Re: [Paddlewise] New Member

On Thu, Sep 19, 2002 at 10:10:10AM -0700, Melissa Reese wrote:

> 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.

While I agree it's an option for producing a wonderful boat at a
reduced price as compared to buying "off the shelf", I don't know
how viable it is.  Here are some arguments against it:

1) It's hard to paddle a design pre-purchase.  If you happen to live
   near CLC or Pygmy, then that's not an issue, otherwise it is.

2) If you don't get to paddle one, the odds may be even higher than
   with a conventional first purchase at a store, that you'll wind
   up with the wrong boat.  Even if you know a bit about boats,
   guessing at the paddling characteristics from the kit makers'
   catalog materials can be tough.  And talking to them on the phone
   can be as frustrating as dealing with boating store staff.

3) If 1) / 2) don't bite you, you still face the need to customize
   the cockpit area of most kits to get a decent fit.  This is usually
   less often a problem with manufactured boats.

4) And if you want to paddle this year, and don't live in a warm or
   mild climate, by the time you select the kit, get it delivered,
   gather the tools you need but might not have, and then build it,
   you'll be paddling sometime next year.

Great idea, but I'm not sure it's the most viable.  On the other hand,
kits make a great way to get a second boat for a lot less cash :-)

-.- jwd

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