subaruguru

Well, my checking the stability of the extreme edge of David's new Aquanaut resulted in quite an unexpected splash Tuesday, to the chuckle of all. Not even time enough to brace. Hmmm! Interestingly a seeminingly-neutral response from a Canadian seller of both Impex and Valley suggested that the Forces are unidimensional trackers and that the Aquanauts are much better in conditions. Comments seem unbiased commercially given that they admit that their USD-purchased Valleys are overpriced compared to the locally-produced Impexes, so they know they'll never sell me a Valley boat. Dave at CRCK's smilingly recalled that ALL Valley boats have "surprises" at the limit, although admitting that they're really comfy. They'd love to sell me their new Force V, and the red deck/yellow beltline isn't so bad, actually. But they seem to like them for good reasons too. I'll try to paddle a V again tomorrow and see if the edge seems more predictable...or "harder". And no, my size 12 boots don't fit in the Force IV...and barely into the Aquanaut. In comparison to my Looksha HV's hard chines' "stepped edges", which I liken to stretching a rubber band to finally get up to a hard lean (which seems tremendously protective in 5-6 footers), I AM seduced by that "creaminess continuousness" of both the AN and the Force 5, but would like to feel that I have a bit of protection at the endpoint...at least until I learn to roll effortlessly, or be bracing continuously?! Thanks for putting up with me....

Yup, I cut a duck from fishline last year with the pop-top of a Diet Coke can. So I bought a couple of decent cheap PFD knives on eBay. You can have the other one if you want. Only cost $12, and although not titanium or rustproof H1 nitogen-fixed steel ($40-$100), if lubed it'll be fine. Used it to cut loose an ugly milk-jug used as an ersatz buoy on the Mystic too. REALLY felt like a Commando Ernie then!

Hi Ed, By "creamy" edging I'm trying to describe the smoothness of the lean from horizontal to up on edge. The Force simply had a continuousness that was more comfy than the step-function feel of the harder chines of my Looksha (or the Shadow) for example. The Aquanaut also felt this way, and even more responsive, but I've also just been told that the Aquanaut can easily fool you once you're up there with false confidence and maybe dump you (me!) more easily. Since I don't have a roll I prefer to stay upright. Must say that the Aquanaut's keyhole cockpit initially felt a bit tight, but the thigh brace purchase is exquisite because of it. The Force's seat and thigh braces appear to need some work (a common complaint). I've got to compare them in the same session. I'm ONLY considering the lighter layups, as that 5-6lbs is important to me as I solo-load on OBs broadside. Thanks for your cogent comments!

Joe, I grabbed a red Pro-Tec WATER at REI for $40. Comfy and nice. Easy decision. Box size labels are mismarked, so be sure to try on.

I think I've decided to sell my Looksha IV HV, and have finally narrowed the replacement search down to the Impex Force V and the Aquanaut. I want to preserve the Looksha's quiet glide and good speed, solid secondary, but don't need the volume (I'll probably NEVER go camping), and am sick of the wind-cocking and big-guy's beam. Needing to get my booted feet (12) to fit eliminates many contenders, including the Force 4. I want an efficient fast hull that'll safely get me into Level III trips, and is reasonably easy to roll. (Thanks, BobB for breaking the curse on my Looksha!) My demos of the Force 5 and Aquanaut are weeks apart, and limited to flat water. Although I may be able to borrow a Force 5 to compare simultaneously with David's Aquanaut, I doubt I'll be able to compare them in "conditions" beyond the luck (?) of some wind on the Mystic next week. Has anyone closely compared these two 'yaks? I'm attracted to the 5's speed and "creamy" edging feel, but wonder if it'll be as seaworthy in big swell as the Aquanaut? Is the latter therefore considerably slower because of shorter WL and more rocker? Should I care? I like a quiet bow and good speed (so I hate the Chathams!), but want much more responsiveness than say an Epic 18 or Q700. Also, where's best place to get a deal on the Aquanaut? If I go with the Force 5 I'll get it at CRCK. Thanks for all input. Ern

David, I have a new Optio 43WR that I grabbed on eBay last year and haven't used yet. I chased it particularly over the new ones because it was easier to grip with one hand AND has a decent viewfinder! You're welcome to try it out anytime. Remind me to bring it Tuesday to the Mystic.

I agree, and chased an older Pentax Optio 43WR with viewfinder. They're still around on eBay, etc. Although marketed only as water RESISTANT, the difference in ommersion tests between the two adjacent JIS standards apparently is trivial for our purposes, as I'm told the 43WR is good to 3m (10 ft).

Count me in.

Well, you've identified that the primary concern is the short inter-rail distance on the Imp sedan's roof. Because of the more-narrowly defined market for used WRXs, you might just get the word out that you'd consider selling yours...at a fairly highish price. One of the 100,000 returning students might want a pretty blue Comm Ave scorcher. You know where you can get a good Leg/OB wag when the time comes...just give me lead time if you insist on a stick. I wouldn't worry too much about overtightening bow and stern lines on your PLASTIC Tempest temporarily, as you can't crack it; but be careful not to store it tightened in the sunlight, as longer plastic yaks will oilcan and banana easily. Congrats again on your roll! You looked mighty good Tuesday. Cheers. (FYI I've NEVER seen the Yakima-made Subie crossbars pull off a factory roof, but the issue of strap loosening or failure of course still exists. The "mighty mounts" and Thule similar are certainly strong enough to hold Yakima and Thule hardware such that Subie sells the Yakima mounts as OE for about $17 retail instead of Yakima $30 retail...one of the few times it's actually cheaper to buy as a car part!)

Welcome! The Upper Mystic Lake was almost unbearably warm (86F) a few weeks ago, but has settled nicely. Although it can suffer from runoff the day after a heavy rain it flushes quite rapidly at the south end where we paddle, and being up to 100' deep (!) is fairly clean. I'm pretty sure it'll be clean enough for rolling/rescues tomorrow. See ya there.

Whaddayasay, David? Just a mild drizzle down here, 61F. We still on, officially or not?

I tried David's new Aquanaut last week, and even though it's speced for a smallish yakker I was surprised at how comfy my 5'11" frame and 11.5 feet fit. Paddled great, too.

I was out here last night. Water has finally cooled off considerably, and seems pretty clean. I suspect we're on, David? Possibilioty of get-together chez moi (0.6mi away) afterward for those who want to take care of all this extra premium brew I've collected over several BYO BBQs, as I don't drink. May wait til next week, giving me time to BBQ some of my 19 spice African Chicken. (No jokes, Mr Budd.)

Googling them resulted in several vendors (inc ROTC!) who sell only in bulk, WITH PERSONALIZED LOGO, at less than $150 for 50. ($2.54ea, +sh). Group purchase with NSPN.ORG logo? Freebie incentive for new (paid) members? Automatically sent to ALL members upon renewal? And a second for helmet? Get even a bit cheaper in the hundreds. Photo seems to show a pocket-clip as well as lanyard.

Brad, you didn't say your size. I have a Necky Looksha IV HV which fits a larger frame (and shoe size) very well. Getting my 11.5 feet comfy in medium-sized 'yaks has been a significant issue. If you like the Looksha CRCK has their red/blue rental one reduced to only $1499. Scratched up, but a great deal for a bigger/taller guy. I'll be here on the Mystic Tuesday if you want to try mine. Cheers.

David, I'm afraid that the onerous trip out Rte 2 at 5PM would rule Walden out for me, too. I'll be back on the Mystic Thursday and try to remember to report conditions.

Oops! Just found local clone: Orion #977 at West Marine, $13.

Nice looking horn, but pricey...and a battery to consider. Check out this Aussie wonder: eBay item 250012786793. They'll apparently entertain a 50 count bulk purchase. Hmmm....

Heard network news posting about Sandy Beach being closed today/tomorrow due to heat-related bacteria counts. Here we go again.... Should we meet again tonight anyway...and perhaps eliminate rolling practice? Already 81F in Medford at 9AM. Phew....

Hi David, Well last week's Karen & Bob coincident rolling class surely drained most of us away, and left me disappointed in my lack of success, too. I'd like to learn to roll this month (sweep or c-c...whichever works!) and maybe scull for support (I'm always amazed at your ability therein), and am available to help newbies with rescues, basic strokes, etc. See ya tomorrow.

Initial frustration trying to sweep-roll my half-filled Looksha HV (24" beam) resulted in Karen recommending that I try the C-C with Bob. My repeated unsuccessful attempts to hip-flick hard enough raised an ugly red welt on my hip from banging against the coaming. By then I'd picked up a few gallons of water again! So I bought a nice tight SD Glacier this weekend. Getting my left arm fully wrapped for the C-C resulted only in scratching up my yak during many unsuccessful jerks, so I'm starting to think that the less violent (?) sweep roll might be easier for me to learn. Will be on the Mystic Tuesday if anyone is willing to coach me. Oh...and Bob, I prefer to start with my carboniferous Ikelos, if possible.

Welcome, Gene. I snorted only a bit of that 86F brew, and seem ok so far.

Gillian, It's a quick, tippy semi-racing 17 footer. 26lbs. I can barely keep it up in light winds or a few inches chop. Boys 'n toys...oy. Air temp 91F at the Lake. See ya soon. Ern

Aw c'mon, Gillian! You can even try my JET!

I'll bring my KP Jet as well if anyone wants to try it.