Aight, let me start by saying that I'm newer than newbee.... I've only owned
a Coleman canoe at appr. 18' in length. I live down the street from a lake
in Dallas, Texas. I'm looking for a tandem kayak that during nice weather, I
can take either my wife or one of my kids day kayaking in. During bad
weather, I want to be able to go out by myself and toy around the sides of
the lake(I know it's not a wise decision but it seems exciting). Has anyone
in the group had or known someone who has had the Dagger Blackwater Tandem
kayak? I'm interested in how it handles in some what rough waters. When I
say some what, I'm referring to waves at a couple of feet in height with
wind and rain. If anyone has any recommendations about other boats(no
recommendations on safety please, I'm married so I've heard many), I'm very
open as I haven't made up my mind on the Dagger.

Thanks a bunch!
Joe

On 14-Aug-2005, "Joe" wrote:

During bad
weather, I want to be able to go out by myself and toy around the sides of
the lake(I know it's not a wise decision but it seems exciting). Has anyone
in the group had or known someone who has had the Dagger Blackwater Tandem
kayak? I'm interested in how it handles in some what rough waters. When I
say some what, I'm referring to waves at a couple of feet in height with
wind and rain.

At 13.5' long and 30.25" wide, it's more of a short canoe than a kayak.
Unless you can get a skirt for it and tie in flotation, this kayak is
not safe for rough conditions. With so much width, it will be easy to
upset if broached in steep waves.

Mike

Thanks for the reply,
I know I'm asking one of those crazy questions, but do you have a
recommendation for what I'm looking for if there is such a beast? Is this
like asking the question... whats the best kayak for white water rafting
Niagra Falls, the best kayak for traversing the North Atlantic and one that
won't capsize during a tidal wave? It doesn't sound like it will be easy
to find a tandem kayak that can be used by an individual during some what
rough weather.

Joe wrote:
It doesn't sound like it will be easy
to find a tandem kayak that can be used by an individual during some what
rough weather.

Well, yeah, that's about it. Any kayak that can be a solo and and tandem
is going to have to have a large cockpit, as the Blackwater does. That
means that when those 2 foot waves break over your deck, a lot of water
is going to end up in the boat. Not good. If you really want a boat that
will handle rough water, look at a true sea kayak with a single cockpit
and a spray skirt. Then have a Blackwater-esque boat for the calm days
when your wife will join you. More expensive? Sure. Who led you to
believe that keeping your self alive should be cheap?

--
Steve Cramer
Athens, GA

"Joe" wrote in
:

Thanks for the reply,
I know I'm asking one of those crazy questions, but do you have a
recommendation for what I'm looking for if there is such a beast?

Is
this like asking the question... whats the best kayak for white water
rafting Niagra Falls,

It would be made of wood, with closed deck (with a hinge on one side) and
lined with velvet. Engraving on the deck is optional.

the best kayak for traversing the North Atlantic
and one that won't capsize during a tidal wave? It doesn't sound
like it will be easy to find a tandem kayak that can be used by an
individual during some what rough weather.

That depends on the individual. The questions you're asking presume that
the paddler has the skills to paddle in rough weather. Some boats are
better designed to handle rough water than others but the paddlers skill
level (which includes knowledge and common sense) would more likely
determine whether paddling in rough conditions would be a fun experience or
possibly a fatal one.