[Paddlewise] Recommendations for new boats

My wife and I are soliciting opinions for types of boats to add to our fleet.

We have been paddling for 8-9 years on the west coast of British Columbia.
Based on previous postings we are probably advanced beginners creeping
towards intermediate, who try to avoid adrenalin experiences and, in my
case especially, cold water. We will tend to err on the side of
cautiousness. We have done several 5/6-day trips and one-nighters but are
more frequently moving towards shorter day trips and even 1-2 hour outings.
(We can launch at the mouth of the Fraser River in about 15 minutes from
home....perfect for a quick evening paddle on a warm summer evening!). We
are both on the small side (5'6", 120/150 lbs).

We currently have 2 old Pacific Water Sport Sea Otters (glass). Like the
proverbial old shoe, they are comfortable and we are sentimental. They
strike us as being higher volume, have a higher profile and are probably
heavier than what we need for day tripping.

We are looking at adding some boats that might complement the otters for
these shorter trips, and that would be lighter, more maneuverable and
sportier in handling, without significantly increasing instability. They
would ideally also facilitate solo paddling in the sheltered waters around
here (and so should be easier to get on and off the car).  With some
increased sportiness we may look to increasing skills and comfort zones a
bit. 

I initially thought something alot shorter and lighter might fit the bill,
but my initial foray to our favourite shop didn't reveal much in this type
of category.

So... I am soliciting comments and recommendations, and at the same time
wondering if we go with something newer and maybe a touch shorter (some
very preliminary thoughts might be the Arluk II or III, or Solstice ST or
SS) will we likely notice a significant performance improvement in terms of
sportiness/zip, to make it all worthwhile?

Any other boat suggestions and related comments would be very much appreciated.
Sam Isaacs
saisaacs_at_netcom.ca  
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