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brambor

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Posts posted by brambor

  1. I haven't 'warmed up' yet to the on line guides. I think it still looks a little bit cumbersome but it is improving. I really like the printed guide to flip through in bed before the lights go out. At those times I don't really want a computer with me in bed. A book in hand is really nice. I would love to have it in Kindle format though.

    Another nice thing about the on-line guide is the potential for updates and corrections to be made during the year.

    It is also much easier to get an overview of the area surrounding an island using the on-line guide. The chart segments in the printed guide often do not enable you to do so. In some cases this can make it hard to identify an island which is not named on the NOAA chart. Of course, the printed guide is nice this time of year as you can thumb through thinking about trips made and trips to be done while staying warm next to the woodstove.

    Ed Lawson

  2. Hi Suz,

    If you have more than 1 boat then it doesn't limit you that much. However I was more thinking about it for the winter paddling season.

    If you live close to a place that you would want to go to, then ask them directly what they would charge.

    I don't think I would want to as it limits the places you can go.

  3. Does anyone here utilize any kind of storage service at water's edge?

    I was just thinking that it would be nice to be able to rent space at a local marina where I could launch my kayak without having to carry it on my roof racks.

    But then, I looked at one marina's fees (geared towards yachties) and I realized it is cost prohibitive for the options I know of currently.

  4. The Tsunami comes with bulkheads so emptying a boat during a rescue should be no problem. Looks like it can take a sprayskirt too.

    The question is where do you want to go with the boat? It might not be ideal to paddle 10 miles with it to a remote island but for normal day hopping near shore it should be fine. If you plan to join NSPN trips with this boat you might have a hard time keeping up sometimes. At 14 feet it will be a slower boat than most of the other paddlers.

    It retails for over $1200. You could buy better fiberglass boats on the used market for this kind of money.

    I would greatly appreciate opinions about limitations of small boats for ocean kayaking. Specifically, my friend is interested in a 14' Wilderness systems Tsunami with rudder. I have had leaders on AMC trips limit boats to 16' for ocean. In this months's Sea Kayaker, the Samba was favorably reviewed and it is only 13' something but nothing was really said about what limits there are for such a small boat. When I took a lesson with Carpe Diem, Mel said that a 15' boat was too small. Are there safety factors? Thanks very much, Sherry.

  5. Actually it is perfectly logical to have two or three boats. Boats that take in a lot of cargo are great for overnight camping trips while not ideal when paddled empty for day trips. And a boat that fits you well in the summer might feel too tight in winter while you wear 2 layers and a drysuit.

  6. Apparently we'll have a 'cold one' on Sunday. Don't lick any metal objects folks.

    After verifying the ice is safe before walking/skating/otherwise traveling out on that frozen river/pond/lake, consider donning your lightweight kayak tow belt. That, among other implements might prove useful in your role as rescuer or victm.

    Just musing, while waiting for the snow and ice to go away.

    Gary

  7. If you are considering buying a new boat then consider taking a beginner's lesson from outfitters who also sell boats. Have them put you into the boat you are considering buying.

    If you are considering buying a used boat then members here who have a boat for sale could offer to bring it to a Level 1 trip where you can spend more than an hour in the boat.

    Not matter what - always paddle the boat you want to buy for extensive time. It is a major investment in money and peace of mind - no haste necessary.

    Bob,

    Buying a boat is a matter of fit. It needs to fit your weight, height, body width... basically you need to get a few models in your size and then test paddle long enough so that you can feel assured you could paddle for hours without cramps and discomfort.

  8. Bob,

    Buying a boat is a matter of fit. It needs to fit your weight, height, body width... basically you need to get a few models in your size and then test paddle long enough so that you can feel assured you could paddle for hours without cramps and discomfort.

  9. Is part of the 'technique' to layback on the back deck to reduce the impact of hitting the water?

    Just wondering in case I got drugged, kidnapped, put in a kayak going over Niagara falls and woke up a few seconds before the drop...

    From what I understand he attempted to stay on top the green tongue, which sort of reduced the drop and then to land in the airated water to make the landing "softer". I think that he got really lucky.

  10. Nice; and the price is right too.

    Just think of it as a good piece of equipment to have in the boat when you are really going somewhere.

    For day trips without any advanced water you could just leave the pump at home. But for weekend camping trips, solo trips on open water, rock gardening trips, tide race trips... it might be nice to have.

    It looks like it could fit behind the seat and the hose looks thin enough to poke through the sprayskirt bungee without making the skirt pop off.

    I think Kevin's got this pump. I've seen either Ben Lawry or John Carmody use it as well. Really nice if you have to put an incapacitated person back in a boat using the scoop rescue. No messing around pumping and trying to support the boat. Does rely on D-cell batteries though.

    Phil

  11. That's why you have a backup hand pump on deck. From other reports I see, a foot operated pump is awkward in rough conditions.

    I do like the idea of portable electric pump stashed behind the seat and pulling out a hose in between your sprayskirt...

    I'd _MUCH_ rather have a nice foot pump than depend on electric gear that has been submerged in salt water and depends on maintaining a battery. ...a battery that can run dead on a long trip. Sadly, I've yet to find a foot pump setup that seems practical and available.

    Ty

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