[Paddlewise] Seaward

Robert,

I would not buy a boat that I had only tried once.  You need to paddle
the boat when there is some wind and a bit of wave action.  I once
paddled a boat that seemed to be perfect in every way on a calm day, but
when I took this boat out on a windy day I discovered that it
weathercocked badly enough for me to reject the design without
hesitation.   The following year the manufacturer of the boat added a
drop-down skeg to this model.  If you are an experienced paddler you may
be able to decide whether you like the boat or not fairly promptly
(assuming you try it in strong wind at least once), but if you are
relatively inexperienced you probably won't be sure about the boat until
you have paddled it for months.  I have only talked to one Seward Kayak
owner; he had just purchased the boat and when I asked him how he liked
it he said he wasn't sure yet.  He seemed to have no trouble rolling it,
and we paddled in fairly strong winds (15 knots) that day as well.  He
seemed to be getting around fine.  The seaward boat seemed like it might
be on the tender side, even in company with a bunch of Brittish boats.
I don't remember which model it was.

I would ask myself why the retailer is so eager to get rid of these
boats ($650 is a big discount) but unwilling to let you try them.  Sure,
the dealer doesn't want them scratched up, but it is absurd to expect
you to choose one without letting you paddle both of them at least
twice.  If you really must have a seaward then drive to the place that
is three states away and try some boats.

What other boats does this retailer carry?  What else is available in
your area?  What do your freinds paddle?  Call Sea Kayaker magasine and
see if you can get a back issue with a review of one of the Seaward
boats.

Nick

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