Re: [Paddlewise] Express vs II

"Have you ever paddled the II
in similar windy conditions, unloaded?  I wonder if it would be as easy
to
manage as the Express is."

Jerry,

I paddled somebody elses sliding seat Mariner II fairly often over a
period of several years before I got my own boat.  I had a hard time
choosing between the II and the Express.  The Express is easier to
maneuver in wind simply because it is shorter.  The II does well though,
and it is faster.  I can't tell you which one to get.  I  am more
comfortable in the Express in wind than I used to be in the II, but I
have put in many many more miles in the Express now, so that may be
why.   I want  the II, the Express, and the Coaster, but I could only
afford one, so I picked the one in the middle.  I was also influenced by
an experienced paddler who had both a II and an Express;  he used the II
for recreational class racing, but when he paddled with others, or when
he took long trips, paddling in surf zones and so forth, he would take
the Express because it handled better in waves.  My opinion is that
neither boat will hold you back, you just have to pick between
emphasizing speed or emphasizing maneuvering.  When I go paddling with
my freind who paddles a II,  I have to work to keep up.

Now I have a question for you.  Do you find that sliding the seat all
the way back gives noticeably better downwind handling in the Express?
My seat is fixed but I can't help wondering. . .   Do you move the seat
around much?  Or do you usually leave the seat in one spot (and if so,
which spot?).

Nick Lyle

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