Hi-

>>What characteristics would you demand of this boat before you'd let a loved one use it regularly? How rigid or flexible? What weight? Tracking? Handling?

Fit and comfort would be very important. The whole idea of an sof is that it is built around your body’s dimensions.

An sof should not be rigid, but flex enough to feel alive. It should move with the water, and give a feeling of oneness. You’ll know it when you feel it.

Weight is not that important, but it should be light to reasonable.

Tracking depends on the hull shape, and it should be right for your expectations.

Handling is related to above, and either is what you are used to or something you can grow into with increased skills.

Sof’s really are personal boats, so if your loved one is built like you, and you feel comfortable in it, it will be fine.

Jack Gilman