Hi there,
I recently bought two fibreglass kayaks from my wife's friend. I didn't pay too much for them, since they will be used mostly for lazy Sunday Saugeen River kayaking/floating.
I'm doing my research, because I love to know the heritage/history of what I buy, I am respectfully requesting those with more paddling experience to help me find out more about my purchase.
I took a few photos of the kayaks. They both look like they have been around the river for quite a while(probably older than I am). They have some patchwork on the bottom, and the green one looks like it has been painted from it's original red color.
What I've found so far:
The orange one looks like it has been used as a rental by Madawaska Kanu Center, since the logo on the kayak matches the logo on the webpage:
http://www.owl-mkc.ca/I'm not sure what the other logo is on the orange kayak. All that is visible is "M...IN", and what looks like a wing emblem. I've tried Googling "Merlin", and "Marlin" which seems like the obvious choices, with no success. Anyone know what brand logo this is?
Using my digital sleuthing skills on the Femat sticker(and this link
http://www.myccr.com/phpbbforum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=24457&start=0), I found that the green kayak was handmade by Emil Maschek, from Shelbourne, Ontario, circa probably 1980s era. I'm not sure if it is the TR2 touring edition, or the whitewater version. I don't kayak much, but I am assuming that the footpedals installed in the picture attached are for stability when paddling.
From experience paddling these kayaks, they don't track very straight, since there is no keel. Based on that observation, I am assuming that they are whitewater kayaks?
Another question: Anyone know what the white bolts and grommets with the lettering "Tapalo" is on the opening in the green kayak? Is this for attaching the spray skirts?
Any other insights?
If I am using them in the river, would a strap on type keel keep them tracking straighter?
What kind of seats should I install for paddling comfort?
Thanks for your help!
Jeff