Re: [Paddlewise] Mariner Max

>I am thinking about replacing my Coaster with another Mariner boat, either
the Max or the Express. I have paddled both of these boats but only in calm,
windless water so I'm not really familiar with the handling qualities of
either except to note that they can easily be rolled up on their sides and
held there making leaned turns very effective. The boats I paddled had
sliding seats which added about six pounds. Weight is an important
consideration; I regard any boat over 50# as "heavy". I wonder if the
sliding seat is really needed.
> I weigh about 155#, almost all of my paddling is daytripping; I dislike
boats that weathercock; I would much prefer something that is less edgy in a
steep following sea than my Arctic Hawk; I would rather avoid a rudder
[otherwise I would probably buy a Solstice GTS].>

John

I have the Express with the sliding seat and paddle it unloaded 98% of the
time.  This boat is easy to turn and relatively immune to weathercocking,
even unloaded, even with the seat in a neutral position.  Still, when the
wind gets strong, or you are surfing, the ability to further trim using the
seat is wonderfully effective.  This trimmability saves far more effort in
rough conditions than you lose in added weight.  In flat water or light wind
it doesn't matter where the seat is.

The trouble is the seat is not very comfortable.  The back simply must be
cut down.  It is so high that you cannot lean back at all.  Impossible to do
a smooth screw roll because the seat back stops you cold, although a C-to-C
is OK.  I greatly admire the Brozes
and their design philosophy, but their seat is awful for comfort.  However
comfort is in the butt of the beholder.

I am also thinking of another Mariner boat.  Since consistency is not one of
my traits, I am thinking of getting a fixed foam seat.  I would like to get
a light layup and it bothers me aesthetically to add those extra 6 or 7 lbs.
Also the fixed seat would allow the front bulkhead to be closer to your feet
minimizing flooded area.  Can't decide.  I hate giving up the added control
of the sliding seat.

I am also leaning toward the older XL, rather than the MAX.  From what I
understand, the MAX is not an improvement over the XL, it is just different.
Turns easier but doesn't track as well.  For travelling I prefer tracking.
For turning, i.e., playing, I have the Express which I don't intend ever to
part with.

I also like the Mariner II which I did demo in turbulent water and liked
very much.  But I think that the XL might be better for carrying stuff and
fishing.  At my typical cruising speed of 4 knots I think that the XL or MAX
might be just as efficient as the II.  But I don't know.

Jerry



Jerry



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