Jeff Frigon

Halcyon is a 2004 Valley Argonaut. The Argonaut mold was modified to become the now discontinued Aquanaut HV. This is a great expedition boat for larger paddlers. I am the original owner and used this boat for a 3 month expedition in Alaska in 2006. Since then it has seen maybe 20 days and has been stored inside and unused since 2007. I am 6’ 180 lbs and was 250lbs when I was paddling this boat in AK (with a dry suit and layers). It is definitely a boat made for larger paddlers. I'm selling because I don't fit anymore and don't need a boat with this much storage anymore (and haven't for a long time). It is absolutely enormous and can hold a ludicrous amount of gear, including 4 bear cans (brown bears in AK). She is also as seaworthy as she is enormous. I have paddled this boat is 15-20 foot pacific swell fully loaded in 30kts of wind and had not a single worry. She is FAST and seaworthy. She has scratches one would associate w expedition use, and one gelcoat repair but is absolutely watertight save for a small leak through the skeg-slider housing into the dayhatch (I just can't seem to fix it.) that leaks maybe a liter a day in rough paddling. 17’10” long New skeg cable, slider, and housing 2019 New keel strip (has always had a keel strip) 2019 All new hatch covers 2019 New reflective deck lines, handles and bungee 2019 Cleaned, polished, and waxed 2019 ALWAYS stored inside Custom foam backrest Reasonable offers and barter will always be considered. pics here: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/375830039718918/

Apologies for the previous incomplete post... Halcyon is a 2004 Valley Argonaut. 17'10" long and 22.5' wide   The Argonaut eventually became the (now discontinued) Aquanaut HV. This is a serious expedition boat for larger paddlers. I am the original owner. Purchased in 2005 and used for a 3 month expedition in Alaska in 2006. Since then it has seen maybe a dozen days on the water and has been stored inside and unused since 2007. I am 6’ 190 lbs and was 250 when I was paddling this boat in AK (plus a dry suit and layers). It is definitely a boat made for larger paddlers. I have a size 11.5 foot and paddle in XTra Tuffs... lots of room there. It is absolutely enormous and can hold a ludicrous amount of gear, including 4 plastic bear cans (brown bears in AK). We were 3 weeks between resupplies and had no problem with space (though I used ALL of it).  She is also as seaworthy as she is voluminous. I have paddled this boat in 15-20 foot pacific swell fully loaded in 25kts of wind and found her stable, predictable, and fast. She doesn't turn on a dime but isn't made to. She tracks true and although the skeg isn't necessary in calm conditions, it works a treat in rough water. I am selling Halcyon because it is time. She deserves to be on the water, I have lost 60 lbs and don't fit as well as I once did in the cockpit, and I just don't need a boat this big anymore for the paddling I do. THE GOOD: New skeg cable, slider, and slider-housing (May, 2019) New keel strip (has always had a FG keel strip. this one is a Keeleasy) (May, 2019) All new hatch covers (May, 2019) New reflective deck lines and bungee (May, 2019) Custom foam backrest (removable) Compounded and waxed and ready for sale (May 2019) THE BAD: Standard hull scratching from expedition (fully loaded) launches and landings Standard deck scratches from paddle stowage One Gelcoat repair from minor rock damage (no FG damage) I am in Rye, NH and can show the boat most evenings and am willing to do a demo for serious inquiries only. Thanks for looking and I look forward to hearing from you. Best- Jeff 

So..... lots of options for the mechanical solution. I would like to offer some additional thoughts on the actual PROBLEM caused by aforementioned combination of paddling AND mechanical compression of gaskets. Like many of us, I have had to modify my paddling over the years to deal with various injuries; some caused by paddling, some not. For me this includes tendinitis, knee and shoulder issues and carpal tunnel syndrome. First, let's look at WHAT tendonitis IS (From web MD) Tendinitis (also called tendonitis) is an inflammation or irritation of a tendon, a thick cord that attaches bone to muscle. Incorrect posture (paddle posture/technique) at work or home or poor stretching or conditioning before exercise or playing sports also increases a person's risk. Other risk factors for tendinitis, include: An abnormal or poorly placed bone or joint (such as length differences in your legs orarthritis in a joint) that stresses soft-tissue structures.Stresses from other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, thyroid disorders, or unusual medication reactions. (OR DRYSUIT GASKETS)Overuse or doing too much too soon when the tendons are not used to a movement or to the task taken on. Tendinitis is common in "weekend warriors," people that play and exercise hard only on weekends.Occasionally an infection can cause tendinitis, especially infection from a cat or dog bite to the hand or a finger. So.... more than likely, all things being equal, add to the equation repetetive motion associated with paddling in all kinds of conditions, gaskets may be the proverbial "straw" that breaks the camel's back... possibly limiting circulation via restricted bloodflow to the respective tendon, and thus exacerbating inflamation as a result. IN ADDITION to any mechanical fixes/experimentation that will vary DRASTICALLY across the infinite spectrum of individuals and their (similarly vast) gear choices, some things that can be done prophylactic, mid, and post-"event" are as follows. and....Please note that these are what have worked for me and are based on the advice of Docs and PT's and OT's and other outdoor enthusiasts and may not work for you. I have HAD to do ALL of these in conjunction to be able to continue to paddle on a trip. In no particular order. Stretch your business: before, during breaks, and post paddle. Be gentle and start slow... you don't want to tear anything. Ice your buisiness: As long and as often as you can stand it.If you are wearing gaskets, the water is cold. As long as it's colder than your body temp, it will do at least SOME good. Pre-paddle, Lunch/break-time, and post paddle Anti-inflamatories: If you know you are prone to this condition and can tolerate ibuprofen (advil) OR Naproxen (Aleve), get some on board prophylactically in the prescribed (see the bottle or talk to your DR.) dosage a day or so prior to, during, and post trip. Change what you are doing: Change up your Paddle technique, paddle (shaft, blade size, etc), posture, gasket choice (see above), cadence, intensity, grip location (closer-in or farther out on shaft), kayak (yay! another excuse to solve the N plus one question: number of boats/paddles/garments necessary equals one more than currently in your quiver). Take more breaks Paddle fewer miles: Something is better than nothing, after all. I had to bail on a Maine coast through-paddle and "settle" for 3 shorter multi-day trips based out of Vinalhaven so I could deal with carpal tunnel recovery. This was vastly different than the high mileage "plan," but didn't suck in any way (got to use my hammock more).I hope this helps out, y'all. Good luck in your adventures! Jeff

Brian... I just found this post like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow! I have to replace hatch covers (a metric F-ton) on 4 boats. is this buy happening? Cheers, Jeff

Thanks folks for the advice! I hadn't thought about the harbormaster or CG! Duh!

I'm the one who found the boat and although I have been kayaking 20 years and between my wife and I, own 6 kayaks, NONE of them have ANY identifying information, nor do we have records of serial numbers. We leave float plan all the time but never thought to have ID beta in the boats. I plan on having BOTH personal AND emergency contact info in all our boats. When I remember to to do it. Any suggestions on finding the owner of this thing?