quote:Originally posted by Monster

9 lbs...! I must have been a very weak paddler when last I used a spray skirt if they are that light

I have two very important uses for my VHF radio, the first and most important use is to check coast guard marine forecasts twice daily. My secondary need is for 2-way marine communications.

Marine flares are an awesome survival tool to have as well, and much like the fire extinguisher in yer kitchen, some tools are must have exceptions to the multi-use rule. Thankfully a couple of marine flares are not as cumbersome as a fire extinguisher or a 10lb canoe skirt.

Of course by keeping water out, the ability to potentially right your canoe after capsizing is the very point of a spray skirt in the first place; which hopefully doesn't betray that my real reason for waffling on getting one for my Mackenzie is cost.

Aerodynamics and even potential transport fuel savings are also very cool points.

Ultimately I question also why I would be in seas big enough that I'd need a spray skirt to paddle in the first place? I think this is what kayaks are for, what they lack in paddling comfort, payload, versatility and weight displacement, they gain in performance against winds, waves and speed. Exactly the conditions that canoes should be on shore in.