I paddle an Assateague, which is the biggest boat in the same series as
the Montauk. I enjoy it more than any other boat I have used (which is
not a huge number). It is fast, tracks well, and seems to have very good
secondary stability. (I have not had it in really big water, but I have
had it in substantial chop.) I find it very comfortable. But it has
less primary stability (by design, I think) than many other boats. The
only person I have ever lent it to was my son, a much better paddler
than I, and he really liked it as well.

But all of this is just a recommendation to test it out for yourself.
There is no arguing over tastes, and what one person really likes, you
may not.

I have not paddled an Avocet.


JSB wrote the following on 9/28/2006 8:40 AM:
I am new to kayaking. On my son's advise I bought a used Valley Avocet.
I like the the boat's performance, but since I kayak alone often with few
other boats of any kind on the lake, a bit more stability would be
comforting. Also, since I load and unload it alone, a lighter boat would be
appreciated.

I am looking at a carbon-kevlar Impex Montauk. Lighter in weight. That is
nice. Reportedly a bit more secondary stability. Haven't had a chance to
demo one yet.

Opinions on the Montauk. Opinions on the Avocet vs the Montauk. Would this
trade make any sense?