> ok ! I asked if there is a bad kayak at all, & you all responded.
> here's what I learned from your answers:

> 1. it's personal preferences. there is no single good kayak for my
> height/weight etc'.

> 2. I'm probably going to be like most of you: I'll have my first kayak
> & I'll probably be very happy with it, & after an unknown period
> of time I'll have my "next kayak", & I'll probably will be
> more pleased with the 2nd one.

> 3. I thought my first kayak will be my only one, but I assume I was wrong.
> although now I don't want to hear about my second kayak, I will very much
> want to hear about it after a while.

> If so, than there is no reason to worry too much since it's more luck than
> science. my considerations are: I'm thin, I have a small butt, so there is
> no reason for me to push so much water to the sides. I'll pick a more
> narrow kayak, let's say a beam of 22-23" . a narrow kayak is more
> likely to capsize, but I know me, I always go to places I shouldn't go
> & do things I shouldn't do (with kayaks that is) so I'll capsize with
> any kayak, even if it's 24". I'll just have to learn this eskimo
> rescue magic. I rather have a strong kayak than a thin fragile one.

> & by the way, it's going to be in open sea & bay area, & to be
> more specific: south florida area - the keys, ft. myers area etc'.

> therefore, the options are: pygmy: arctic tern

> coho

> osprey-hp

> chesapeake: LT-18

> patuxent

> west river

> I picked the "coho" !

> does anybody think it's a real bad decision ? is this kayak so bad &
> I'll just waste my money ? or is it just another sensible reasonable
> decision ? & don't tell me what a wonderful marvelous kayak the coho
> is, because based on the above, I'll not believe you.

> I may sound sarcastic, but I really appreciate your inputs to my previous
> question: "is there a bad kayak at all". it really helped me.
> one of you named his answer "lots of them", & I exploded
> with loughter when I read that.

> thanks again

> erez segev

I am building my first two boats, an Osprey Standard for my son and a Coho for myself. The decision to buy the Coho was based on reading an article in Sea Kayaker Magazine (see the link). I was impressed with the reviews, particularly the wide range of paddlers that seamed to be comfortable in the boat. A second decision point was the location of the manufacture. I live in Southern California and Pygmy is in the same time zone. The Osprey became the choice for my son because of it similar lines in a smaller boat.

One other point you might want to consider, though it is purely aesthetics. I am about half way through the construction of the Osprey. The hull has been fiber glassed. The dark seams formed between the smaller strips of a multi-chine hull are fabulous looking. I am really looking forward to building the Coho. Good-luck in what ever you choose.