Re: [Paddlewise] Feed the Need

This has certainly become an interesting thread. I liked Scott's response
re:his experiences with the Arluk II (I think Pam has an Arluk II for sale
in the Seattle area) and that union of man and boat that sure seems to
describe Doug's experiences with his old Nordy. I'll never get to that
because I have gone about this differently and chosen to have kayaks that
fill more specific needs (wants? desires? lusts?). For Scott and Doug I
suspect the "you can't go home again" syndrome will kick in. Too many
variables have changed to be able to re-solve that old equation.

Plus maybe a little of the, "no girl can compare to my first girlfriend in
high school" syndrome. LOL

On my 4 hour drive back to Moses Lake from Oak Harbor I was thinking that
Doug's total mass with his new Nordy must be about the same as his total
mass with the old Nordy; just that the partner with the weight gain is not
the kayak any more. (grin) Not that I have any room to criticize in that
regard, mind you. At any rate a new, lighter, Nordy with a new, heavier,
Doug should glide about the same if it's all about the mass and ignoring
minor differences between kayak shapes.

I still think adding a rudder to some boats is perfectly reasonable and
acceptable. I'd never consider one on a Coaster or Express but would for a
Mariner II, for instance. Especially with the new gas-pedal systems. But I'd
never think of taking a Mariner II into a rock garden either. (Yikes!)

My own attitude stems from my conviction that there is no one single perfect
kayak unless you only do one thing. So, with the popularity of craigslist,
one can now acquire enough kayaks to satisfy every need from creekboating to
fishing without breaking the bank (or a marriage). Although I admit that the
marriage might get bent some.

Doug will be able to come down into the USA in a while so maybe we should
have a mini-seminar where we gather all our boats and let him try them. I
vote for Bowman Bay with easy access to the currents in Deception Pass. I'll
bring my F-1 and an Express with sliding seat. Pam can bring her Ice Kapp
and (maybe) an Illusion. We can call it the Doug Lloyd Memor... no, wait...
that's a bit premature. Um... the Doug Lloyd Invitational is better.  :P

Craig Jungers
Maybe I've Just Driven Too Long Today
in Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkyakaing.net
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