Hey - thanks again

I would say that the Looksha is a better performing boat.
-That's what I've heard

the hatches had just rubber covers and I'd rather have
neoprene/strapdown hatches...also the rudder...

You may want to rethink that. I can't speak directly to the Dagger hatches, but the best, most waterproof
hatches on the market (VCP and Kajak Sport) have simple rubber covers. The hardshell/neoprene hatches add a
lot of complexity, the straps are prone to failure and snagging when doing rescues, and they often leak
(some brands more than others).

- I've heard people argue that rubber is unsafe if you put a knee
through it upon self rescue - hatch could fill...also heard that
rubber hatches pop off with heat, etc...

All the cables and
hardware are there, but the actual rudder and mount are not attached.
I'm not sure if that means it's busted or what...and I'm not sure how
the boat would handle with it.

Ask about it. I would also suggest that you try paddling the boat without the rudder. You'll save weight and
have more solid foot braces without it. The boat may be perfectly controllable without the rudder.

I've paddled it without the rudder and it handled nicely.




Also - Dagger no longer makes this
model - will I be able to get parts for it?

Manufacturers are required by law to maintain parts inventories for seven years after a product is
discontinued.

That is comforting at least...



But $750 is a lot easier to swing than $1120 - especially considering
I'll have to purchase a car rack system, sprayskirt, paddle, PFD,
bildge pump, instruction, etc...
I just really want to make sure I'm getting the right boat that I
won't outgrow and will last.

Good approach. Now go paddle both of them.

I have paddled both and like them both - Looksha feels tippy, of
course - but both fit well. The $1120 was for 2000 Looksha IV - but
it's never touched water, still new - seat and back is all hard
plastic though...I suppose that is upgradable. Vendor that had the
Magellen also had a Halifax in really good shape that I didn't
try...wonder how that would be.