spuglisi

You might try calling Newbury kayak

Definitely food for thought. I guess the lesson is that if you're uncomfortable with a situation .....trust your own judgement and speak up. Don't just follow others who may have doubts but don't want to speak up either. I don't know anything about the author of the article but, from comments and the fact that he was able to stay out there and help even though he was struggling himself, it sounds like he was well respected and capable. No one is infallible and anyone can make a bad decision.... especially when feeling the pressure of a group. Stay safe out there.

Great article. Thanks for posting.

Paul, My thoughts were the same on both counts. He sounded mildly inebriated to me. And, yes....10 miles out with 3 kids in a 14" boat makes no sense.

https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/man-who-made-mayday-call-never-identified-himself/97-edf110c3-faa9-4032-86cf-4a400ef6254c

Last I heard was that they were considering this as a possible hoax since no one reported any missing boaters. Only the mayday call. Would seem that if a man and 3 children were out there that someone on land would know who they were.

Following.

I have a palm drysuit and the neck gasket is on borrowed time. Does anyone have a line on who might replace gaskets on Palm suits?

I dont currently have one but especially given it's small size I dont really see a downside to carrying one especially when going out solo. Given what most of us invest in paddles, boats, VHF... etc seems like a reasonable price for some piece of mind. Just don't let having it tempt you in to taking risks you wouldn't have without it.

Thanks Kate, My friend judy has been paddling for quite awhile but does not have the variety of experience that most of us do. She's been paddling an old town plastic boat so the Mariner is definitely an upgrade. A friend that she trusts recommended it to her. She tried it and bought it. It's currently sitting in my backyard. I found it heavier than my tiderace and very awkward to carry due to the rearward cockpit position. The boat does have a bulkhead in the bow and the tiny hatch that you mentioned. The stern hatch is huge and different than any I've seen before with a true oval shape and a 2 pc lid that consists of a fiberglass insert and a neoprene cover to hold it in place. Also of note is that there is no provision for deck lines, only bungies and there are two weird cleats mounted just fore of the cockpit. Judy is also 115 lbs and to me, the boat looks pretty big for her. Definitely an unconventional design. I'm looking forward to taking it out for a test paddle.

Micheal, Is the Mariner II a high volume boat? Someone recommended it to a friend of mine but she's only 155 lbs. I'll have to try and do some more research. I really couldn't find that much on it aside from the link that David posted.

Thanks David.

Thanks Ed.

Has anyone had any experience with Mariner sea kayaks... specifically the Mariner II . I don't believe these are made any longer. A friend is considering a used boat.

I've been trying periodically, to renew my membership without any success. Why is this still such a problem?

Congrats!

Thanks for the tips guys....appreciated.

Thanks Deb and Brian. I'll try Warner first and epoxy as backup.

I know a lot of members use werner paddles . Wondering if anyone has had the same issue I'm having. I use an Ikelos...I paddle hard and also use it surfing but I don't abuse the paddle...I don't lean on it when getting in and out of my boat...don't use it as a pry bar or anything like that The problem is that the paddle has developed quite a bit of play at the ferrule. The female half has become somewhat conical, and oval at the opening...it's not a lot ...maybe .005"- .010"..but it's enough to be very noticeable. As a temporary fix I've used some teflon tape on the male end to take up the play. This works pretty well but needs to be touched up after each paddle. I plan on contacting Werner about the problem but I was wondering if anyone else has had to deal with this and what solution , if any was found. Thanks in advance. Sal

Sounds like good advice John.

Some of the comments at the end of this article are very frustrating to read.....people claiming that kayaks are not sea worthy ...."narrow kayaks" ( in the 21 - 23 inch width range that most of us paddle) are nearly guaranteed to capsize....that lack of flotation is at issue....etc.

From what I've seen in the past, Nav workshops usually generate a good turnout.

See everyone there.

I have some non prescription bifocal sunglasses as well as some clear, bifocal safety glasses. I rarely wear them on the water though. I just don't seem to be able to get used to wearing them. I do keep a cheap pair of drug store reading glasses in an accessible pfd pocket. It's not ideal but it's the best I've been able to come up with.