RE: [Paddlewise] Seaward Kayaks

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Robert Woodard [mailto:woodardr_at_tidalwave.net]
> Sent: Monday, August 30, 1999 3:36 PM
> To: Paddlewise
> Subject: [Paddlewise] Seaward Kayaks
> 
> 
> Has anyone on the list paddled any of the Seaward kayaks, 
> specifically the
> Quest and Ascente? I'm very interested in both but the (only) 
> local retailer
> is not wanting to let me try them before I buy. I think I can 
> make him a
> serious offer on the condition I try the one I'm most 
> interested in, but I
> don't know which one that should be.
> 
> I'm 5' 10" and ~195 lbs. Any suggestions?
> 
Hi Robert,

  I've had a Seaward Ascente' for about 4 or 5 years now.  I'm a bit smaller
than you, 5'7" and ~ 150 lbs.  The cockpit always feels big to me - I like
the smaller tighter fit of my Skerray better.  The Ascente' is currently
living in my living room where it is being customized with a new seat and
other foam.  I do like the way it handles, although unloaded it does have a
tendency to weathercock, but nothing drastic.  It can be a bit wet when
paddling into the waves, but that can be a plus or a minus depending on the
paddler - I like it!  For me it tends to track much more than the Skerray -
a plus when tripping, but not much good for playing in the waves, I just
can't turn it very quickly - my first surfing attempts with it made me
thankful for my whitewater experience as I side-surfed many times that day.
  The hatches are huge and make for easy packing and the rudder assembly is
perhaps one of the best designs I've seen on a kayak, although I believe
that Seaward has changed things a bit back there in the intervening years.
No recessed deck fittings - a minus - and the bow and stern toggles aren't
ideally placed. The glass work is good - no sloppy work there. 
  My final opinion - anybody want to buy a used Ascente?  My next boat will
probably be a Mariner.
  No real help on the Quest, just anecdotal stuff from a buddy who had one. 

Dave Seng
Juneau, Alaska
 
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