"John Fereira" wrote in message
.. .
Claudia Engel wrote in
:

John Fereira writes:
As Mike mentioned, the Necky Chatham and Wilderness Systems Tempest
both seem to be hot models these days. Another plastic boat that
looks real

Thanks John (and everyone else) for their very helpful replies I
still rather like the eclipse, but the Wilderness Systems Tempest 170
has pretty much taken its place on my "short list". I'm really
impressed with this one, and, though I doubt there's anyplace around
here where I can try one on the water, at least I can get a good look
at it and compare it to other boats, maybe have a seat in it to see how
it fits.

I have paddled a plastic Eclipse for 3 years now. Loaded it is a fine boat,
but empty, even my 220 pounds cannot get it to behave well. It sits too
high out of the water, and catches EVERY little bit of wind. Unless you
plan on loading it for expedition paddling, look at something else.
Perception's Avatar 16 is a much better boat for day trips and sheer
performance, without costing too much. My wife has one, and I find it MUCH
more controllable.

Jim Hill