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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: Perception Avatar 16 vs. Greenland style
Posted By: Jason Brownell In Response To: Perception Avatar 16 vs. Greenland style (Bryan)
Date: Tuesday, 10 August 2004, at 2:04 a.m.
I work at a kayak shop and have been trying every boat that we have carried for the last five years. So after carrying 39 brands of boats and keeping 1500 vessels in stock not only keeps me busy but also gives me a good idea about what you are saying. First I would like to mention that the Avatar, the Elaho, nor the Looksha Series are greenland style boats. They are of those demensions in the bow but the stern must be symmetrical. This "banana boat" appearance is more clear in boats such as the gulfstream by current designs and the new Necky Chatham line. These boats are also reffered to as "British Influence" but make no mistake they are the true Greenland designs. The problems with the bow of the Avatar slicing through water was a problem I shared as well. As was also the same problems with the uncomfortable cockpit. When it comes to the details remember that Perception and Dagger are one and the same company (Watermark) and attention to slight details and quality of parts has dwindled in the past 3 or 4 years due to the far more mass productions of their crafts. I do however highly recommend the Chatham 16 in poly or composite. But a traditional greenland seal skin boat is typically three times your height so if your near 6 foot such as myself try to get ahold of the Chatham 18. I found the Current Designs Gulfstream to be nice but a bit too roomy in the cockpit and the slipstream was an improvement in fit but not in performance. The Current Design Andromeda was the Goldy Locks baby bear porage for me being juuuuust right. If you do wish to stay within this what we have dubbed "ruddered greenland" design then I own the Looksha Sport and have yet to find a boat that can compare. The Avatar and its little brother the Monterey are decent boats for the right people but it cannot compare to a Necky Looksha Sport. So keep paddling until something fits you just right. But it might be a good idea to steer clear of the perceptions and daggers unless you can find some made before 2001.
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