Jeff Potter (of OutYourBackdoor.com) wrote:

BTW - I have a bias against some kayaks, and the Seda models, as
_touring_ kayaks, are in that category.

The Seda would make short work of the distances. The Pintail seems
more at home in the swells.

That sounds right.

I like the wave friendliness of the
Pintail but dislike it's stodginess for pace.

You don't say whether you're solo or with others. If you're solo and
are not dependent on keeping to anyone else's schedule, that makes the
choice easier.

Also, this is an
Expedition layup model---darn, must be 80# empty.

Probably around 60-65 lb, but I know what you mean.

I'm going to do a modest one with short legs.
[...]
I'll be carrying a light load, 20 lbs.
[...]

If you're solo, and lightly loaded, the Pintail has no real
disadvantages IMHO. It's not fast, but then it's not a race. If the
paddling legs each day are short, then you won't be wearing yourself out
for hours on end. If you were talking about lots of days with long legs
and keeping up with others, the Pintail might (depending on your
skills/strength) be a disadvantage.

If you're solo and you're worried at all about the handling in rough or
big conditions, then the Seda is a disadvantage, even if it's just what
it does to your level of confidence.

I'd say use the Pintail if comfort counts for more than speed. I'd
recommend getting the Seda out on day trips in bigger conditions (with
some load in it to simulate touring) to get a better feel for it before
making a commitment to tripping with it. You might also want to see how
the Seda handles with a significant load in it. That can have a
remarkable effect on handling - more stable but harder to turn. That
will also happen with a Pintail, but the effect on turning will not be
as great.

Mike