On 6-Jul-2004, Claudia Engel wrote:

I'm looking at the Perception Eclipse (or possibly the Shadow,

Both of these are a poor excuse for a kayak. They _have_ to have
a rudder, as they become uncontrollable without one once the wind
picks up. There are lots of good kayaks out there - keep looking.

A second-hand Solstice GTS is a decent kayak, but it tends to track
stiffly. I can't help you with plastic kayaks, since I don't keep
track of what's out there in plastic. There are some nice plastic
kayaks that have come out recently. The Tempest and Chatham come
to mind and the older Capella are all good. None have a rudder,
though, and come with skegs. A rudder is unnecessary in a good
kayak and the skeg adds plenty of weathercocking control. Rent
one to try out before buying.


Mike