Hey Jim, Plastic? You must be one of Duane Strosaker's friends! ;) (I say that in good humor because he's always advocating plastic on the Paddlewise list) I must admit, though, while I'm a wood boat addict, that plastic boats certainly have their place--launchings, landings, and rock gardens.

Do you feel that a more maneuverable boat is easier to paddle in an (overall) straight course in confused seas than a boat with lots of tracking? In my limited experience in larger water with my Chesapeake 17, the tracking was a detriment, rather than an asset, prompting the construction of a more maneuverable Guillemot.

Happy Paddling, Shawn

: I did a 20NM crossing (both ways) in my Guillemot (Coastal) last summer on a
: 4 day camping trip. At the time,l I had a forward bulkhead and only room
: in the aft compartment for my tent, sleeping bag, food, water, fishing
: gear and clothing. It was tight, but the boat handled well, especially on
: the return trip where we encountered swell and 2 foot wind waves/chop.
: Although my memory has faded a bit, but the lack of handling
: characteristics was NOT a problem.

: This year I'll be doing more significant crossings than ever before where
: I'll be using a plastic boat ONLY because of the horrible landing onto
: lava rocks and muscle beds on the islands. I'll miss my Coastal.