Re: [Paddlewise] SOTs uber Alles

From:           	rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
Date sent:      	Wed, 24 Feb 1999 10:08:02 -0800
To:             	paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subject:        	[Paddlewise] SOTs uber Alles

> 
> Hmmm, this thing regarding sit-on-tops is getting to be an interesting
> conversation.
> 

As usual, Ralph is getting us into some interesting stuff.  Without 
rehashing the whole deal, a few points.

-  SOTs are fun, durable, interesting in surf, and generally good 
exercise.  
-  My Ocean Kayak "Scrambler" has two VCP-like hatches made 
by Gaspachi which allow a reasonable amount of stuff in small and 
long drybags to be stowed internally.  

-  The thigh straps allow the same at-one-with-the-boat experience 
that I can get in my claustrophobia-inducing VCP Pintail, and make 
it very easy to roll the boat for "roto-cooling" while paddling in cold 
water in a dry suit.  The back support --- the cheapie version on my 
boat --- along with the thigh straps, allows me to crash around in 
bumpy stuff without being dumped out if a large wave were to catch 
me frontally.  But if I were to be knocked out of the boat in surf --- 
not that that's ever happend, of course --- I could simply bounce 
back onto the boat, slide into the straps and start paddling. 

-  The "cockpit" is self-bailing, and needs no pump.

Yeah, it's noisy and clattery in chop, and it doesn't have the 
visceral appeal of a Julia Robert or of a Sealution --- agreed on both 
points! --- but it's a viable option and a nice addition to anyone's 
fleet at $400!

Jack Martin
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