Minnesota really is the land of 10,000 lakes and the kayaking is great! After 6 weeks of pretty intensive kayaking, I can give ya'll a report on how Jeff's SOF kayaks hold up. I have launched and taken out on sand, rocks and weeds. Castaway has also been dropped while getting put on top of the car. The 36 pound kayak has been carried up steep inclines that would have required 2 people for a heavier kayak. The paint job is looking a bit worn and somehow I have scraped a bit of paint off and there is a small seepage leak at the stern. Nothing that a sponge won't soak up. Maybe a half gallon after 4 hours of paddling, but nowhere near enough to get my tail wet.
Lessens learned.
(1) These really are some tough kayaks. Sorry Jeff, but I have abused Castaway a bit.
(2) When going away for awhile and you are planning on really using the SOF kayak, bring along your hull paint.
(3) Castaway paddled beautifully in 20 mph wind with white caps on the lake, but did take on some water from the waves. Here again a sponge did the job.
(4) Carry Jeff's web site URL with you because a lot of people are curious about the "boat we don't sell around here".
Thanks Jeff. You have designed one tough, smooth paddling little kayak.