[Paddlewise] Andomeda

I usually don't pay too much attention to boat comparisons mentioned on
this list, as they are somewhat irrelevant to me (though I faithfully
read all posts). My next boat would likely be a Romany anyway, when
someone finally builds a lighter but as strong North American version.

Anyway, someone new to Paddlewise backchanneled me asking advice about
the CD Andromeda. It is a fairly new boat, with not much of a following
yet. The only discussion I remember was a few negative comments by Steve
at Adlercreek. While I always give credence to everything that Steve
says, I also realize boat comparisons and likes/dislikes are almost
wholly subjective. Steve mentioned, from my best recollection (note that
statement please) that he felt the Andomeda was released a bit too early
by CD, before full refinement (I assume in terms of hull configuration/
characteristics, etc.).

The Andromeda has been highlighted in no less that Popular Mechanics,
and is receiving a bit of attention from other sources. What interests
me in particular, is that the kayak doesn't seem dissimilar to the hull
of the Cirrus (Derek's design from P&H). While there were probably some
minor refinements, the main improvement would be the vacuum bag
manufacturing and the improved North American deck. The boat is
certainly stiff enough, and can always be bought with more reinforcing
if the customer really needs it. I've heard of folks from Arabia paying
three grand to have it shipped ASAP, so someone really likes this boat.

I paddled for years with Doug Alderson and a mutual friend called Tom,
who owned a Cirrus. We paddled in every imaginable condition on open
ocean waters. I know what the Cirrus can and can't do, where its
strength and weaknesses lie. Its not a bad boat at all in a blow or
rough seas for the paddler that can take care of themselves (as opposed
to a kayak that can take care of you) so I'm curious about Steve's
remarks, and was wondering if there were other comments about this boat.
I do know Tom eventually sold the Cirrus for a Gulfstream 2001.

BTW, my ex-GP is moving from his CD Extreme to a  CD Gulfstream 2002. (I
find the Gulfstream a bit too wide for me, but easier to bring back on
course once off-track than the Cirrus -- or Nordkapp). Seems like a lot
of folks in Victoria are paddling the Gulfstream. Maybe there will be a
club for them one day  :-)

Help appreciated,

Doug Lloyd
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