Re: [Paddlewise] Feed the Need

On Mon, Jun 15, 2009 at 11:33 PM, Doug Lloyd <douglloyd_at_shaw.ca> wrote:

> I like the Mariner II. It does as you suggest. It just felt like too much
> boat underfoot for me - not sure why.
>

I also think the M-II feels like too much boat... which it shouldn't as it's
only 21.5 inches wide. And I think that the answer is that it depends on
what you are doing. The M-II is fast, has just the right feeling of
stability, and is comfortable but it's not "nimble". If you're used to that
feeling of nimbleness in a boat then you will think the M-II feels long. But
if you use the boat as a long-distance fast cruising kayak it will feel
pretty much spot on. I think that the M-II would be unsuitable for what Doug
has always used a kayak for; unless he fits it with a deep rudder (I can see
Matt Broze grimacing now).

If you want a boat that will keep you at the front of the pack even though
you are old and out of shape but will still let you stop and eat lunch then
the Mariner II is the boat for you. :P

Pam is beginning to talk about selling all her boats, including her two
Mariners (the Express and the Sprite) and getting an Illusion. She thinks
that she'll know a lot more after her high-wind class with Kayak Academy.
I'm starting to think that renting an Illusion for a day of paddling might
be a good idea for anyone looking for a new boat.

Andrew Elizaga, otherwise known as the Dash Point Pirate, has a video of his
friend, Ricardo, paddling the Illusion on his blog:
http://dashpointpirate.typepad.com/

(I might add that if you haven't read Andrew's blog before you're in for a
treat. It's one of my favorites.)

Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, Wa
www.nwkayaking.net
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