I never owned a commercial boat until just a couple years ago, before that all my kayaks had been self-made S&G, hybrids, and strippers. Then I bought a poly Valley Nordkapp to "see how the other half lives", and also to have at least one boat the didn't require any maintenance or routine repair. It was a surprisingly good performer, so I sold it and sunk a couple grand in an nearly-new 2006 composite Nordkapp LV.

I still don't own a kayak that requires zero maintenance or repairs, although I probably would if I had hung onto the poly 'Kapp. I almost wish I had, too, except for one thing .... it just isn't anywhere near as cool looking as the composite one. I know it's dumb, but I gotta admit it, looks are important to me. Both Valley boats are excellent performers, no complaints there, and I do not say I regret buying the composite 'Kapp, not at all. But dang, Valley makes poly boats that are WAY better than I woulda ever believed possible!