Re: [Paddlewise] Feed the Need

Craig,
Maybe a rudder on a Mariner is the ultimate kayak. Think. A kayak that 
doesn't need a rudder. As seas get worse and distances are long, a rudder is 
a nice addition. Best of both worlds - just not a world in Matt's universe. 
:-)

Here's something new too from Boreal - the Epsilon series. Interesting how 
manufacturers are responding to size requirements.

http://www.borealdesign.com/_en/mc/nouveautes.php

As for the Illusion, I'd be mighty glad if Pam could post some "feedback" on 
her observations of the class and specifically the boat.

Doug


> 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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