A Conundrum

At age 85, I am nigh to abandoning my kayaking career. Here I am, with my favourite kayak of all time (Boreal Design Ellesmere), looking at abandonment! Well, old age must be acknowledged. But there is an attractive fly in this disagreeable ointment. In late September I may inherit a cult favourite kayak, from my dearly beloved occasional kayak partner and ski buddy. 

The kayak is a cult enthusiast's Mariner Elan. Those unaware of Mariner Kayaks should stop here and dive deep enough into the Mariner details (i.e. look at "marinerkayaks.com") and then return. The site is still maintained and is of general interest.

The Elan is intended for small paddlers. Hey, at 140 pounds that's me! But there is a problem, my feet are not small. The kayak is hostile to a foot size beyond man's US 9. I'll grab it in late September, wear small water shoes, and then decide.

The Elan was the final design produced by the Broze Brothers. There were perhaps 72 made. An original Elan might have a rear watertight hatch - although the Broze Brothers were not fond of such frippery. This particular Elan was modified by John Abercrombie of Victoria MC and has front and rear watertight hatches.

If I sell it, the proceeds will be donated to a bursary established in my friend's name to support aspiring young musicians. Alternatively, if I keep it, I will put equivalent funds into that same bursary. I don't actually have the kayak now, so this is speculative.