zak wrote:

Thanks for your comments!

I really liked the Magellan but I'm worried it's not up to the
"caliber" that the Looksha IV is as far as performance and
craftsmanship.

I would say that the Looksha is a better performing boat.

My other concerns on the Dagger a it's heavy, really heavy...it was
pretty scratched up on the bottom and had a few gouges on top.

That's par for the course for a used plastic boat.

the bulkheads are plastic and from what I've read they may not be sealed
well...

There's only one way to tell and that's to get it out on the water and test it. Sealing minor leaks in
bulkheads is no big deal, as long as they're properly installed.

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).

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.

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.

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.

--
Regards

Brian