Re: [Paddlewise] ocean cockpit

Jim Farrelly <jfarrelly5_at_comcast.net> wrote:
>I am considering buying a used Valley Pintail with an ocean 
>cockpit.  I have never used an ocean cockpit. 

"Michael Daly" <michaeldaly_at_rogers.com> wrote:
>I have an ocean cockpit on my Ellesmere.  I would not recommend it for

> the average paddler.

>I find it helps make people think you're a Serious Paddler :-)

I would have to agree with Michael.  I traded one of my S&G boats to a
lady in my paddling club for the summer.  In return, I got the use of
an older VCP Selkie.  Her husband disliked the ocean cockpit, and I
attributed it mostly to age/stiffness.

The Selkie isn't VCP's best design, but its most annoying asset is the
ocean cockpit.  It's a 24" wide boat, and I prefer to use my Guillemot.
So...for my loaner, I've been taking people out in the Selkie.  Not a
good idea.  It takes a lot longer, and adds a lot of anxiety to a wet
exit (in average paddlers).

If you are a somewhat skilled paddler, and are interested in more
traditional paddling techniques, go for it.  If you like to trade boats
with your paddling partners, or ever want to use this as your second or
loaner boat (not as likely with a Pintail--you'll likely stay with it
as one of your primary boats!), then don't buy it.

Glass is great stuff--VCP has good quality control--boats are somewhat
heavy, but well made.  Look at a good 20-30 year life for a glass boat
that isn't abused.

shawn

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