: Where are you hoping to paddle this thing? Slow rivers or white water. The
: yak that Aaron mentioned got swamped in a class II rapid and stuck against
: a rock underwater. There were river rats tuggind and pulling on it with no
: hope of it budging. They all were amazed at how strong it was as
: (according to them) most plastic boats would have bent under that
: circumstance. It was left for dead when it suddenly let loose and floated
: down stream on its own. So yes... they are definatly strong enough.
: Abrasion resistance is a different story. If you use it rough, it would
: need to be reskinned every year. Oysters are far more dangerous than rocks
: for puncturing holes.
: Most ww slalom (spelling?) boats are fiberglass, so wood and fiberglass would
: work, but nothing beats plastic for hard use.
: Scott

Scott, I would plan on paddling this boat in mostly shallow slow to rough waters. I am not an extremely experienced boater, but I have messed around on the spring river here in Arkansas that has some pretty hairy spots. As for buying a used kayak... well, I love woodworking so, if I can build it instead of buy it then that's what I'd prefer. Since I will be in shallow rivers most of the time, I plan on fiber glassing any boat I build. I really appreciate all of the great responses I have received from everyone, and now I know that shorter boat = slower boat. Can someone tell me where I can find the "skin" that goes on the frames of the SOF kayaks?