More thoughts Posted by: Tommymc on Apr-18-12 8:40 AM (EST)
I've considered the durability issue regarding the Maine coast. Wood & glass boat owners "claim" that it's as rugged as a composite boat, and easier to fix...since you know how it went together. I do still wonder.... When Pygmy came out with the 13 ft Pinguino, I thought it looked good but a little short for good tracking. Then they followed up with the Pinguino 145 but with a 25.5" beam, it's still a little chunky. John Lockwood says it will "keep up" with faster boats, but it's cruising speed is still at the bottom of the list. The other thing that concerns me about building a "recreational" kayak is that I could probably buy a plastic one for the same price. The wood is lighter, and there's the pride in building it. I just question whether it's as practical a proposition (cost-wise) as building a longer boat. Still spinning my wheels here....