PaddleWise by thread

From: Roger Lumb <lumb_at_email.wcu.edu>
subject: [Paddlewise] New Member
Date: Wed, 18 Sep 2002 13:44:00 -0400
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
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: Wes Boyd <boydwe_at_dmci.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] New Member
Date: Wed, 18 Sep 2002 20:54:45
At 01:44 PM 9/18/02 -0400, Roger Lumb wrote:
>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,

Ah, don't let the thick and thin of hassles about paddles get to you --
yet, anyway. That's just some of the senior gearheads warming up their
arguements. We do often talk about rec boats and lazy kayaking and stuff
like that.

>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.

Would you expect a dealer to do anything different? (he said, cynically.) A
Seayak might be a good boat for you, but there are plenty of others. You're
looking for a fairly stable touring beginning boat, probably in plastic,
probably around 16 feet long by 24 inches wide, I'd guess. I'm the big guy
boat person around here and not well versed on boats in that size, but
there are many out there. Dagger Magellen, Eddyline Merlin, Perception
Vizcaya are among some that come to mind.

Welcome aboard. There's a lot of people on this echo that are well versed
in what they do, better than I in most cases. Although it's been known to
get dull at times, this is one of the best places on the net to learn about
many aspects of sea (especially) kayaking.

-- Wes
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wes Boyd's Kayak Place               http://www2.dmci.net/wesboyd/kayak.htm
Kayaks for Big Guys (And Gals) | Trip Reports | Places To Go | Boats & Gear
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: John Fereira <jaf30_at_cornell.edu>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] New Member
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 12:48:51 -0400
At 08:54 PM 9/18/02 +0000, Wes Boyd wrote:
>At 01:44 PM 9/18/02 -0400, Roger Lumb wrote:
> >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,
>
>
>Would you expect a dealer to do anything different? (he said, cynically.) A
>Seayak might be a good boat for you, but there are plenty of others. You're
>looking for a fairly stable touring beginning boat, probably in plastic,
>probably around 16 feet long by 24 inches wide,

The Seayak is 16'6" long, 24" wide, plastic and fairly stable.

However, I disagree with the suggestion that a "beginner" needs a fairly 
stable boat.  From what I have seen most beginners can become comfortable 
with the initial stability in just any any plastic touring boat on the 
market in a matter of hours if not a couple of days.  Making "stability" a 
high priority doesn't make sense to me given that it will mostly likely 
become a non-issue after just a couple of outings.

A "fairly stable" boat is more of an issue in the context of the type of 
paddling one tends to do.  If you're primarily going to use a boat for 
photography, fishing, or some other activity which requires a stable 
platform than "fairly stable" would become a higher criteria, but, IMHO, 
not as much for someone that eventually intends on paddling rougher open 
water and developing stronger skills.

In fact, since "initial stability" by definition is the amount of 
resistance the hull has which takes it from a "flat on the water" state to 
and edged state, a boat with a lot of initial stability can become a 
liability when it comes to learning how to edge the boat, and learn how to 
brace.

>I'd guess. I'm the big guy
>boat person around here and not well versed on boats in that size, but
>there are many out there. Dagger Magellen, Eddyline Merlin, Perception
>Vizcaya are among some that come to mind.

The Perception Shadow or even possibly a Perception Corona compares more 
closely to a Seayak.


***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: Shawn Baker <shawnkayak_at_yahoo.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] New Member
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 08:19:03 -0700 (PDT)
"Roger Lumb" <lumb_at_email.wcu.edu> wrote:
>I just joined this group and after reading some of the discussions I'm

not sure this is the right forum for my questions,

Hi howdy, Roger.

This is the right forum for any and all safe paddling-related
questions.

>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.

I think at your size, the Seayak would be a bit too big.

Wes mentioned some excellent boats--for the money/size/design, I think
the Eddyline Night Hawk is a wonderful boat.  It's 16' x 22" or 23", if
I remember correctly.  Carbonlite is a little more expensive than
plastic, but cheaper and almost as stiff as fiberglass.  It's a tough
polycarbonate, but is easy to repair in the unlikely event you need to
repair it.

Since you're just getting into the sport, resist the urge to buy a new,
shiny boat.  Most people outgrow their first boats.  Make the boat you
outgrow a rental boat, or at least a used boat, so you don't lose as
much money in depreciation.  Of course, if you can afford it, you could
always keep that first boat as a loaner for guests or friends you might
wish to introduce to the sport.

If you want to buy gear, buy a good fitting PFD from a reputable
paddlesports PFD manufacturer (Lotus, Stohlquist, Extrasport [their
kayaking/canoeing PFD's], MTI, Kokatat).  You'll need it anyway, and
might as well buy it now.

Buy a decent mid-priced takeapart paddle.  2 reasons for making it a
takeapart: If you don't absolutely love it, it will make a nice spare;
or if you buy a fancier one, it will still make a nice spare.  And, it
gives you the option to try both feathered and unfeathered blades.

Buy a 3mm neoprene wetsuit.  You can augment this basic piece of
immersion protection with various other pieces of clothing to be
comfortable and safe in water temperatures from 45*F to 75*F.

Take some classes, try a lot of boats, and then make a decision.

Welcome!

Shawn

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
New DSL Internet Access from SBC & Yahoo!
http://sbc.yahoo.com
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: John Fereira <jaf30_at_cornell.edu>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] New Member
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 12:55:44 -0400
At 08:19 AM 9/19/02 -0700, Shawn Baker wrote:
>"Roger Lumb" <lumb_at_email.wcu.edu> wrote:
> >I just joined this group and after reading some of the discussions I'm
>
>not sure this is the right forum for my questions,
>
>Hi howdy, Roger.
>
>This is the right forum for any and all safe paddling-related
>questions.
>
> >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.
>
>I think at your size, the Seayak would be a bit too big.

Not so much that a little padding won't fix it.


>Wes mentioned some excellent boats--for the money/size/design, I think
>the Eddyline Night Hawk is a wonderful boat.  It's 16' x 22" or 23", if
>I remember correctly.

I've paddled a Seayak a lot and spent a day in a Night Hawk.  I'm just a 
bit bigger than Roger and, if anything, felt that the Night Hawk is roomier 
in the cockpit than a Seayak.  The Night Hawk *is* a very nice boat 
though.  I thought it was just a tad tippier than a Seayak but also had 
excellent secondary.

Since you're just getting into the sport, resist the urge to buy a new,
>shiny boat.  Most people outgrow their first boats.  Make the boat you
>outgrow a rental boat, or at least a used boat, so you don't lose as
>much money in depreciation.  Of course, if you can afford it, you could
>always keep that first boat as a loaner for guests or friends you might
>wish to introduce to the sport.

What Shawn said.


>If you want to buy gear, buy a good fitting PFD from a reputable
>paddlesports PFD manufacturer (Lotus, Stohlquist, Extrasport [their
>kayaking/canoeing PFD's], MTI, Kokatat).  You'll need it anyway, and
>might as well buy it now.

Again, I agree.  If you get a PFD that isn't comfortable you're likely 
going to want to take it off.  If you're not wearing it than it will not 
serve it's purpose


>Buy a decent mid-priced takeapart paddle.  2 reasons for making it a
>takeapart: If you don't absolutely love it, it will make a nice spare;
>or if you buy a fancier one, it will still make a nice spare.  And, it
>gives you the option to try both feathered and unfeathered blades.
>
>Buy a 3mm neoprene wetsuit.  You can augment this basic piece of
>immersion protection with various other pieces of clothing to be
>comfortable and safe in water temperatures from 45*F to 75*F.
>
>Take some classes, try a lot of boats, and then make a decision.

All good advice...especially the part about taking some classes.

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: Caroline Roth <carolineroth_at_yahoo.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] New Member
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 09:57:11 -0700 (PDT)
Hi Roger,

  Shawn's advice is excellent - what my husband and I
tell all newbies.  I have a Perception Shadow (16'8",
22.25") which I love (I'm smaller than you).  It is
popular with many people your size and it handles
well.  It's been around for several years so you may
find some used ones (then, again, the owners my not
want to part with them!)

Caroline

--- Shawn Baker <shawnkayak_at_yahoo.com> wrote:
> "Roger Lumb" <lumb_at_email.wcu.edu> wrote:
SNIP
> Take some classes, try a lot of boats, and then make
> a decision.
> 
> Welcome!
> 
> Shawn
> 
*


__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
New DSL Internet Access from SBC & Yahoo!
http://sbc.yahoo.com
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: Shawn Baker <shawnkayak_at_yahoo.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Perception Shadow
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 11:53:16 -0700 (PDT)
Thanks Caroline.

One of the ladies in my paddling club is selling her plastic
Shadow..one year old, yellow rotomold.  $1,000...  in case anyone in
the NW USA is interested.  (or at least for a general point of
reference as to the cost of used plastic).  I think it's worth about
$800 used--it's in great condition, but that's what used boats sell
for.

Shawn

--- Caroline Roth <carolineroth_at_yahoo.com> wrote:
> I have a Perception Shadow (16'8",
> 22.25") which I love (I'm smaller than you).  It is
> popular with many people your size and it handles
> well.  It's been around for several years so you may
> find some used ones (then, again, the owners my not
> want to part with them!)


__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
New DSL Internet Access from SBC & Yahoo!
http://sbc.yahoo.com
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: John Fereira <jaf30_at_cornell.edu>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Perception Shadow
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:40:30 -0400
At 11:53 AM 9/19/02 -0700, Shawn Baker wrote:
>Thanks Caroline.
>
>One of the ladies in my paddling club is selling her plastic
>Shadow..one year old, yellow rotomold.  $1,000...  in case anyone in
>the NW USA is interested.  (or at least for a general point of
>reference as to the cost of used plastic).  I think it's worth about
>$800 used--it's in great condition, but that's what used boats sell
>for.

Yes,$1000 does seem a little steep, and $800 a bit fairer price.  On the 
other hand, a lot of people selling used kayaks include a paddle, PFD, 
sprayskirt, etc. so if one is in the market for a used kayak, and the price 
looks a little high, make sure to ask if it includes any other equipment.

Since we're talking used boat prices...

What would you consider a fair price for a three year old Northbay XL with 
a new coat of bottom paint and varnish on the deck?

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: James W. Durkin <jwd_at_phonogram.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] New Member
Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002 16:15:50 -0500
On Thu, Sep 19, 2002 at 08:19:03AM -0700, Shawn Baker wrote:

> "Roger Lumb" <lumb_at_email.wcu.edu> wrote:

>> 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.

> I think at your size, the Seayak would be a bit too big.

I can't comment on this kayak, as I have no direct experience with it.

> Wes mentioned some excellent boats--for the money/size/design, I think
> the Eddyline Night Hawk is a wonderful boat.  It's 16' x 22" or 23", if
> I remember correctly.  Carbonlite is a little more expensive than
> plastic, but cheaper and almost as stiff as fiberglass.  It's a tough
> polycarbonate, but is easy to repair in the unlikely event you need to
> repair it.

I'm not a huge fan of the Night Hawk (to be perfectly correct, since
Eddyline very much revised their line for 2002, it's the Night Hawk
16 -- the Night Hawk 17.5 is the "other" Night Hawk, and the damned
thing is big enough to probably make Wes happy).  I've tried it, the
Night Hawk 16, and have never cared for its handling characteristics.
The best way I can describe it is as a "tub".  But, different strokes
for different folks.  And I don't mean to insult the Night Hawk owners.

Now before anyone thinks I hate Eddyline boats, there are three in my
family.  Mine is a kevlar Falcon 18, the other two are Merlin LTs.  My
wife is 5'2" and paddles the Merlin LT just because she finds it the
most comfortable boat of the many she's tried.  I would like to see her
in the longer Merlin XT, as I think it's suited to a wider range of
paddling.  With luck, she'll give one another try this weekend.

My recommendation for our new member would be that Eddyline Merlin XT
I just mentioned.  From family experience, I know that the size of the
boat out to fit him perfectly.  I've also found people who come from
rec boats to take to the Merlins a little more quickly (in terms of
coming to like and feel comfortable in them) than with many other
touring kajaks.  And even though it's got a 23" beam, I wouldn't put
it into the "high initial stability -- damned near impossible to put
on edge" category at all.

Another nice think about the Eddylines is the Carbonlite material.
It's not quite composite territory, but it's in many ways close.  It's
within a few bound of most composite boats of the same size and shape.
Weighs WAY less than rotomolded plastic boats of the same size and
shape.  Looks nice, is durable, is easier to fix than glass composite.

The retail on the Carbonlite Merlin XT is around $1800, but I can
almost guarantee that with a little looking or calling about, you can
pick up a brand new one at end of season prices for a good bit less
(and I'm not talking a beat to shit, end of season, demo either).

But, that's just my opinion.  That and about $3 will get you a halfway
decent latte somewhere.

-.- jwd
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: John Fereira <jaf30_at_cornell.edu>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] New Member
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 11:43:56 -0400
At 01:44 PM 9/18/02 -0400, Roger Lumb wrote:
>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:


Welcome to the group.  You're questions are quite appropriate.

>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.

This is just my opinion, but based on the type of paddling you want to do, 
and that you're looking for a first sea kayak,  the Prijon Seayak may very 
well be the perfect choice.

The Seayak has a good balance of stability and performance.  It's initial 
stability is high enough that I've seen dozens of people get into one that 
have never been in a kayak before (a friend of mine uses them in his rental 
fleet) and are quite comfortable in them.  However, it's not so high as to 
restrict your ability to learn how to edge it, brace, or perform any skill 
one can do in a top-of-the-line.  The secondary stability is quite good and 
provides a lot of confidence to those first learning how to brace. At 16'6" 
it is quite manoeverable.

The Seayak has all the features of a top-of-the-line sea kayak such as 
double bulkheads/hatches, a nice deck line system, a good foot brace 
system, and generally good outfitting overall.

The only real drawback with the Seayak is that it's heavy compared to other 
models in it's class.


There are quite a few models in the same price/performance category but the 
Seayak has a couple of things going for it.

1.  The plastic used by Prijon is top notch.  This is a boat that will last 
you for years.  In 2-3 years you may want to upgrade and the Seayak will 
hold its value well if you want to trade-up or would make a good second 
boat for a friend.

2.  You already like how it looks.


***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] New Member
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 09:09:06 -0700
Roger Lumb" <lumb_at_email.wcu.edu> wrote:

>>  I am 5' 7" 135 lb and have looked at a lot 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 a lot and am
wondering if this would be a good way to go.  Any advice would be appreciated.
>>


Get a couple lessons from a reputable outfitter and try different kayaks.  That
will make you as educated as possible for an initial purchase.  Then, buy used,
because most likely that first boat will not be the "perfect" boat (own five
[blush]).  A couple years down the road, if you are still doing this stuff,
you'll know what is just right.
There are so many different modes of sea kayaking that we can't tell what is
going to work for you, two years hence.

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

--
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: Melissa Reese <melissa_at_bonnyweeboaty.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] New Member
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 10:10:10 -0700
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

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: James W. Durkin <jwd_at_phonogram.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] New Member
Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002 16:44:12 -0500
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

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: James W. Durkin <jwd_at_phonogram.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] New Member
Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002 16:30:20 -0500
On Thu, Sep 19, 2002 at 09:09:06AM -0700, Dave Kruger wrote:

> Get a couple lessons from a reputable outfitter and try different
> kayaks.  That will make you as educated as possible for an initial
> purchase.  Then, buy used, because most likely that first boat will
> not be the "perfect" boat (own five [blush]).  A couple years down
> the road, if you are still doing this stuff, you'll know what is
> just right.  There are so many different modes of sea kayaking that
> we can't tell what is going to work for you, two years hence.

The hysterical thing in the above advice (and I'm not laughing at
Dave, but at the collective advice we give) is the comment that the
first boat you get will not be the perfect boat, or that the first
boat you get won't be right and you'll wind up dumping it anyway.

>From what I've read here, and from what I hear from others who paddle,
is that they've still got that first boat (if they've not been in the
sport for more than say 8-10 years).  And they've got boat number 2,
and boat number 3, and ... (maybe in Dave's case 4 and 5 too).  There
isn't a perfect boat, and a fair share of us seem to accumulate more
than one kayak as a result.

On a more serious note:  If you're not willing to learn a little up
front (and it can seem like drinking from a fire hose at times), then
the odds increase that your first purchase won't work at as well as it
might.  But if you're willing to learn a little before slapping down
the plastic, and to take some test paddles with that knowledge in
mind, there is a real good chance you'll get a boat you'll be happy
with for some time.  You may still sell it.  But it's apt to be
because you're paddling need have changed, or you've found something
else you just can't do without and you either can't afford multiple
boats or can't find a place to store them.

Then again, take any of my advice for what it's worth.  I keep my
kayaks in the garage (on Talic Sport Hammocks) and my car in the
driveway.

-.- jwd
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: Doug Lloyd <dougl_at_islandnet.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] New Member
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 2002 18:29:15 -0700
> "Roger Lumb" <lumb_at_email.wcu.edu> wrote:

>> 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.
<snips>

A great kayak often overlooked is the Nimbus Telkwa Sport. I know some
paddlers who have switched to them after years in the CD Solstice
series, and just love the responsiveness and easy tracking without
rudder/skeg.

http://www.nimbuskayaks.com/frameset.html

DL

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:31 PDT