I'm a novice paddler, trying to compile a list of kayaks to try out for possible purchase on my next trip to the closest substantial dealer, which means a 2+ hour drive, and I'm hoping I can get a little advice here. I'm 49 years old, not terribly athletic but not exactly frail, 5' 2", and want a sea kayak for day touring and possible weekend trips in intracoastal waterways, bays, and some rivers. My budget hovers around $1000, and I already have a terrific paddle, PFD, and other safety equipment, so I only need a boat. My list so far includes the CD Breeze, the Perception Catalina, and I'm thinking of adding the Wilderness Systems Shaman. (The dealer also sells Necky and Dagger boats, but I don't know much about them.) By the way, I will be comparing these to the old Perception Chinook NW that I've been paddling for most of my novitiate--I'm looking for something with essentially the same characteristics, but somewhat shorter and lighter so I can handle it more easily on land. So, any thoughts on the three on my list so far? Any possible additions, from the boat makers I have to choose from? Thanks for any advice. --JJ *************************************************************************** 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. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
At 07:54 PM 8/20/2002 -0400, JHYoung000_at_aol.com wrote: >I'm a novice paddler, trying to compile a list of kayaks to try out for >possible purchase on my next trip to the closest substantial dealer, which >means a 2+ hour drive <snip> my price range is about $1000 Definitely try and find a used boat. I know it won't be as pretty as a brand spankin' new boat. That way you can figure out what you do and don't like for when you trade up for a shiny new boat. I know of at least 2 stores that take trade-ins. Five of my last 6 boat purchases I got used,. 2 via a newsgroup and one from a website listing used paddling gear in my area (in the Northeast US http://www.npmb.com, and http://www.nspn.org both have used boat listings) You mention you'll be comparing everything against a Chinook. The Chinook is one of the solo sea kayaks I've enjoyed the least of those I've paddled, trying new boats should be joy. kirk *************************************************************************** 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. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
On Tuesday, August 20, 2002, at 4:54:12 PM PST, JHYoung000_at_aol.com wrote: > I'm a novice paddler, trying to compile a list of kayaks to try out > for possible purchase... I'll second Kirk's suggestion of looking into a used boat. I also agree with him about the Chinook...I think you'll be able to find boats you like more than that one. You can often get a better used boat for the price of a lesser new one. In any event, a used boat in good condition can save you lots of money over the same boat purchased new. When I bought my first boat (Current Designs Caribou), I wanted something that I could feel comfortable with right away, and also grow into as my skills developed. I've been very happy with that purchase. I paddled as many boats as I could find in the three months prior to the purchase of the Caribou. Another thing to consider along the lines of growing into a boat... As your skills quickly develop, the types of waters and conditions you'll want to experience will likely expand as well...so you might want a boat that can take you further than you might imagine just now. If there are any rental places near you, I would recommend visiting all of them and trying as many different boats as possible (even if they're not in your price/experience range...just to get an idea of what's possible). Once you find some boats you're really interested in, here's another source for finding used boats online: http://www.paddling.net/ On that site, you can search boats for sale by region. Enjoy your paddling! :-) Melissa -- PGP public keys: mailto:pgp_keys_at_gmx.co.uk?subject=0x46C29887&Body=Please%20send%20keys *************************************************************************** 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. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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