[Paddlewise] Boat color

John MacKechnie wrote:
>SNIP

>Since your very familiar with Kleppers et al. How long do the red decks last
>before they pink out? I really like red for visability, but kin general, red
>dyes seem to fade rather quickly. I've never seen a red Klepper with a few
>years on it. Any thoughts.

Then Ralp Diaz responded:

SNIP
                                                                                             But 
I have not seen a
>Klepper deck faded to pink.  I did see a Feathercraft turn that color.  They
>were once offering a nice magenta but they dropped it because of the quick
>fading to pink.  I am confident enough of my masculinity in a magenta boat
>but not in a pink!  :-)


Dear Ralph, John, et al,

Considering only visibility, magenta and pink might be superior to red and 
thus more desirable, however maybe not in a faded condition.  I used to 
think that, having the color choice on a new boat purchase, I would choose 
to get my favorite red (or perhaps candy apple red on a hard shell).  Along 
the way, my wife acquired a red decked boat and I was very disappointed at 
how well it stood out.  Granted this is my perception, however I found her 
boat didn't offer much contrast to the water, especially in low light 
conditions.

Commando camping aside, I think getting a high visibility boat is most 
desirable.  If I ever get to choose the color, I think I shall go for 
yellow, especially if it's a folder.

What are other people's opinions/experience?

Bill Leonhardt

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