Re: [Paddlewise] Express vs II

>
>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.

Nick,
I am not deciding between the Express and II.  Already have the Express.  I
want the II as well.  The II is one of the few narrow boats in which I feel
completely comfortable in rough water.  For travelling I prefer boats that
are less playful and don't require many corrective strokes even in wind.  I
believe that the II will be better in this regard than the Express.  But I
am a big fan of all Mariners.

>When I go paddling with
>my freind who paddles a II,  I have to work to keep up.


This is another reason I want the II.  It may not have the top speed of
racing boats but it seems very efficient to me in the 4 to 5 knot range.

>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?).

Yes, moving the seat helps greatly in following seas or surf.  But it also
greatly helps in side wind and beam seas.  I can tune it such that almost no
corrective strokes are required to travel in a straight line.  Most of the
time I don't move it at all.  But when conditions warrant it is a great
energy saver.  If it were more comfortable I would have already bought a II.
Many II and Express users have fixed seats (which are lighter and more
comfortable) and have no trouble.  But I don't think trouble is the issue.
It is much more pleasant not to bother with corrective strokes at all.  I
use both non-ruddered and ruddered boats.  But I don't enjoy non ruddered
boats that require extra work in wind.  The sliding seat makes everything
that much better in this respect.

Jerry

Jerry

Jerry

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