This morning’s paddle on Cobboseeconte Lake.
The water was as calm as I’ve ever seen it. Usually there is a slight breeze or out and out wind on the lake.
This morning it was dead calm and like glass.
I Currently own an Old Town Loon 120, which has been a great recreational kayak. It tracks well, maneuvers well and even edges fairly well. Most of my paddling has been on a large lake in Maine, which can get choppy when the wind kicks up. The downsides of the 120 is weight (about 48 lbs.) and tracking in the wind.
I’m considering moving up to a 14’ yak such as the Eddyline Sitka 145, or the Delta 14, so I can cover more distance (speed), and track better in the wind. I would also like to be able to car top carry the kayak to the coast to paddle some inlets and coastal areas, and maybe tackle some large mostly slow moving rivers with a few class I/II rapids. So tracking, maneuvering and weight are the primary things I’m looking for.
I’m concerned about durability, as the lake I’m on has a lot of shallow areas with rocks and sunken tree limbs. Our coastal areas are also rocky.
Any one have suggestions other than the 2 I’m looking at? Any big downsides to either the Sitka or Delta?
Thanks in advance.