Re: [Paddlewise] New Member

On Thursday, September 19, 2002, at 9:09:06 AM PST, Dave Kruger wrote:

> At your dimensions, consider "smaller" boats. The ones Wes Boyd
> mentioned are good benchmarks for comparing to any possible
> purchase.

Another very nice boat for smaller paddlers is the Mariner Elan.
Mariner boats have a pretty unique hull design, and handle very
nicely...without the need for a rudder or retractable skeg.

[Roger...there's a member of this list who knows just about all there
is to know about Mariner boats, and he may be willing to discuss their
merits with you back channel. ;-)]

Another possible option for getting a wonderful boat without a great
deal of money is to build your own from a kit (or plans). There are
some really nice designs/kits in Mahogany plywood/glass, Cedar
strip/glass, and skin-on-frame. However, before choosing a boat to
build, you'll probably want to gain some more experience paddling many
different types, so you can make a more informed decision about the
kind of boat you'd like.

For your first boat, I do recommend trying as many as you can
(renting, borrowing, etc.), finding one you like, and then looking for
a used one in good condition. People usually take pretty good care of
their boats, so you can usually find a good boat at a good price.

-- 
Melissa

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