Ah! Looking for Mister Goodboat! I own a Mariner Coaster and the Arctic Hawk [Wilderness Systems]. They are each delightful boats in their own way but, like all boats, each has its liabilities and assets. I affixed a small skeg [11 sq"] to the AH which pretty much neutralizes weathercocking without significantly messing with maneuverability but the boat still has a broaching tendency on the short, steep seas that we often encounter here in Sandy Hook and Barnegat Bay. The Coaster just loves these conditions; she's a genuine 'sturm boot'. On the other hand, the Coaster's course in a following sea can be described as 'sepentine' and its short waterline limits its top end [speed] which can be frustrating when running against a strong tidal flow. I really like Mariner Kayaks.Their construction is as good as I've seen, better than most. Mariner design incorporates an integral skeg in their hulls with a sliding seat option for trimming weight in crosswinds and following seas. Hatches are optional; a good thing if you hate the clutter of straps, buckles and rubbermaid lids on the foredeck. Damned excrescences! I think if I had to settle on just one boat, it might be the Mariner Express LP. At 16 LOA, I think the Express would probably trim well enough without the sliding seat thus lightening the boat by about six pounds [though I haven't made up my mind about this,yet]. I could be talking myself into this. Anyone interested in a used Arctic Hawk - Coaster combo John *************************************************************************** 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 Thu Mar 11 1999 - 09:08:03 PST
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