Re: [Paddlewise] Winter Musings

I thought people might be interested in knowing that I did NOT buy another 
kayak today. Even though it fit me. Mostly.
    This is an older skin on frame with a treated canvas cover, looks as if 
someone painted it so a new skin is in it's future. Cockpit is 20 inches by 17 
inches, ribs, no seat. At my height of 5" 4", the first upper deck support I 
encountered going forward worked very well as a foot brace. However, I actually 
had to back out of the boat a bit (put my hands on the cockpit rim and pull 
myself up) to move one foot from pointing left to pointing right. Can you say 
"Low deck"? Beam at deck was 23 inches (maybe 22 1/2. widest just forward of 
the cockpit) but a lot smaller at the waterline. Hard chine design. 17 foot 
length. It handled well though didn't turn as smartly as some, not a huge amount 
of rocker.
    So, I decided to try and roll it. Realize that I now have successfully 
rolled on seven separate days (I promise to stop counting when I run out of 
fingers) so I'm not a pro. And, the owner didn't have a sprayskirt and the cockpit 
rim didn't have a lip to put one on, anyway. So, after a talk with the owner 
("I can hold my breath for 45 seconds, so if I've done two tries and am 
underwater that long, I'd appreciate a rescue" answer, "OK, I'll give it a couple of 
minutes") I missed my first attempt, missed my second attempt, decided to wet 
exit, and my shoe hung up on the bottom rib.  Well, this was not unexpected, 
and one reason I wear roomy shoes is that they come off easily. One good yank 
and I was out.
     I'm still tempted to buy it. But, thinking of getting a boat that has to 
stay in the living room, needs work, and I should only paddle in company, 
discouraged me.
    If anyone in the Seattle, Washington area would like more info, email me. 
I have photos and the price is only $400. I have the owners number. Save me 
from changing my mind!
        Drat, good judgment wins again!
                  Pam in Washington State
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