alcoons

When: Sunday, July 8th. Where: Hingham Harbor Park, Peddocks, Grape Island. Maximum 10 miles. See http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1110855 for maximum route. Timing: Low Tide is at noon on Sunday, so we need to leave on time at 9:45 AM. Arrive at the put-in at 9 AM. Lunch at Peddocks. Hope to return by 3 PM. Put-in: http://www.nspn.org/play-put-ins.html Level: Level 2+/3-- due to distance, possible chop, and possible current at Hull Gut. Should feel comfortable with the distance, have an ocean kayak, and basic wet-exit and self-rescue skills. The other stuff: Trip depends on having others committed to the paddle and finding/buying a second boat (wife will be along). I should have one by Sunday. Please confirm your interest here or at kayakclass @ verizon dot net Please check this string for updates. Bring lunch, plenty of water, sunscreen, etc. This is a private trip so show-and-go rules apply. Al Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

Caveat. I have been paddling a long time, but don't have the tech vocabulary or experience in the variety of other sea kayaks that many of you have. Hope you have many grains of salt. I tried the 163, 167 and Cetus at Osprey today. Flat water with a solid wind. 163 - Love the fit, love the solid feel. While paddling, the boat seemed solid and heavy (heavy good as in solid) but it paddled lightly. Turned well, and for its size, it tracked well and was fast and efficient. Managed to skin one shin getting out and I am only 5'7", so this is not just a problem for the tall guys. On investigations, I think what is causing the problem is a rounded ridge which is an inch or two below the deck around the cockpit opening in the front. 167 - I was really surprised how similar and how different this boat was. It again fit very well. The cockpit is a bit bigger, but I still felt as if I was wearing the boat (I like this), however, no more shin skinning. While paddling, the boat seem solid and heavy (heavy good as in solid) but it paddled lightly. It tracked on a rail, but did not turn as well as I had hoped it would. Of course it is not suppose to turn as well as the 163, but I felt as if I would not have fun in the rocks with this boat. Is it me? Cetus - Other's comments are right on. Doesn't feel like such a long boat. Felt lighter, quicker than the others. The carry weight was fine, it turned quickly and was fast straight ahead. Everone I think is saying the same thing about wind effects. Seems squirrelly but you have to learn how to do things differently in this boat. Carl use those terms. He also said that with just his normal day gear in the bow, the boat did handle much better. Still does not track like an explorer, but does other things better. I hope to go down again soon and try it in waves and wind with a bit of ballast in the front. One other note about the Cetus. Love the 4th hatch, but the tube created for it under the deck does make it harder to take your feet off the pegs and stretch them out in the middle of the boat. With a little bit of experimentation, I found I had enough room for this, but I have a very short lower torso (29" inseam). Maybe P&H should put a hatch in the tube (under the deck) so you can stretch your logs through it - just kidding. Conclusion: Cetus is an intriguing boat as all have said. A boat that it seems good paddlers want to own right away. I want to learn how to make it work for me. Want one. Al Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

Just back from trying out some boats at Osprey. When I asked Carl and Sam what I/NSPN might do to help, he said let people know that are open and operating. Al Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

Just got off the phone with Osprey in Westport. Don't know if it is common knowledge, but they had a fire last week and lost 50 boats! They are still open and have some boats (I am going down to try some out). I thought the community should know. Hope we can support them in some way. http://www.eastbayri.com/story/328202132178129.php# Al Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

David. Thanks for your help last weekend. Hoping to make the SNG. In PA right now..incredible thunderstorms. Could almost kayak down the street. Al Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

Sorry. Did not see the similar thread. Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

Hi. Finally back in town (at least until Tuesday) and working on a replacement boat for me. Wife wants the Nighthawk. Want to revist the Capella line again. Questions: 1) At 190-200 lbs is a 163 too small (not in terms of cockpit size, like them snug, but rather overall size)? 2) Would a great deal on a 169 be worth taking or would a new 167 or 163 be that much better? 3) Where should I look/try-out Capellas besides Charles River and NE Small Craft? Kittery Trading Post is next closest. Not a fan of long drives. Certainly would like to paddle in the ocean. Hope to try one on the club trip this weekend if one shows up. 4) Internet sites seem to reflect great love for these boats. The negative often mentioned is weather-cocking but I could not tell if it is inexperience, excessive, or with older versions. Most boats do it to some degree. Thanks in advance, Al Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

>Is there ample and obvious parking? > >Brian Hi Brian. As you come to the put in, there will paid parking on the right. That is for the beach. We park on the left where the boat ramp is located. Often, the parking guards from the beach side come over and tell us we have to pay. However, we remind them that we are using the public boat ramp to launch and that parking is free. I cannot vouch for how much space there will be. I have not had trouble in the past, but our launch time is closer to midday than early. Maybe someone else can fill you in. Al Eddyline Nighthawk Red/While

>Al, > >This might be a good place to start looking: > >http://ohioriverway.org/paddlefest/links/ Thanks Kevin, but it seems all the good stuff is in Cincinnati. No mention of Louisville kayaking that I can find, although Louisville races against Cincinnati in Cincinnati each year it seems.. Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

Spending 10 days working in Louisville, KY starting Thursday. Ohio River is at my doorstep. Will be downtown near the Convention Center. Cannot find anything about kayaking the Ohio there. Word has it there are too many barges, etc. Anyone have any info? Thanks, Al Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

Anyone know about the Eddyline Fathom? Reminder: Love my Eddyline Nighthawk, but my wife says she will be happy in it this summer. So I am looking for our second boat that would be faster straight ahead and which handles moderate waves better/more efficiently. Am hoping to stay around 50-54 lbs (or maybe I should lose 20 lbs - but then I am not spending much time on the roof rack). Thanks, Al Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

Happy Mother's Day...Some other time! Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

Get the cobwebs out. Paddle one or both ways from Newton. At the "Rental Parking Lot" Norumbega Road (across the Charles from Charles River Canoe) http://www.paddleboston.com/newton/directions.php Launch at 11 AM Sharp. Bring a snack perhaps. Perfect for beginners as long as you have paddled your boat and done a wet exit. Make sure you check here in case of last minute changes. Al kayakclass@verizon.net Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

>Maybe it had something to do with LLBean's new Discovery >School in Burlington. >Suz Ah. The trailer did have Maine plates! Trying to sneak into Mass. without admitting it. No real Mainer would be seen dead around here - at least not 10 miles inland. Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

About 10 sea kayakers were on Horn Pond in Woburn tonight practicing wet exits. Looked as if they knew what they were doing. Looks as if many of the boats had been brought down on a trailer. I use that wonderful area frequently and paddle there occasionally, but I have never seen anyone in the water...swimming is not allowed as far as I know. Anyone know this group? It is always good to have more paddlers close to home. Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

>Al said: > >** They only had a Capella 161 and 171 in stock. Took the >161 out. Was just wonderful to sit in and paddle. Liked the >lines and what appeared to be quality construction and >attention to details. However, when I edged the boat a good >bit I almost dumped. Thought it was early in the season and >my fault, but it repeated on both sides. When I asked Dave >he said it definitely has a point where the support for >edging transitioned. Maybe the 163 or 167 are different but >if not, I edge too much to be worried about this. Any >opinions? > > >What you experienced in edging was EXACTLY what I like so >much about the boat. It just takes some getting used to. >What happened when you were edging is that you got over >enough (congrats - a lot of people don't notice this about >the Capella's) that the stern released which then allowed it >to slip faster and feel as if it is accelerating into the >turn. > >Something to play around with is to do an outside edge turn, >stay on the edge and hold it and you will distinctly feel it >slip out. This can really be a benefit when turning in >tight places. Learn how to make it work for you. It will do >the same on the inside edge but usually have a paddle in a >low brace and therefore it isn't as distinctive. Thanks Suz. I loved the boat so I definitely want to try out your suggestions. Al

Thanks for all the advice so far. Stopped by Charles River Canoe and they were as helpful as always. Dave took care of me. Just wanted to find out what boats I might pursue. ** An Impex Force 4 just did not fit me. ** A Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 worked much better than its initial impressions. Not sure why it does not look good to me but it does not. However, it fits well, turned well, seemed reasonable fast, edged nicely. What are you opinions of this boat? ** They only had a Capella 161 and 171 in stock. Took the 161 out. Was just wonderful to sit in and paddle. Liked the lines and what appeared to be quality construction and attention to details. However, when I edged the boat a good bit I almost dumped. Thought it was early in the season and my fault, but it repeated on both sides. When I asked Dave he said it definitely has a point where the support for edging transitioned. Maybe the 163 or 167 are different but if not, I edge too much to be worried about this. Any opinions? So. There are more boats to try, but that was a start. PS. Stopped by an experienced paddler's house to borrow a boat for tomorrow. She mentioned how wonderful these discussions about boats and other gear are. Thanks to everyone for contributing your knowledge. I bet a lot more people than we realize value your input. Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

>I have a friend with a Current Designs Gulfstream for sale. Any one have one? Feelings about the Gulfstream? Thanks, Al >Eddyline Nighthawk >Red/White Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

I agree about paddling flat water not telling the entire story. In particular, you cannot tell the boats characteristics in waves and chop and that's what we do. Al Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

I have a friend with a Current Designs Gulfstream for sale. Reactions in terms of my needs or just good reading - you all are great?!? Al Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

>Wow Al, I can't believe that you let Ed talk you out of >something new and different so easily! > >Of course I am a bit partial to P&H boats and think you >should give the 167 a try. NESC is doing a demo day in May >so that is an option. If you can't wait, head south to >Collinsville this weekend or Kayak Center next weekend. > >Personally, I would never recommend that you have two of the >same boats in the "fleet". Where is the diversity? You >haven't expanded your options at all. > >Suz > >http://www.phpaddlers.com/ I am not quite that easy....just reacting to each idea. I agree with your points. Thanks for the input. Al Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

>>My wife is planning to paddle this summer and fits well into >>my Eddyline Nighthawk. I have been considering a boat that >>might be a bit better in larger waves and have more >>straight-ahead efficiency. We also need more room in one of >>our boats for camping. >> >>I love the fit of the Eddyline and enjoy paddling it. I am >>not looking for an all out expedition boat but a nice >>compromise. > >I think you should buy my Nighthawk which is for sale. I'll >give you a great deal > >Seriously, it has a adequate space to camp from for more >than a few days as its volume is within a cubic foot of the >NDK Explorer and greater than many touring boats. It is >also about as efficient a hull as one is likely to find >among ordinary sea kayaks so it moves fast with little >effort. I don't know what issue you have with large waves >in one. The only issue I experienced is that due to its >full bow it rides up and pounds down on short chop or going >over steep swells. That is a function of the design and a >tradeoff for other things. In terms of dealing with beam >seas and rear seas it is quite good. Always seemed to surf >down waves well. It does not paddle backwards as easily as >many, but that was a design tradeoff too. Overall, it never >did me wrong and kept me up when I did not deserve to be. > >Besides you like it and if fits well. > >Okay, if you won't get another Nighthawk, go try a Force 4. >Not as playful, not as light, more boat than you need for >weekend camping, and may seem a little tender with a 20.75 >beam; but one of the best fast touring hulls around. If not >a Force 4, try a Nordcapp LV. > > >Ed Lawson Thanks for your comments. I have heard the same thing about my Nighthawk. I reallyi love it. Have not camped in it but tried to load it once. Did not realize it had that much room. I have always been very aware of what you mentioned: "The only issue I experienced is that due to its full bow it rides up and pounds down on short chop or going over steep swells" since this inefficiency has the largest effect on the most physically demanding long trips. Maybe though I am overreacting. Perhaps I should just get my wife her own newish boat. Al Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

>Al, > >There's always the Explorer...you can't go wrong with it;) Tried it at the New To Kayaking Workshop. Did not fit well around the feet and seemed heavy. Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

My wife is planning to paddle this summer and fits well into my Eddyline Nighthawk. I have been considering a boat that might be a bit better in larger waves and have more straight-ahead efficiency. We also need more room in one of our boats for camping. I love the fit of the Eddyline and enjoy paddling it. I am not looking for an all out expedition boat but a nice compromise. Weight does matter since I often load the boat on my Accord roof alone. After asking a few knowledgable paddlers and doing some reading online, I thought I would give a starting point as a P&H Capella 167. The P&H web site says the following about it: "This mainstay of the P&H Range has all of the design characteristics expected of a classic British sea kayak. Its moderate 'V' hull provides a good mix of tracking performance and comforting initial stability whilst soft chines give responsive edging coupled with confidence inspiring secondary stability. Like all kayaks in the Exploration range, the Capella is designed to excel as a sea kayaking all-rounder; featuring sufficient manoeuvrability to explore a coastline's nooks and crannies, whilst retaining plenty of speed for long open crossings." Any reactions? Other boats that I should look at? I am 5'8 190lbs (100% muscle or less). Obviously I have to get out and paddle whatever boats I am considering. But given our schedule that is not easy right now. So I though I would start here. Thanks for your comments, Al Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

>Being interested in paddling Alaska as well I am thinking >that perhaps others would appreciate hearing about the >experiences of others in our group! Might consider posting >on this site for all to view?? AND I may be out of line...I >am certain that someone will let us know! Mary. Have spent a lot of time in Alaska, but not paddling. Did get to paddle the Queen Charlotte Islands (just south of the Alaska border) a few years ago and they were very special in terms of paddling, scenary, history and the continuing life of the Haida people. Here is what I have found out so far about a possible Misty Fjords Trip. Maybe others can continue to advise or join us. This 6 day trip going from Walkers Cove, to Portage or Saks Cove, to Anchor Pass, to Blind Pass is at the northern end of the National Momument. Food and equipment, guide, camping with option for two cabins for a bit extra, and single or double kayaks. Airfare is reasonable given the status of airline travel and connections are great with Alaska Airlines. Many do this kind of trip or longer trips unguided and unsupported. Unless you want a very long paddle from Ketchikan, you hire a company to take you, your gear, and your boat down and back. Same company will rent kayaks. We are considering taking the ferry from Bellingham, WA to Ketchikan on the way up. As usual, all the cabins are already book for the middle of June, but sleeping in the Solarium is always special. It is the area on the back deck of these ferries. It is open at the very rear but has a glass ceiling. Everyone lays out their pads and sleeping bags and shares and sleeps. Public showers are available. Al Coons Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White