From: tkaczuk.apple.com (Rick Donnelly)
Newsgroups: rec.boats.paddle
Subject: Re: Preferances: Chinook or Sea runner
Date: 6 Apr 92 20:54:26 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Apple

In article <1992Mar25.134813.15832@ssd.kodak.com>, oliver@ssd.kodak.com (Jason Oliver) writes:
> 
> Hi all, thanks to everyone who has written me with help in choosing a 
> sea kayak.  I have received many letters by people who seem to like the
> Sea Runner (by Hydra) and the Chinook (by Aquaterra).  Very few have
> gone into much detail why they choose and recommend these two boats
> however.  If you could give a little more information on the reasons
> you like them so much, I'd appreciate it very much.  From what I've 
> gotten so far, they seem to be quite well matched.  If anybody has any
> other boats in a similar class to these two, let me know.  (Plastic
> ones only though).  Thanks again...
> 
> Jason R. Oliver
> oliver@ssd.kodak.com

Jason,

I haven't tried the Sea Runner, but I have extensive experience in the Chinook..
For me, the Chinook was too simply too "stable." This means too slow and 
bargelike for a long term relationship. After trying several boats, I decided
for my first boat, to buy a Sea Lion (also by Aquaterra). Not a high 
performance boat, but it has very nice manners in the surf. It has more rocker
and thus climbs waves a bit better than the Chinook, and it is longer than 
the Chinook (17'1" - similar to the Sea Runner, I believe), and tippier. I
think it is lots more fun. Expedition equipped (with a rod running from 
the front bulkhead to the seat), it costs about $1000 - a bit expensive -,
and weighs about 47 lbs. All I can say is that I'm really happy with mine.

I've heard good things about the Puffin and really like the idea of a pod, but
the boat runs a bit heavy (60lbs or so). I've been told that it is one of the
better plastic boat and the pod makes it one of the safest. If the extra 
weight isn't an issue (it was for me and my wife - she isn't willing to tote
the extra weight) consider it. In any case, I'd try one out when a shop offers
a demo day.

As to "stability," I think I should explain a bit more. Stability of a boat is
a function of hull design. Stability is important, however, at two distinctly
different times:
Initial stability - ie. the stability of the boat when it is on its keel - 
on most plastic boats is very good. Often however, when these boats are tipped,
the roll very easily. They have poor "secondary stability."
Secondary stability (ie. the stability of the boat when it is leaned over as
during a good brace) can be much better in some of the very tippy boats.
Such boats have such excellent secondary stability that they are surprisingly
hard to tip, even though they feel skittish when you sit in them. Some
of the Greenland designs are this way and have the additional trademark that
they have better initial stability when moving as compared to when they are 
stationary.

So the bottom line is: find what fits comfortably and performs to your 
expectations. It is more important than finding the "best buy." If you are
new to kayaking, you may find that you'd rather try several boats before 
buying so that you can improve your skills and choose a boat then. You may 
find that you will make a different decision on which boat to buy than you
would now. If possible, take the boats out in the conditions you expect to
experience while paddling, this is a critical factor and should shape which
boat you choose.

Have fun,

Rick
Newsgroups: rec.boats.paddle