Hi Erez, If you read between the lines, I am asking alot more from a kayak than just speed. I agree with you that being comfortable while on a long paddle is the most important over all concern. Most of the comfort issues can be handled with a custom seat, thigh, knee and foot braces but other issues are in the design of the kayak, the Coho is one of my choices becuase it has a nice large cockpit, other people think that a larger cockpit may be detrimental but I find it a plus, also the Coho seems to be a good combination of speed and maneuverability as well. The Coho also can handle a large load. My other choice is the West River 180 XL, also a 23" beam with many of the same attributes as the Coho. This is not the only BBS or person to person source that is getting bombarded with questions from me, I have been asking many people who have built and paddled many different kayaks their opinions on certain models I know they have experience with and so far the flip of the coin goes to the Coho but I would still like to test paddle the west river 180XL before the final choice is made. So thank you every body who may have been e-mailed,tele-phoned,snail mailed and in even one case asked if they would let me borrow their boat for the day, I never met this guy in my life before and he let me drive away with his Chesapeake 17 tied to my roof. A BIG thanks to Jack for putting that kind of trust in me.

Mike

> hello mike,

> I was in your shoes few months ago. I was looking for opinions about
> kayaks, before buying my first kit. I chose s&g because I enjoy building a
> kayak, but I enjoy paddling it more (in comparoson to stripper).

> 1. I posted a message here asking for any negative opinions on any kayak.
> I got many responses, & my conclusion was that anybody's current kayak
> is a wonderful kayak, but when he gets his next kayak, then the next kayak
> turns to be even more wonderful, & the first kayak never sees water
> again. the above ment that I can't rely on opinions thru this site.

> 2. why are you looking for speed? if you intend to race, then that's fine,
> go for it & enjoy.

> Is it because you think it's more efficient to paddle a fast kayak ? I
> believe you're right. @ the begining I was looking for the most narrow
> kayak, thinking it's the most efficient. I went to a kayaks show &
> tried some narrow kayaks. I learned the shocking fact that I can't sit in
> the same position for too long, & in a 22" wide kayak I can't
> change position ! so speed was still important, but being comfortable
> became more important ! I had to go up to 23" to be able to paddle @
> all.

> based on the above 2 reasons, I picked the coho . it is now lying in what
> used to be my living room. it's not done yet, but it's getting there,
> quick.

> I'm 6'1" 150lb

> enjoy building, enjoy paddling.

> erez