Thank you for all your advice. Since I first posted, I have discovered
Charles River Canoe and Kayak. They have a boat house on the Charles River
(off rt 128) and offer canoe and cayak rentals as well instructions and
sales. They cary many lines ranging from recreational to sea kayaks,
inclluding the models I listed. My plan is to take a 3-lesson introductory
course, trying the various kayak types. The $100 tuition for the course
includes 3 weeks of free rentals, so I'll have lots of opportunities to try
various designs. Maybe I'll discover that I can handle a more streamlined
boat, and maybe I'll discover that I can't. In any case, I'll have some
hands-on experience. Best of all, it's on the way to/from work.

Radu

"Radu Tenenbaum" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

I live on a five mile long lake which also has extended back water areas.
I've never kayaked before, but it looks like it would be fun. I'm 50yrs
old, 6 feet, 180lbs and am only moderately fit. I'd like a kayak that has
touring qualities for when I want to cruise up and down the lake, but can
also go into the backwaters where I can get close to plants and water
fowl.
Not interested in fishing, but I'd like to bring a camera along at times.

I've done some reasearch and I've narrowed my interest in three boats:
Perception Sonoma 12
Perception Acadia 12.5
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120

I'd like any comments on the comparative merits, particularly between the
Sonoma and the Pungo.

Also, what is the advantage of the smaller cockpit of the Acadia, and is
that smaller cockpit still easy to get in and out of, and would it give me
easy access to a camera bag?

I will have opportunity to try the Acadia and the Pungo at a local
dealer's
paddle day next weekend, but the Sonoma is not available for trial unless
I
want to wait two more weeks until REI has their trial day.

Thanks,

Radu

I would add the Current Designs Kestrel to your list. It's about 12' long,
very forgiving and stable, and has the quickness and features to support
extended day trips. There's also a Hobie sit on top that you can propel
with your feet. I tried it, and it was easy to navigate but very heavy and
cumbersome compared to a conventional kayak. However, it leaves your hands
free and available for photography.
Enjoy,
JM

On 4/21/04 7:23 PM, in article , "Radu
Tenenbaum" wrote:

Hi all,

I live on a five mile long lake which also has extended back water areas.
I've never kayaked before, but it looks like it would be fun. I'm 50yrs
old, 6 feet, 180lbs and am only moderately fit. I'd like a kayak that has
touring qualities for when I want to cruise up and down the lake, but can
also go into the backwaters where I can get close to plants and water fowl.
Not interested in fishing, but I'd like to bring a camera along at times.

I've done some reasearch and I've narrowed my interest in three boats:
Perception Sonoma 12
Perception Acadia 12.5
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120

I'd like any comments on the comparative merits, particularly between the
Sonoma and the Pungo.

Also, what is the advantage of the smaller cockpit of the Acadia, and is
that smaller cockpit still easy to get in and out of, and would it give me
easy access to a camera bag?

I will have opportunity to try the Acadia and the Pungo at a local dealer's
paddle day next weekend, but the Sonoma is not available for trial unless I
want to wait two more weeks until REI has their trial day.

Thanks,

Radu

Radu,

EMS is having a Kayak Demo Day at Sandy Beach in Winchester May 15 between
9:30 am and 4:00 pm. I went last year and got to try about 10 different
kayaks with excellent explanations of the differences from the sales people.
For more information call

Burlington 781 229 9797
Marlboro 508 481 2107
Peabody 978 977 0601
Acton 978 263 4151

Ron Donahue





"Radu Tenenbaum" wrote in message
...
Thank you for all your advice. Since I first posted, I have discovered
Charles River Canoe and Kayak. They have a boat house on the Charles
River
(off rt 128) and offer canoe and cayak rentals as well instructions and
sales. They cary many lines ranging from recreational to sea kayaks,
inclluding the models I listed. My plan is to take a 3-lesson
introductory
course, trying the various kayak types. The $100 tuition for the course
includes 3 weeks of free rentals, so I'll have lots of opportunities to
try
various designs. Maybe I'll discover that I can handle a more
streamlined
boat, and maybe I'll discover that I can't. In any case, I'll have some
hands-on experience. Best of all, it's on the way to/from work.

Radu