[Paddlewise] Advice

Hi, 

I'm new to the list and noticed its pretty active.  Seems there are quite a
few knowledgeable kayakers out there and wondered if I could get some
advice.  I'm not sure if I should be posting this kind of question, forgive
me if that's the case.

Here goes...I am new to the sport, have only been out about 4 times this
year but I love it!  Its all I can think about, I even dream about it these
days =) Now I want to buy a boat and am growing impatient.  I have been
doing research but am at a loss, thing is, I with little experience and
soooo many boats to choose from I have no idea how/what to choose.  Everyone
says trying boats is the best way, makes perfect sense, but I have somewhat
limited access and knowledge as to what boats to even try.  

Course you need more info =)  To give you some help - I'm about 5'5", 115
pounds and I live in Nova Scotia, Canada.  I would be doing mostly sea
kayaking, some island hopping and coastal touring.  Mostly day tripping but
I hope to get into some overnight ventures so I'd need storage room.  I've
rented a Boreal Designs Muktuk once and have paddled a friend's Wilderness
Systems Sealoution II the rest of the times I've been out - yeah, all three
of em ;)  I've been told numerous times that the Sealoution II is too big a
boat for me.  I did notice I had to paddle like crazy to keep up with
others, I felt 'lost' in the cockpit and like I was constantly fighting with
the boat (it was pretty windy and wavy so inexperience was probably a factor
too)  I've recently taken out a P&H Capella and a Prijon Seayak.  The
Capella was nice, lighter and smaller than the Sealoution, a bit tippy but
I'm sure I would get used to it.  The Seayak was nice, fit much better than
the Sealoution as well, but it had no rudder (which I could get for $200 but
don't want to rely on) and I noticed some weather cocking.  

HELP!  I'm looking for an intermediate to expert boat that I can 'grow into'
so I won't have to buy again in the very near future (which I think would be
the case if I got say, a Muktuk)  I don't have any idea what boat to try
next.  Should I buy new or used, does it really matter?  Suggestions??  Any
help/advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Would love to hear from anyone in the area that kayaks!

Thanks in advance,
Mari Roach
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