Re: [Paddlewise] Which types of boats?

On Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 8:30 AM, <Pamvetdr_at_aol.com> wrote:

>
>      To deliberately change the subject, what types of boats would be in a
> well appointed kayakers stable? And would responders give an example of each
> type? These are for you, not for the neighborhood.
>

I know British-style boats are "in" now but I like boats designed and built
in Washington and BC (Canada).  Here is my fantasy fleet based on Pam's
outline:

Expedition: Nimbus Telkwa HV. Preferably in Kevlar but only (only!) 62lbs in
f/g. Excellent initial *and* secondary stability. Tracks well in high winds
and seas. Easy to correct with its Feathercraft rudder but even at 18 '6"
(and 25" wide!) the boat feels smaller and nimbler than it has any right to.
On edge it turns well without the rudder and turns very well with the
rudder. Deck lines are well designed, seating is comfortable, roomy cockpit
is easily customized for fit, hatches are tight. Most models have a
convenient fabric map shelf that doesn't get in the way. The boat feels rock
solid in any weather. Carries a load; trust me.

Distance/Speed boat: Mariner II. At 17'11" and only 21" wide the Mariner II
is tough and fast. If you can fit into its sliding seat (I can, but only
barely) you have unparalleled control over balance in changing winds and
seas. Fast! Did I mention that? No skeg or rudder to mess with (or slow you
down). Needs flotation unless you have one with bulkheads. Fast!

My day-to-day (intermediate) boat is a Mariner Express. At 16' long and only
20.5" wide at the waterlilne (22.5" maximum beam) the Express' size gives it
the ability to maneuver in tight places as well as have a good turn of
speed. The Express seems to surf on ripples and seems to be able to make
course changes psychically (no skeg or rudder); think 5-deg left and before
you know it you've done it. Big enough to carry a week's load of camping
gear but if you paddle one empty you should either have flotation fore and
aft or, like Pam, have one with a stern bulkhead and compartment. The
Express also excels in riding up and over the waves and not through them
giving the paddler a nice dry ride. Also a pretty quick ride.

Runner up for intermediate would be the Nimbus Solander. Well balanced and
light (in kevlar). Just a tad small for me.

Nooks and Crannies and surf boat: Mariner Coaster. These are truly legendary
kayaks (immortalized in films, books and stories about the Tsunami Rangers).
If you never go farther than 20nm a day and don't spend more than a few days
camping, the Coaster would be all you'd need in a kayak. It's stable enough
for my favorite 7-year-old to consider "her" boat but almost as nimble as a
white water kayak in rock gardens and tight places. Tracks well, edges well
(the 7-year-old intuitively edges the Coaster... I never taught her how to
do it... she just figured it out), is comfortable once you get a decent seat
and backband, and paddles easily at 4mph all day long. At the sea kayaking
seminar in Port Townsend a few weeks ago I parked next to the Tsunami Ranger
who was giving the talk on rock gardening. When she walked past my car (with
my Coaster on top) she patted the Coaster on its butt and smiled. Only thing
I'd change is give it another inch in cockpit length. But once I'm in, it's
all good.

White water boat for rock play: Perception Pirouette Super Sport. Available
all over for $200 or so and tough as nails (my sons' boat sailed off the
roof of our SUV at 50mph 7 years ago and it's still good to go), easy to
roll, maneuverable but still holds a course (if you are alert). Only
downside is that you really should be under 190lbs and 6' to be comfortable.
Long legs are a severe handicap in this boat.

Runner-up for w/w rock play: Dagger RPM or RPM Max (for those over 230lbs).
They've sold more RPMs than any other white water kayak. Available around
$400 used, tough, roomy, maneuverable, easy to roll. Hard to paddle
straight.

Ocean Play Boat: George Gronseth's new Illusion. Makes my heart go pitty-pat
when I see George paddle his. They are using a new method of customizing the
volume for the paddler when the boat is built by raising or lowering the
deck-to-hull join; very clever. Lots of rocker for maneuverability. Cons:
Might be wet; has a skeg.

So there you have *my* idea of a perfect stable of sea kayaks. How many of
them do I own? My wife thinks "too many". She might be right. If you lined
up every sea kayak owned by my immediate family (me, my wife, my kids) then
we have a 115 foot boat!!!

Maybe I can join the yacht club. :)


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
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