Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again

> 
> John,
> 
>   Thanks for your comments.  It's nice when folks can disagree and be polite
> about it!  The last point I want to make in this thread concerns cost.
> I don't think you have to be rich to paddle fiberglass.  I see many ads for
> good, used fiberglass boats (often with all the accessories included!) at
> around $1,000.   This is about the price you will pay for a top of the line
> plastic boat.
  
  Depends on what you consider top-of-the-line.  Actually most of
  the plastic boats that I consider top of the line are in the
  $1200 range.  It's rare to see a top of the line glass boat
  used even in that range.

>    However, the distinction is that most folks who like kayaking will
> quickly outgrow their beginner plastic boat (assuming it wasn't purchased
> for rocky paddling or white water paddling).    By contrast, a good glass
> boat will keep pace with their improving skills much longer.

  I agree that a "beginner" plastic boat will restrict ones ability
  to improve.  I can think of quite a few plastic boats that a
  beginner could paddle for several years before outgrowing it.  The
  Necky Looksha,  P&H Capella, VCP Skerray RM, and several others
  are going to keep pace with virtually anyone learning curve during 
  for at least a few years.  Frankly, I just can't see anyone outgrowing
  some of the top of the line plastic boats available in less than
  three or so years.  At that point I would certainly see an upgrade
  to a glass boat.

> 
>    I didn't meant to sound disparaging when I used the term "tupperware",
> please accept my apologies.
  
  No offense taken.  I am aware that it's a commonly used description
  but, to me, it sounds a bit elitist.

>   Also, in this day and age, good used glass boats ARE readily available.
> Just check out the CPA newsletter, the local papers and the internet
> newsgroups.  In one weekend, I traveled from Washington, D.C. and sold my
> kayak in New York, and picked up a "new" used kayak in Philadelphia!  Yes,
> it was a lot of traveling, but it was well worth it!  (BTW, I bought and
> sold these boats through the internet).
  
  Those are all three major cities.  I'm sure I'm not the only one
  that "lives in the boonies".  There are only two kayak shops (one
  owned by a friend of mine is only a month old) in my town.  The
  next closest is over an hour away and their selection isn't
  any better.  It's a 3-4 hour drive to the nearest shop that 
  carries a "decent" selection.  That doesn't seem like much to
  someone that has been paddling for awhile but for a beginner
  it's a bit daunting.

  BTW, I also found my fiberglass boat through the internet
  (as well as my ww boat, and my paddles).  Since I don't own
  a car I took a 4 1/2 bus ride to NYC, than an hour train ride
  to the shop.  I wouldn't have traveled that far if I was unsure
  that I was really going to *like* sea kayaking.

--
John Fereira
jaf30_at_cornell.edu
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