Re: [Paddlewise] a pretty basic question

R. Walker wrote:
> 
> > I would recommend the longest, narrowest boat you feel you will be able to
> > manage after a few tippy weeks of learning. 
> >
> > I suspect you will quickly outgrow a boat like the Edisto.
> 
> Long and narrows are often much more expensive than the Edisto.
> Besides what does "outgrow" mean?   Not trying to be overly
> sensitive here, given that I paddle an Edisto....  Could I comfortably
> paddle an 18', 22" beam boat.  Sure.   Would it be faster than my
> Edisto?  Sure.  Is that difference worth the extra $500 - $800 in
> hull cost?  Not for me. 
[snip]
> In the end, in order to avoid the boat owners maximum of being
> "happy only on the day you buy it, and the day you sell it." you
> have to ask what is the PURPOSE of the boat, and how much per
> year do you want to spend on a hull to meet that purpose. Then go
> out and find a boat that fits.  The guy that wants to do weeklong
> trips in SE Alaska and will spend $500 a year on a hull is going to
> choose a completely different boat than the guy that wants to dive
> off of the beaches of Florida and has $250 a year to spend.

I'll add my data point to Richard's:  Five years ago I bought a barely
used Aquaterra Spectrum, with rudder, to use as a loaner for friends who
paddled with me, for $800.  By almost anybody's analysis, the Spectrum
is just about the least able "sea kayak" around.  Turned out my SO was
the paddler who used it the most.  We went all over with that thing,
including some waters remote and wild.  We had a lot of fun, and she did
not know what a "quality" boat was like to paddle.  I sold it this
spring, for $600, to a lady across the river, who intends to use it for
the same purpose:  a loaner for her kids/grandkids/etc.  The SO now has
a "real" sea kayak, and is pleased as punch with her 18-foot, sleek,
glass wonder.  Sigh ... now she's faster than I am!

What did this five-year relationship with the lowly Spectrum cost me? 
Do the math.  Best value I ever will get out of a boat, I think.

Oh, yes, people in wild and remote places snickered at it and made jokes
about it behind their hands as we paddled up to them.  Oh, bother, as
Pooh would say!

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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