Well, Spring has finally Sprung here in the PNW (I think, the sun/rain/snow/hail day a couple of weeks ago really confused my rhodies....), and it's time for me to complete my kayak shopping experience. This has been a great, extended fact-finding mission - I think we're at the year-and-a-half mark. (Work somehow keeps getting in the way....) Anyway, a little background before I solicit the audience for participation. Boat characteristics: glass (kevlar?) around 16', will be used primarily for gunkholing, maybe surfing the occasional windwave or powerboat wake, perhaps the occasional overnighter (gear load not essential, come from a backpacking background), interested in nimbleness and quickness (think sports car), no rudder, retractable skeg ok, good tracking but not too stiff, good construction My characteristics (as they relate to paddling!): on the smaller side (5' 9", 160lbs), novice, athletic, not intimidated by low initial stability, looking for something I can "grow into" but still enjoy on the way there, will be paddling in PNW (Puget Sound, San Juans, etc), likely paddling with empty load (boats which require 190+ lbs to perform well won't suit me nicely) I've tried out many boats, but as a novice paddler they somewhat begin to feel the same after awhile (at least the ones that are similar in size and fit). Did the West Coast SK Symposium last Fall and tried just about every non-ruddered (and a couple of ruddered) boat on the beach. Must have been tiring - by the last boat my notes are something like "ehhh"! As a result, I think I've narrowed it down to a very short list (feel free to suggest off-list boats if you want), but haven't been able to test them all side-by-side (unfortunately). Also, I know my skills are nowhere near deep enough to really get even half of their characteristics out of these boats, so that's why I'm soliciting opinions. From previous review threads and boat design threads, I fully realize that that's all these will be - opinions, and likely biased towards what you like. That's ok, bring it on! :^) Especially interested in direct comparisons if you can make those - even better if you've paddled two or more of these boats for a long length of time (they've all been on the market for awhile). Also on the opinions - outfitting advice is wanted too! If the deck rigging is inadequate, skeg control annoying, hatches/bulkheads cause problems, etc I want to hear about it! Finally, since one of the boats is a Mariner - Matt, please feel free to send me your comments back-channel if you'd prefer. I've been to your shop many times over the past year (you might even remember me - my wife and I tried out almost every boat you've got in the back last Fall. BTW, she loves the Coaster and we'll at least be getting one of those. Fits her great!) but haven't solicited your opinion on these other specific models yet. It's a long way from Vashon to Lake Union! Boats, in order of perceived preference (with notes) 1a. Mariner Express - like this boat a lot, but seem to remember feeling "loose" in the cockpit. need to sit in one again. really liked the quickness of stop to go (felt light, glided well when stop paddling), turned well with my poor attempts at carving, reportedly tracks well. (Tried to get into the Elan, but was too tight. Another reason I think I may be mis-remembering about the fit of the Express.) 1b. Eddyline Nighthawk 16 (in modulus) - first boat I tried at symposium, seemed to fit well and felt "light" and maneuverable. best liked at symposium (no Mariner presence), but didn't like it as much at the end of the day (after trying all the other boats). Knucklebuster for skeg control? are rubber hatches good? 2. Impex Montauk - seemed very similar to Nighthawk, but perhaps less build quality? unsure about hatch system, toggles padeyes are screwed in 3. Kajak Sport Viking - tried this in comparison to Necky boats and some Boreal, liked it better then, but not as much during symposium. recessed fitting for skeg control seems good. Notes on some other boats I didn't like so much: CD Slipstream - felt too unstable CD Caribous S - too stiff tracking Boreal Ellesmere - too unstable, especially when at rest (V hull wanted to cock to one side constantly), poor back support Heard good things about but haven't tried: NDK Romany 16 VCP Avocet (not sure if FG available) Sorry this became so long, I couldn't figure out how to shorten it up. Thanks VERY much for any and all input! --Jason Pringle Vashon, WA *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. 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