<I paddled a Mariner XL for a short time a few years ago. This was at a time when my own boat was a Chinook with a 25" beam. Even then I thought that the XL was almost too stable and not very much fun to paddle. The word among other paddlers was that it was a "slow" boat, what ever that means. I would be interested in learning what are the best and worst selling Mariner models. I would chance a guess that the Coaster and the Mariner 2 are probably at the high end, the XL at the low end of production.> I am not sure what "too stable" means. If you fit the boat well and can lean it at will and controllably, it cannot be too stable. My first boat was a 25" beam Eddyline Winddancer. I next had a 25" beam Necky Tesla. Both these boats were way too big for me, though I did not realize it at the time, and I could not grip them with my knees and lower body. I rough conditions I could not properly control the boats. I now paddle the 22.5" beam Express and the 22" beam GTS. I have infinitely better control of both. I recently took out the Tesla again in rough conditions and felt as if my life were in danger. The boat was doing its own thing since I was not connected to it. On the other hand, I paddled the 22" beam Arluk 1.9 in similar conditions and felt even less secure than in the Tesla, even though it fit me well. The 1.9 cannot (by me) be leaned comfortably. I quickly felt that I was past the point of no return. Especially in following seas. It has been said to me that you get used to it. But why bother? The GTS or Express can be comfortably leaned way over. When I was younger I was an avid snow skier. I preferred short skis with which I could easily maneuver through the trees and moguls, while my friends with longer faster skis were struggling. I had more fun. I like to paddle alone in rough and windy (but not too rough) conditions. I want the boat that lets me be most secure in those conditions. I have the idea that the XL or MAX with their slightly larger volume and stability might be even more forgiving in the rough than either the Express or GTS (which are fine). However, I have never paddled either in these conditions. But I like the leaning characteristics of all Mariner boats. Also, in these conditions I am not paddling above 4.25 knots. At this speed I don't think that there are any efficiency differences between any of these boats. Even in flat water I never paddle above 4.5 knots (measured). I mentioned that I did paddle the 21.5" beam Mariner II in a tidal rapids course in Deception Pass, Washington. I liked it a lot in turbulent conditions. But there was no wind. I am thinking of the II as well. On the sliding seat: I would prefer not to get it for weight considerations, but when it is needed for control it is well worth having. I have reluctantly concluded that if I do get another Mariner it will have the sliding seat. >I see that you are quite enthusiastic about a new paddle. What makes it better than the others? I paddle mostly with a 224 cm Mitchell Sea Blade rather than my 244cm Mitchell Coastal. The shorter paddle is lighter and seems more efficient even though I have to use a higher stroke rate. I've been thinking about ordering a Lightning paddle; their standard model, at 225cm, is even lighter than the wooden Mitchell.> I have had for several years, and have alternated between several graphite Werner Little Dippers of different lengths, a 230 cm graphite Eddyline Windswift, a 230 cm Greenland carved by Mark Rogers of Superior, a 218 cm Descente (this is a big bladed racing paddle, not wing). All these are excellent paddles and I enjoyed using then all, as the mood struck me. I have used and sold Werner San Juans of different lengths and a Werner Arctic (now discontinued). My new 231 cm AT bent shaft paddle is so far better than any that I now never use anything but the AT and plan to sell all others except 2 for wife and daughter. Reasons: 1. Bent shaft. This puts your hands in a comfortable and natural ergonomic position. The straight shaft now feels as if my wrists are forced into a straight line. I never noticed this before I got the AT. 2. Oval shaft shape. The oval is accentuated and very smooth. Combined with the bend it gives an extremely positive grip and sense of control of blade angle. Any tendency to get a blister on my hand has been completely eliminated. 3. Blade shape. The blade is extremely forgiving for sculls and braces, on both power and reverse faces. More so than my Greenland even. Yet both high and low braces are much more powerful than with the Greenland. My roll, reliable to begin with, has greatly improved, especially on my bad side. 4. More on blade shape. I favor smaller blades and although the blade is broader than my narrow bladed paddles it is still relatively narrow compared to the Werner San Juan or Descente. I paddle unfeathered and it seems to have almost no sensitivity to headwinds. 5. Construction. It seems to me the best made paddle I have seen. Light, though not quite as light as an ultralight. 6. Efficiency. This of course is the ultimate test. I have used the AT on numerous timed 2 hour, 8 NM tours. I don't have an instrument to measure efficiency. But I am clearly less tired by far with the AT than with any of my other paddles. Elapsed times are the same, but with the AT I am ready for more at the end. Jerry *************************************************************************** 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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