Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again

> 
> I'm going to get flamed for this one ... oh well here I go:
  
  I'm not going to flame, but I am going to disagree with you
  on a few points.

>   I think the words top of the line and plastic are oxymorons.  

  Since I am the one that used the phrase I used "top of the
  line" as a limiter in the context of plastic boats.  One could
  just as easily say that top of the line fiberglass is an
  oxymoron because of the superior attributes of a kevlar layup.

> If you are
> just starting out or want to pound the heck out of your kayak (or you are a
> white water  buff), go plastic.
  
  In the context of this thread the person looking for a boat essentially
  *was* starting out.  It should also be noted that he asked first
  about glass boats and I gave several recommendations and he has since
  decided to look at plastic boats as well.

>   In all other cases I would recommend fiberglass or kevlar.  I would
> recommend you get a good, used glass boat over a "top of the line"
> tupperware boat any day of the week.
  
  The use of the term "tupperware" smacks a bit of elitism but I
  can think of several days of the week when a plastic boat might
  be preferable.

  A plastic boat has a couple of distinct advantages over a 
  fiberglass boat.

  First as you already eluded to, a plastic boat is likely to
  suffer less damage in environments where one is likely to
  encounter rocks.  That should also include sharp shells,
  coral reefs, or anyplace else one might land a kayak.  While
  a scratched plastic boat might inhibit performance, a
  close encounter in a glass boat and a rocky shoreline might
  result in much more severe damage (read: a broken kayak).  A 
  less experienced paddler is more likely going to inadvertantly
  run into things than someone with the skills to manoever well.
  On that day of the week, a plastic boat would be a better
  choice for a inexperienced paddler.

  Second, a plastic boat is typically much less inexpensive
  than a glass boat.  It's pretty easy to understand why
  an experienced kayaker would recommend a glass boat.  Experienced
  kayaker are typically hooked on the sport.  Since they love
  the sport price become less of an issue.  ALthough it happens
  fairly rarely there is a chance that someone just starting
  out *might* not fall in love with the sport like the rest
  of us have.  Suggesting someone spend $1500-$2500 on a fiberglass
  for a hobby they're not absolutely sure they're going become
  passionate about is a bit silly.

  I don't know about anyone else, but I just don't paddle
  touring kayaks.  I also have a whitewater boat and a 
  canoe.  I am also not rich.  If I spent $2500 on a top of
  the line touring boat, I wouldn't be able to afford the canoe
  and the ww boat.  On top of that, paddling isn't my only
  passion.  I also have 9 flyfishing rods and all the associated
  equipment,  three pairs of snow skis,  about six sets
  of darts, and a ever grown music collection.  I would
  imagine that *most* people have more than one hobby and
  that most people aren't rich.

>   A glass boat is lighter, has better water-tight seams, and will paddle
> much smoother than any plastic boat.  This is particularly true after a
> plastic boat gets some good scratches in the hull.  Save your money and
> spend it on glass, you won't regret it.  And if you can't wait to buy, look
> at a good used glass boat.
  
  There seems to be a common presumption that we all live in an
  area where "good used glass boats" are readily available.  For
  the long time kayaker driving 500 miles or more to look at a
  kayak or go to a symposium doesn't seem like a big deal.  For
  the first time buyer it is.  The longer the first time buyer
  waits for their first boat the less time they'll have gaining
  experience.

  If the first time buyer is like most of us, the first kayak
  they buy will not be their last.  There are a lot of really
  good touring boats available in plastic that will satisify
  their needs and won't restrict their learning curve.  

  All that said, when I bought my first kayak I chose a plastic
  recreational boat.  I had it about three weeks before I
  started looking for something better and found a used fiberglass
  VCP Skerray about 6 hours away from here.  But I also live
  a block and a half from the put-in to a 40 mile long lake
  and every hobby that I get involved it I go all the way.  I
  don't just flyfish.  I tie all my own flies and have built
  several rods.  I don't just ski recreationally;  I raced
  for a corporate team for several years.  I don't play darts;
  I have competed in tournaments all over the country against
  world ranked players.  When I decided to get into sea
  kayaking there was a pretty good indication that I would
  enter the sport with the same passion.  I also realize
  that what boat is right for me isn't going to be right
  for everyone.

--
John Fereira
jaf30_at_cornell.edu
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