Notes from R. Walker & Mark Zen: > > Well, ok, I'm not trying to suggest the Edisto is some incredible > performance boat; but I'd definately say its of "reasonable quality". [snip] also depends on who's calling it a "sea kayak"!! i paddle the prijon yukon expedition [14'6"] which is _called_ a sea kayak!! and also the aquaterra spectrum, which is the same length. both are more like a "river touring" boat. they take some work to keep straight, but will turn very well heeled up... mark I'm not really familiar with the Edisto, but the Yukon Expedition and the Spectrum are very different boats from the Coaster or Sportee. The Spectrum is HUGE (high volume) and very beamy, and the Yukon Ex. has a totally different hull shape. Worst of all they are both rotomolded plastic (is my bias showing?)! They are short (but still longer than the Coaster), but their performance is not in the same league. I should define performance: how about a boat that is responsive, handles wind & rough water, surfs well, is fast and reasonably maneuverable, leans easy, doesn't need a rudder, and is fun, all assuming a certain level of skill on the paddler's part. Obviously the length of the boat is only one factor. What I'm looking for is an effort to design a few short (13-14') sea kayaks which can perform as well or better than the Mariner Coaster; is it possible? Finally, I accept that this is all subjective. Oh, one comment on looks--to me the Coaster is beautiful, partly because I know what I can do with it, and partly because it is totally functional (lean & mean), no bells & whistles. But, unfortunately, the bells, whistles, bright colors, and frills sell better than function. John Lull *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Oct 12 1998 - 15:23:33 PDT
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