@Chodups said:
My Sterling Kayaks Illusion is currently for sale.
If I was still out that way (west coast Vs east coast), and
if I didn’t already have one,
well, maybe.
@String
I thought they were the ultimate kayaks?
certainly not ‘ultimate’
they aren’t fast (I’m not in a hurry)
they are expensive (don’t spend so much on your next car, spend it on a kayak)
However, for me, with a (potentially) bad back (35lb boat) and very safetly concious (safe in nearly any seas), it is perfect.
(the weight is the reason I paddle the Illusion these days instead of an NDK Explorer(or Romany), I’ve got a longish walk to the water from where I live)
1988 Wenonah Spirit II - my father bought this boat new in 1988, and was absolutely paranoid about scratching it. Thirty-years later it is still in the best condition of all my boats. Great tripping boat - I’ll be out in it in a couple of weeks doing a long weekend on the Connecticut River.
1989 Mohawk Whitewater 16 - a year after he bought the Wenonah, this was my father’s answer to the rocky New England rivers that we usually paddled. I learned whitewater with him in this boat, and I still love running whitewater in it when I can find a partner.
1992 Dagger Encore - my “old-school” whitewater solo - big by today’s standards, but still a lot of fun. Someday I may buy a shorter boat, but this keeps me on the water for now.
1997 Bell Wildfire - This boat has a P-net history. It was originally owned by long-time P-netter Tony Figuerido, who advertised it on P-net and sold it to another long-time P-netter TommyC1, who sold it to me a few years ago. White gold with wood trim - lots of scratches and a few nicks in the gel coat, but what a great boat.
2004 Bell Yellowstone Solo - my first boat - I bought it new in 2005 and have paddled it everywhere. If I had to keep just one boat, which would be hard, this would have to be it.
That’s a great photo. If they were deeper, would be a great place to practice boat control. Grand Marais (MI) Harbor has a nice set a bit offshore. I think someone called it the pinball machine. An apt name as I bounced off a few.
Three of many solo boats in the stable. Kevlar Jensen WW-C1! on the south branch of the Raritan. Mad river Indy on the south branch! Kevlar mad river traveler with Josie Wails
river
