. . . that some folks had an opinion!

Hi Rehd - Geez, I drove my vette to the office every day and used it like a real car for 5 years - Honest! - It just always looked like it was showroom new. My point was (is) that modern silicone "waxes" can preserve a finish like little else can, and be done in very short order. I got by with a 30 min wax job twice a month, and trust me, dirt couldn't even begin to stick to the surface. My gelcoat power boat looked better after 5 years than when I bought it new - Same reason, a half hour spent hosing and WD-40'ing after every outing, and an additional 30 min wax job every month or two. Why should a kayak be any different for me?

Scratches and abrasions are unavoidable, but I maintain they'll look better on a well maintained craft. Use it, abuse it, but maintain it! BTW, the hot weather here has really slowed down my progress. The garage is stifling much of the time. I am so close and it kills me to put off completion. The only upside is that kayaking is probably a year-round activity in this climate. Still, I am getting very anxious to launch.

Thanks for your caautions, but believe that I'll get my money's worth from this kayak as a vehicle as well . . .

Best Regards, Spidey