As a 6'5, 230lb, size 12 shoe paddler I hope I can give you some
basics of how the Epic's fit, and their performance and durability.

While Greg Barton is a mid sized paddler, Oscar Chalupsky is a larger
fellow who made sure that the boats will fit larger paddlers. I have
not had any difficulty getting into, or feeling comfortable in any of
the Epic boats.

The 12' GP has the largest cockpit of the three, and almost anyone can
get in, though smaller paddlers will find the lack of bracing
noticable.

The 16' Crusier and 18' Endurance have the same cockpit size, and
similar fit. There is more room in the Cruiser, but the Endurance is
not that much smaller. I found both to be fairly comfortable after
hours of paddling.

The durability depends on what year Epic, and what construction. They
keep changing their materials, and the newest boats are made out of
some great stuff. Oscar gave me a sample, but I cannot remember all
the materials. There are layers of glass, polyester, kevlar, and a
honeycomb core material which is tough stuff. The new boats can take a
serious beating.

The older boats (like my Endurance and Cruiser) seem to be made out of
more traditional glass, kevlar and carbon. I have not had any
durability issues, but I am careful with the boats. I don't know how
the new Graphite version will hold up, but from paddling it I suspect
it will hold up to most abuse.

The only point that concerns me, and only time will tell, is the seam.
The deck and hull are not bonded with glass, but instead a super
adhesive. Oscar says the stuff is tough, but again time will tell.

Here in Colorado we primarily paddle on class II-III rivers, and they
have survived the bumps associated with that.

As for seaworthyness, these are ultra-fast kayaks best suited to
calmer conditions. Sure they can handle some big waves and current,
but if that is where you are paddling there are better boats. But if
you want something really fast, and will paddle in calmer conditions
or sheltered areas, then the Epic is a great choice.

The boats themselves respond well to a lean turn, and secondary
stability is nice. They do not have much flare or any rocker, which is
why in rough conditions I grab something else. I have not noticed a
tendancy to weathercock, nor do I find that I need the rudder.

Speeds on the boats, at my paddling rate are as follows:

GP - 4.5 mph all day, 6.4mph in a sprint
Crusier - 5.5 mph all day, 8.6 mph in a sprint
Endurance - 6 mph all day, 9.2 mph in a sprint

I use an Epic active touring paddle, though the sprint speeds in the
Cruiser and Endurance were with the Large Wing.

I would be curious to know why your local dealer is against the Epic
kayaks. I think they are great boats, the best at what they were
designed to do.

- Eric