wrote in message
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On Nov 17, 11:14 pm, Frogwatch wrote:
On Nov 17, 10:53 pm, wrote:





On Nov 17, 7:28 pm, Jim wrote:

Boater wrote:
Frogwatch wrote:
I agree with HK that strip canoes are very pretty. I disagree over
practicality. OTOH, I have seen several boats that in the end were
not really meant to ever be used, One was a variation on the
Stevenson projects "Weekender" that was astonishing to look at with
varnish so clear and deep it looked like a hologram. Every detail
was
done right with cabinetry of such high quality that it was
exquisite.
She was on display as an example of the boatmakers art and had
never
seen water and probably wouldn'. Many strip canoes are like that,
once built, they are too perfect to be used. Would you really want
to
be on a canoe trip with one, the obsession over not scratching it
would make you nutso.
Around here, in summer, the river banks are lined with hornet nests
every 3' and you get into one you have a choice of paddling like
hell
and running yer boat over logs or jumping out into the gator
infested
water or running into the weeds where the snakes drop into the
boat.
A strip canoe will not stay pristine for more than an hour.
I believe a well used boat is a happy boat that inspires memories.

Strip or canvas over strip canoes are practical in the appropriate
waters. There are many lakes where using one can be a real pleasure.
I never recommended one for general use in areas where it might be
subject to being banged up.

The problem, of course, is that this newsgroup is infested with
assholes
who look for something, anything, even in possibly interested on
topic
subjects, they can use to post their usual lowbrow insults.

I don't mean you, not in this instance.

We used to canoe when I was a kid on a couple of really nice
Connecticut
lakes. Lake Zoar was one of them. I have no recollection of banging
up
the Old Town cedar and canvas canoes we were using. This was well
before
the days of plastic canoes. There were plenty of aluminum canoes, of
course, but jesus they were ugly. And noisy.

Those stripper canoes are more of a furniture item than a practical
boat. One would look nice on Wayne's lawn but still would need
maintenance to keep it looking good.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

A decent strip canoe can take a beating and can be used in pretty wild
conditions.. Just cause it's pretty doesn't mean it's wimpy...

My 12 yr old daughter has decided she wants a "sit on" type kayak
instead of a "sit in" one so I will prob buy her a plastic one instead
of building one. Like I need more boats.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Be sure not to get sucked into the trap of a 10-12 footer. They just
won't perform and she will get bored and tired fast. Look for
something 14 feet or longer. The longer the better, but I suspect you
already know that.. Just makin' sure..
-------------------------------------

You may be correct because I never tried a longer kayak. But the 9' 7"
Hobie I had
seemed to handle fine and was easy to transport. It was probably on the
small side for an adult over 6' but I had no problem with it at 5' 11". or
5' 10" or 5' 9". I *was* 5' 11" at one time, but Mrs.E. says I am
shrinking. I tell her it's an illusion because actually she's still
growing.

In fact, now that I think about it, the guy that bought it from me was over
6 feet tall. I remember him showing up to look at it and I expressed doubt
that he would be comfortable in it.
He sat in it while it was sitting on the lawn, and had no problem with his
legs and feet relative to the pedal power duber. (it is adjustable)

Anyway, I would think that for a 12 year old kid, a smaller kayak might be
better, but what do I know?


Eisboch