[Paddlewise] Buying a boat

Hello to all on Paddlewise:

I'm new to Paddlewise and I'd like to say hi and give myself a brief 
introduction.  I'm originally from northern Wisconsin and currently live in 
Madison, where I am an avid sea kayaker, whitewater kayaker and 
canoeist.  Along with my full-time job working for the University of 
Wisconsin-Madison, I also work part-time at one of the largest paddlesport 
shops in America.  It is due to my experience working with lots of boat 
buyers that I would like to give my two cents on a past posting.

When I was shopping and agonizing endlessly about such details, someone on
usenet gave me the best advice I'd heard from anyone -- "Buy the boat you
like."

Too often have I seen people come into the store and purchase the sea kayak 
that "feels the best".  I feel it's important to iterate that when you boat 
shop, be sure to purchase the boat you like best, not which boat has the 
best cockpit.  I've had lots of customers explain to me what they're 
looking for in a touring kayak, only to go with a lesser boat because it 
"feels" more comfortable.  Then they get it on the water and it performs in 
no way like what he/she was looking for.  My humble advice is to be sure 
that the boat handles and performs the way you want it to.  Cockpits can be 
altered and made "comfy" on any boat (within reason!) but the hull of a 
boat is forever formed.

Other than that, Paddlewise looks great!  Hope you all have a great holiday 
season.

Mark
___________________________________
Mark Mastalski, Assistant Director
Cooperative Education & Internship Program
University of Wisconsin - Madison
1415 Engineering Drive, Room 1150
Madison, WI  53706-1619
(608) 262-7504
www.engr.wisc.edu/services/ecs


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