Re: [Paddlewise] Need you advise, help, suggestion on how to proceed

> 
> Hi
> 
> 
>    Need some advice, suggestions, whatever words of wisdom on how to proceed.
> I have been interested in purchasing a kayak and have decided on a fiberglass
> one.  For the last month, I have been doing a lot of research on all the
> models available and have identified some models I would like to consider.
  
I believe I may have responed to you on R.B.P. but I'll go ahead and
do it again here.  First of all there are a couple of bits of information
that would be helpful if anyone is going to make some recommendations.
How much sea kayaking experience do you have.  Some of the boats you
might be considering (or should be) might not be appropriate for your
current and intended skill level.  Second, and equally important, is
a disclosure of your height and weight.  There are many models which
are designed for larger or smaller volume paddlers.  It won't do any
good to ask for recommendations about, say, a Current Designs Slipstream
if you wouldn't fit into it.  Finally, what kinds of conditions do you
mostly plan on paddling?  Some boats work real well for playing around
in surf, while others are designed for long distances.

> 
> The problems I am having are:
> 
> 
> 1. Not being able to find stores carrying some of the vendors  I am interested
> in that are within  1-2 hour drive. I currently live about a hours drive from
> both Jacksonville, Fla. and Savannah, Ga.
  
I hear ya.  Up until a little over a month ago there was only one kayak
vendor in the town where I live (and they only carried two vendors) and
there really isn't anything with a better selection within two hours. I
ended up going to central New Jersey to buy my first touring boat. My
recommendation would be to check for local shops in your destination
area everytime you do any traveling.

> 2. What I almost always run into are  stores carrying some of the vendors I am
> interested in, but seldom have the particular models I am considering.  Before
> making a purchase I definitely want to try out the kayak.  What I am finding
> is some stores say they can order the model I want to purchase and will let me
> try out a different demo model with similar characteristics, size etc.
  
It's nice if you can find a store that carries every model from every
vendor that you might want to try out.  A friend of mine just opened
the *second* kayak shop in town (Ithaca, NY) and it takes awhile to
build up a stock.  New kayaks, especially fiberglass layups, aren't
cheap, even for proprietors of kayak shops.  At the very least, you
should at least sit in the model you're considering to make sure it
fits you.  A test paddle is highly recommended as well.

> 3. I have been able to find some stores that carry a model I am interested in
> but they are hesitant in letting me try it out since it is not a demo model
> and I am not ready to buy right then.

I can understand this.  My friend carries the Seaward line and bought
an Endeavor as well as several of their other models.  He was considering
keeping the Endeavor as a personal boat and took it out last weekend.  Even
though he tried to be careful he managed to put a couple of scratches on
the deck while entering it for the first time when the boat slipped under
a dock.  New proprietors just cannot afford to have a brand new >$2000
boat scratched up during a demo paddle.  Carrying a "demo" boat for every
model from multiple vendors can get very expensive.

> What I need is your advice, suggestion on how might proceed to find
> vendor/models I would like to check out.  Any one know of any store in South
> East USA ie Georgia,
> North Fla., N.C., S.C. that carry some of the kayaks listed below  and have a
> good selection and also have models to try out.
> 
> Am I wrong wanting to try out a model before I buy or should I try out a
> similar model?  I have been looking for a local kayak expo, show in the S.E.
> but just missed the one in Charleston.
  
I suggested kayaking symposiums before.  Consider going to one even if
it's *not* local.  I'm going back to the LL Bean sysmposium in Castine,
Maine (July 9-11) again this year because I had such a good time last
year.  All of the vendors you listed below were there with most of
their product line available for demo.  There are also a lot of good
seminars and classes taught by world class paddlers.  Watch for demo
days from paddling shops as well. Last weekend I went to one and was
able to try out almost all of the Current Designs boats.
> 
> Vendor/Model considering are:
> 
> Current Design:  Solstice Series
  
Also consider the Gulfstream/Slipstream, the Caribou, and their
newest design, the Extreme.  I personally prefer the last two
over the others although I really like the way Gulfstream I don't
like the way it fits me.
  
> Dagger: Sitka, Meridian, Latitude

The Meridian is a really fine boat but I haven't paddled the 
others but the Latitude looks real interesting.

> Eddyline( Can't find store carrying this line in surrounding area) 
  
The Falcon 18 seems to be popular but I've never paddle one.

> Necky: Any  Model
  
The Looksha IV is a real nice boat if it fits you.  The Arluk III
is also worth a look.  Again, which of these would be best for
you depends on the criteria I described above.

> Northwest: Can't find store carrying this line in surrounding area
  
They're mostly out on the west coast but Mountain Man Outdoors
in Inlet, NY (mountainmanoutdoors.com) carries them.  I have
no experience with them.

> P&H : any model
  
Try the Capella, the Orion, and the Sirius.  I think I recall
someone mentioning a place in Florida that carries them.  

> Seaward: Can't find store in surrounding area
  
OBplug:  My friend carries the Seaward line.  After seeing them
in the shop I'm dying to paddle them.  I'll probably be able
to give his Endeavor a try this weekend.  If you're up this
way let me know and you can take a look and try out a couple of
these fine kayaks.  They have a lot of really nice features.

> Valley Canoe:
  
Depending on your ability you can try anything from the Skerray
(that's what I've got) to a Nordkapp.  The Anas Acuta, Pintail,
and Aquilla are all nice boats as well.  Most of the places
that I've found that carry the VCP boats also carry the NDK
(Nigel Dennis Kayaks) boats.  The Romany 16 and Romany 18 (explorer)
are *definately* worth checking out.  If I could only have 1 touring
boat (and I could afford replacing mine) I would get a Romany 18.

Jersey Paddler carries VCP boats and almost all of the others on
your list.  They have have a good demo program where you can try
three boats for $15 or something like that.

> Wilderness Systems: Shenia, Solution Models
  
Also check out the Arctic Hawk and if you're small the Sparrow Hawk.
I've paddled my friends Arctic Hawk quite a bit lately and the more
I do, the more I like it.  It's a bit tippy for a beginner though.

Just to confuse you a bit more...
 
Seda makes some nice glass boats and somehow managed to be able
to sell them for quite a bit less than most other vendors.  The
Viking, Impulse, and Glider are worth looking at.

Mariner makes some nice boats and I'm not just saying that because
the designer reads this list.

Finally, have you considered building a wood boat?

Chesapeake Light Craft and Pygmy are two companies that have some
very nice stitch-n-glue kits that require no woodworking experience
to build a very nice and beautiful boat.

--
John Fereira
jaf30_at_cornell.edu
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