PatE

Perhaps we can just post our boat's specs, cockpit size, number of hatches, type of skirt, PersonalFlotationDevice size, affinity for gadgets, preference for Gore-Tex or neoprene, etc., etc. You know...keep it generic! Hehe...

The Extrasport Retroguide has a lot of pocket space. Fairly large pockets on either side; one's a double pocket (3 altogether). My radio easily fits in the large vertical pocket.

Bill! You got an Aquanaut? I just noticed in your signature! When did you get it and how do you like it? Details!!! So you got two new boats in the same year, eh? Nice fleet you're building there. Not bad! I love mine, although I miss paddling. Haven't paddled since fall. Soon, though; very soon. Pat

I'm looking for other's opinions, knowledge on this subject. I just bought a new PFD after looking at them for quite awhile. I went to a large retail outfitter in the area and found the one I want in a different color than I'd seen it anywhere else. I paid full retail price for it. I thought it was new for this year. When I got home I looked on the mfr's website and they didn't have the "new" color so I wrote them to inquire about it. Anyway, turns out it's not a new color. It's not even last year's color. This color was last manufactured for the 2003 season. I just bought it and it is two years old. Ironically, almost two years ago a salesperson at this same retailer told me they had marked down PFD's that were the same style as others on the rack at full price because they were old and they have a "shelf-life". I've read that PFD's generally last about 3-5 years . Does buying a two-year old PFD mean I have already lost some of its life? Thoughts? Thanks, Pat

A week or so ago I posted looking for a Tempest 180 somewhere in New England. Wow! They are hard to come by. Thanks to Walter's recommendation to try Billington Sea Kayak, my friend, Rick, just found and bought the Kevlar one Doug had in stock. This was the first time I had been to BSK. Doug is one heck of a nice guy! It was a pleasure doing business with him. He even spoke quite highly of Walter! Well, ummm, sort of...

Thanks Walter! We'll give him a call. How's things? I'm sorry I missed that wonderful breakfast you put on a little while ago. But, hey; I still owe you a lunch! I have not forgotten. Pat

Following my post last week looking for New England W.S dealers, a friend and I have been trying to locate a Tempest 180 and/or a C.D. Solstice Titan to try for size. Can't find either in stock anywhere. Does anyone know the whereabouts of either of these boats just to sit in for fit? The Titan is brand new, I think, so may be more difficult if not impossible, but am hoping perhaps a dealer somewhere might have one in for demo purposes. Thanks! Hope you all are off to a good start for the new year! Pat

Thank you both.

Does anyone know of any Wilderness Systems dealers in the MA, NH, ME area? I know ERBA is one, but I'd like to find add'l. dealers. The WS website doesn't offer this info. Thanks!

Nice pics. So, was that black coffee or does your boat take it with cream and sugar?

Ken & David, thanks! Great link and it is now bookmarked. I grew up on boats on the ocean where my Dad always monitored Channel 16, and the "switch and answer" routine, etc., so I'm pretty familiar with usage from that exposure. I also have books (actually I think I have the beginnings of a library!) that define the specific usages, terminology, etc. I was more curious about the radios themselves; quality, best features to look for in using it for ocean paddling and whether Standard Horizon overall and the model I received will fill the need. The website description didn't seem that clear about the differences. Seems like this one should be sufficient for what I'd need. Thanks for the info. Pat

Well, Santa came a bit early to my house today in the form of the USPS carrier! I just got the above model VHF radio as a gift. I've poked around on the web and see that thay also manufacture a model 270 as well as a 360 (I think?). I'm not sure what the differences are and/or what they'll mean or matter to me. Looks like the others list more channel capability, but I'm unsure of what capability the 260 has beyond 16. If I am to use this on trips, I'm certain I'll want a non-emergency communication channel. Does this provide that? What other things are a must have. I have forgotten most of what I knew about communicating via radio on the water! Thanks! Pat

>pat, are you thinking of "the kayak cover company"? yes: >gloria krellman is in maine. see: >http://www.kayakcovers.com/ Hi Christopher! That could be the one! Karen bought hers from a woman in Maine. How ya doin'?

Welcome Kevin! I, too got hooked after the first paddle! I recently bought a Danuu cover for my Aquanaut and it seems to be a good fit/quality. I googled them on the web and they seem to be the same price everywhere, so not discounts, or at least I couldn't find any. Here is one link that sells them. http://www.clavey.com/ky_acc_danuu_covers.html Another NSPN'r I know bought a custom cover somewhere in Maine. If she sees this, maybe she'll respond.

Thanks for providing this Liz. It's a great starting point for many of us to begin thinking in a more organized fashion about what we need to bring in our boats and where it belongs. etc. Pat