lighter and somewhat more 'high performance'. After many of the reps told me about how careful one has to be with a fiberglass OR kevlar boat (i.e., not drag it over the sand, etc.), I'm not sure what I should get! I tried a few plastic boats --- I really want one with a rudder (I paddle in the mouth of the Cheaspeake Bay). We live a couple of blocks away and use a cart to transport it. I liked the Shadow the best, but was told that it would be too small for my 6'2" hubby. The Sea Lion also seemed nice -- although somewhat more roomy in the cockpit, it would hopefully hold my husband. I'm not sure if I will like to haul a 67 pound boat over a sand dune! I also tried an Epic (wild. systems) which I liked. What are your thoughts? The kayak store has already placed an order for their summer boats --- if I don't want to pay shipping, I must let them know in the next couple of days. HELP! *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
BarbiRyan wrote: > > I'm so confused! Initially wanting to purchase a nice kevlar boat. I am ready for something a > little lighter and somewhat more 'high performance'. After many of the reps > told me about how careful one has to be with a fiberglass OR kevlar boat > (i.e., not drag it over the sand, etc.), I'm not sure what I should get! Your first instinct is usually the right one. I have a kevlar "Quest" by Seaward. I have pulled that boat LOADED with gear over many a beach. If you have the money, I wouldn't think twice about buying a kelvar boat. It will last forever if you don't do anything thing stupid... like going out through huge dumping surf,coming in through huge dumping surf, or leaving it unattended on the beach to be taken out with the rising tide - all three of which I have done and my boat is still in good condition. > >I really want one with a rudder. I chose my boat for many reasons, but one of the main reasons because of the rudder system. It has the easiest to use rudder peddles I have ever seen. Check it out for yourself before you buy your new boat.(http://www.seawardkayaks.com) MAX http://www.solomax.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
George Bergeron wrote: > The Falcon 18 would be the other boat 1st on my list! George: I tried one of the "touring" Nordkap 17' boats (gee, I can't remember which one). It handled quite well... I liked the boat. It seemed quite comfortable and responsive and quick. Unfortunately, I didn't get to try it in rough water... but after the Falcon 18... I felt like I needed more deck in front of me. Another great feature about the Falcon 18 is the seat and cockpit. It is extremely comfortable. Have you sat in one? Robert *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
> > John Winters wrote: > > > Makes the boat less "lively". The flexible and often distorted bottoms also > > > erode performance but I am not sure by how much. I am awaiting a program to > > > study that. Not sure when I will get it as it is much delayed. Ah, I did miss it when you mentioned flex (Kirk Olsen pointed it out in your note). I was thinking you meant "flexible" as in, "The boat flexed on the luggage rack and the dent stayed in the hull and distorted it." The flex that happens with every paddle stroke must be a tough thing to gather data on. Can't simply drag a boat through water and measure resistance / speed / energy. I look forward to hearing results from the new computer program you mentioned. Brian *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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