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Sea Kayak Trips Bulletin Board
Re: Bobs Fiber choice!
Posted By: Robert Woodard In Response To: Bobs Fiber choice! (Pete W. P.)
Date: Friday, 17 September 1999, at 5:31 p.m.
> Im curious, Ive only been with a rotomold and a damned inflatable. Im
> looking to build the Expedition Single. What was your impression after
> using your Guillemot extensively to finally paddle a fiberglass. Im
> inbterested in your insights and impressions.The decision really didn't have anything to do with what the boat is made of. I built my Guillemot having never paddled it, something I vowed never to do again. I tried several of the CLC boats and none of them were what I was looking for. That is not to say they aren't good boats, they just didn't handle the way *I* wanted my next boat to feel. Stippers are VERY hard to find to test paddle. I'm sure that if I could have found a stipper that handles like a CD Gulfstream or P&H Orion, I would have made one. But there was no way I was willing to build one without paddling it first.
The Gulfstream is a Derek Hutchinson design. Its handling characteristics are exactly what I was looking for. Everyone has their own preferences for the "blend" of maneuverability vs tracking, stability, and and the G-boat fit me to the tee in all respects. Another year or two and I may be looking for something else as my abilities change. I think that is just the nature of the sport.
Nine months ago I certainly didn't have the skills to determine what type of kayak I wanted. Back then "pretty" was the only characteristic I knew. Today my skills are more developed so I'm better able to determine what works well for me. Performance characteristics are a personal preference, so your mileage will certainly vary...
I think the trick is to first learn what you like/dislike in a boat, and try and get those in boat #2...
Woody
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