Re: [Paddlewise] New Member

If you've got a source for Prijon boats I would highly recommend trying the
Catalina. It's a bit smaller than the Seayak (a shade over 15', about 23"
wide) and a whole lot lighter (44 lbs. vs. 58 lbs.). Other advantages over
the Seayak: (1) it will most likely fit you better (it fits me great; I'm
5'9", 145lbs.), and (2) it handles much better. The Seayak, in my
experience, has a strong weathercocking tendency; the Catalina does not. The
smaller size and hard-chine hull make the Catalina very maneuverable while
still tracking well . . . I don't have a rudder on my Catalina and have
never felt I needed one.

The only downsides to the Catalina vs. the Seayak are the size (if you're
looking to pack in enough gear for multi-week trips) and the initial
stability (a bit lower in the Catalina -- the secondary stability is very
good in both boats).

Rob

>
> Date: Wed, 18 Sep 2002 13:44:00 -0400
> From: "Roger Lumb" <lumb_at_email.wcu.edu>
> Subject: [Paddlewise] New Member
>
> Hi-
> I just joined this group and after reading some of the discussions I'm not
sure this is the right forum for my questions, but here goes anyway:
> I have done quite a bit of time in a canoe and have been in recreational
kayaks but I want to get into sea kayaking along the Atlantic
coast...southeastern barrier islands and eventually Maine.  I am 5' 7" 135
lb and have looked at alot of sea kayaks.  Each dealer seems to think that
whatever they have on the shelf is perfect for me but I'm not so sure!  I
have seen a Seayak by Prijon and like its lines alot and am wondering if
this would be a good way to go.  Any advice would be appreciated.
> Roger Lumb
>
>
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