Unfortunately its very difficult to find anywhere to try boats, so other people's impressions are especially valuable in narrowing the search and then if necessary I will make a trip to a dealer in mainland Europe to try for myself.
Criteria include:
I'd like the boat to be an appropriate size, I'm 5'6" (1.68m) and 63kg (138lbs). I'd be using the boat mostly for day paddles, coastal exploring with some more open crossings, occasionally for camping, not (intentionally at least) for surfing or any extreme activities - serene moseying with the capacity to cope if conditions pick up is the objective. Having lost a bit of confidence I value stability more than previously, and speed and tracking are more important than manoeuvrability. Oh and form as well as function is a must!
I am keeping an open mind but there are three boats I have been admiring:
Top of my list is the Navigator, which I know is really a lovely boat. Simple to construct and the wood and stainless steel construction is perhaps more durable than an aluminium frame. The only negative being the weight, at 22kg there are others several kg lighter.
The Navigator has a big brother, the longer but lighter Argo. It is only 19kg, however I wonder whether the additional volume would mean it is too big and as with my original hardshell boat I will be bobbing around high in the water unless I add ballast.
Also how could I not want a wisper / wisper xp. Having paddled a K1 it felt awfully big, like you could host a tea party in the cockpit, but it was beautiful all the same... Though a horror to put together, sheesh! But in any case that would require a lottery win /sale of organ to finance, though occasionally they are available 2nd hand so I have never ruled it out completely. Sadly production seems to be discontinued - a clear reason against purchasing as parts could be a problem, but perversely also an irrational reason for, they are a piece of heritage!
If anyone can help, I would be very grateful.
![[IMG]http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u153/tsunamichuck/Fido.jpg[/img]](http://s167.photobucket.com/user/tsunamichuck/media/Fido.jpg.html){kind=link}
