"I'm writing to let you know how absolutely delighted I am with my new Coaster . . . I'm extremely pleased with its performance in all sorts of conditions, including stiff headwinds, choppy reflected waves and ocean swell. I'm especially enamoured of the way it handles broadside waves and following seas . . . I also enjoy the fact that it's fast and maneuverable enough that I can easily keep up with bigger and stronger paddlers than myself, on extended cruises . . . I can't think of a more perfect boat for a small person who wants sea kayaking to be fun! P.S. Thanks also for your cheerfully given help and advice. You might like to know that this boat now has a name, Mik-Shrok, an Eskimo word meaning: small is sufficient."
---Susan T., Seattle WA

"It is light as you promised and handles wonderfully . . . I have used Nordkapp and think your Mariner II is much better. The boat is very fast . . . Your knowledge in designing a kayak is unbeatable. You have built me the best kayak in the world."
---Dr. Pentti T., Lexington KY

". . . very pleased with its performance. In 30 mph lake winds the Mariner II tracks straight regardless of your course. I'm also pleased in how easily it can be rolled."
---John D., Cody WY

"After seeing the performance of these seven different kayaks through approximately 500 miles of Aleutian paddling there is no doubt in my mind (or George's) that your Mariner is one of, if not THE finest ocean kayak in existence. It outperformed all the other boats and impressed me so much so much that I'm selling the Icefloe and would like to buy a Mariner."
---Burrel T., Anchorage AK

"Thank you for your letter of March 7th. After reading your comments on the Umnak "Icefloe", I couldn't see how it could be that bad. All the other literature I'd read was to the Icefloe's favor. Anyway I purchased the Icefloe early in March and am dumping it as soon as possible. (I know, I can hear your "I told you so" from here.) You were definitely right. . . I would like to know what the Escape would cost delivered to New York."
---Gerard G., Bay Shore NY

"Just a brief note of thanks for a great boat! The Escape has surpassed my expectations. Whether it was dead calm on the Great South Bay, or coming through the Fire Island Inlet on a running tide with the wind howling, the Escape handled extremely well. Compared to what I was paddling, there is no comparison!"
---Gerard G., Bay Shore NY

The following appeared in the ANorAK journal
"COASTER . . . is a bit strange for a sea kayak as it is only 13'4" in length. . . it is quick . . . very maneuverable, and it surfs almost as well as a surf ski. The designer claims it is a good storm boat, and I think this was proved at the Jersey Shore Sea Kayak Show at Berkeley Island Park in September. On the day of the show we had a full scale Nor'easter blowing, with winds gusting over 25 knots and waves well over 3 feet rolling across the bay. As I had only taken delivery of the boat a few weeks before, I wanted other opinions on the different little boat. So I tried to get a number of experienced paddlers to take her out into the worst of the wind and waves beyond the protection of the bulkhead.
". . . all agreed that the boat performed very well. It gets on a wave easily and requires little purchase on the short hull so it turns into the wind very well. The bow has an extreme amount of volume so it does not pearl readily. . . It is an excellent storm boat."
". . . While the boat seems to love big waves and high wind, it shines equally well on the still waters of the winding salt marshes. Back on the salt creeks it almost seems that you could will the boat around the turns. Its size and maneuverable hull are at home in tight quarters."
---Patrick F., Lanoka Harbor NJ

"The Mariner paddles like a dream. In fact sometimes when I'm looking at crabs or starfish it goes too fast with just a light stroke. And I wouldn't trade my sliding seat for anything!"
---Nolan W., Sooke BC

"I'm writing to let you know that I'm EXTREMELY pleased with that Mariner. The more I paddle it the more I seem to enjoy it. I really appreciate the sliding seat and long cockpit -- I find the rear position most comforting in a heavy following sea.
"I was amazed at how much volume the Mariner has for gear storage in spite of its relative narrowness.
"All in all -- I've got to admit -- you guys did a super job. Thanks."
---Wade W., Port Townsend WA

"We spent time in Baja, along the southern Pacific coast, and on the Caribbean with two of your Mariner kayaks. I had no previous experience with ocean kayaking but found the boats performed excellently and beyond expectations. Hope all is going well for you in your business. With such a high quality product with such potential I don't see how you can miss."
---Michael B., Aptos CA

"Dear Matt and Cam,
I figured it was about time I sent you a note expressing my satisfaction with the Coaster. I've owned the boat for about 8 months now, have been paddling it constantly (2-3 days a week on the average) and it has surpassed all my expectations. Most of what I have to say here won't be news to you but you may wish to pass this on to prospective customers.
The Coaster is an ingenious design. It is well built and strong (mine is a heavy-duty lay-up and seems to be bomb-proof, so far). It tracks well yet turns easily and definitely does not need a rudder (it's kind of a kick to watch someone else screwing around with a bent or broken rudder after one ride in the surf). I do most of my paddling along the exposed coast of Northern California and have found that the boat handles nicely in all sorts of gnarly conditions, including 25 knot winds, large confused seas, reflecting waves, breakers, etc. It is great for exploring sea caves and ocean rock gardens due to its maneuverability and short length. The Coaster is extremely easy to roll--much easier than other sea kayaks I have paddled--and for my part I consider this a great safety feature. Also this boat is very fast considering its length. I have had no trouble keeping up with other paddlers (who are as strong or stronger than I am) in longer boats.
Best of all, the Coaster surfs like a demon! The high volume bow resists pearling (I've managed a couple of endos in a steep shorebreak but could easily have prevented them) so you can scream down the face of a wave that would be a nightmare to someone in a long sea kayak. The bow also rises up and over waves easily when paddling out through the surf zone. One great asset of the shorter boat is the thrill of powering out over a steep wave just before it breaks and going completely airborne. I've found that I use a lot of "body english" to maneuver the Coaster while surfing or on a following sea. It's hard to explain, but by leaning the boat appropriately, combined with a stern rudder stroke or sweep, the boat is extremely responsive. Experimentation yields all sorts of rewards and I'm sure I haven't come close to realizing the full potential of the Coaster yet.
Although I haven't used the Coaster on an extended voyage, I have used it for several overnighters and found that a substantial amount of gear could be stored... For anyone with backpacking experience and a travel-light attitude, there is no reason this boat couldn't be used for longer trips. It would be a definite asset wherever surf is encountered.
I really can't come up with anything negative to say about the Coaster. It's true that you can't stuff 300 pounds of gear and the kitchen sink in this boat and it is not really a racing boat (most sea kayaks aren't) but I don't consider these as drawbacks. So, in conclusion, I would say this is a great all-around kayak for paddling just about anywhere (I haven't mentioned large rivers but I suspect it would be great for such places). For the wild exposed coastline with reefs, caves, rock gardens, and surf zones, the Coaster is unsurpassed! Thanks for a great kayak.
Very truly yours,"
---John Lull, El Granada, CA

Note from Matt and Cam: John Lull’s "Surf Kayaking Fundamentals" video is by far the best kayak instructional video we have seen when it comes to clearly providing accurate, well proven information and techniques. His new "Kayaking Ocean Rock Gardens--A Tsunami Ranger Guide" video is full of wild action and it is well populated with Coasters in their element. That's John and his Coaster on the video's cover going "over the falls" on a ocean wash-over rock. John wrote the above letter in 1988. What follows is an excerpt from a letter he wrote when he sent us the "Rock Gardens" video in 1998.

"By the way, I keep expecting to see someone build a boat in the same class with the Coaster (it hasn't happened yet!). You'd think that in ten years, someone else would figure it out---I guess they just don't get it."
Cheers,
---John Lull, El Granada, CA

"COASTER APPRECIATION SOCIETY
Dear Broze Brothers:
I have been composing testimonials to the two of you for the last 1.5 years as I have paddled blissfully in my Coaster (No. 325) along the California coast. Swell. surf, and sea caves and it is always a joy. What a fine craft you have made! My sister owns Coaster No. 326 and she also concurs with my opinion. I am enclosing some e-mail banter shared between some Bay Area Sea Kayakers recently. Though you might enjoy it. Thanks for your commitment to boats, books, and safety in the wonderful world of sea kayaking.
Sincerely,"
---Alicia B., Your devoted fan, Gilroy, CA

>Has anyone paddled a Looksha IVS and or a Dagger Meridian? Have anything to say about them pro or con, especially with regard to rough water or surf conditions? Other short boat reviews?
>---Lisa
>(in peril of succumbing to Coasteritis)

"LISA: don't fight it -GET THE COASTER!!! I have loved every minute in that boat! I am not a surfer but it handles like a dream in rough water, tracks very well (Do not get a Sportee unless your budget allows for nothing else) and it is a fine craft. Every time I am in the boat, I write my testimonials to Mariner. Can so many Baskers be wrong?"
---Alicia

"Lisa:
I'll share Alicia's recommendation to you. I shopped till I dropped to avoid getting another Coaster for the BASK fleet.
When I was finally backed into it (after hours of debate, paddle test driving, etc., and the Mariner folks refused to sell me any other boat considering my small size), I couldn't be happier.
For conditions in this area, Coasters rule. I've never heard anyone complain (about the Coaster anyway)."
---Evelyn

"Found the Perfect Boat
I enjoyed the article by John Meyers, "In Search of the Perfect Boat," (April 1998, ACK) very much. I have owned three plastic, four hard shell and built four plywood boats and now own a Mariner Express. Now that I have had the "perfect boat" for four years, I can't help but pontificate on the matter.
The Express is perfect for coastal paddling, beach landings and rough water. I was quite surprised to find out for the first time that I wasn't locked into sidesurfing after broaching on a breaking wave. Imagine this: bracing into a wave, surfing sideways, white stuff and foam climbing all around closing out peripheral vision, fraction of a second later I can see and I'm shooting straight towards the beach! This never happened with previous long boats.The Express has lots of volume in the bow, no sharp edges in the ends. Therefore, it doesn't present much for the conflicting water to grab onto. In other words, it is very maneuverable but in a much more controllable manner than a boat that simply has lots of rocker. For your weight, I think it might have more volume than necessary for unladen paddling. I weigh 175 pounds and think it is just right, with room for more.
Check out Mariners other boat that is similar to the Express. I don't remember the name (note: its name is Elan). It has less volume/freeboard and about the same length. Now that boat with extra Kevlar, sliding seat, sea sock or bulkheads, and your favorite color is THE BOAT."
---Lee G., Annapolis, MD

The following appeared on the Northeast Paddler's Message Board:

"I can guarantee you that paddling a Mariner across a 10 knot wind and chop with no weather helming was bizarre after almost 3000 hours in strongly weather helming boats.
"Carol really liked the boat. She has been looking at Eddyline, PWS, Nordkapp, Iceflow, and would now definitely pick the Mariner.
"Would you guys build me another one? For my money you have done a really good job at the whole thing."
---George P., Seward AK

"Dear Matt and Cam:
I am writing to express my gratitude for the Mariner II I purchased from you a little over a year ago.
I had made quite a number of drives from Seattle, each time with my long list of 25 to 30 questions about rudders, self rescue techniques and apparatus, control surfaces of kayak hulls, optional kayak fittings, and paddling techniques. I believe I must have met with Matt for close to 35 hours before I decided upon the Mariner II. I am still amazed at his patience with my endless questions, and his honesty of response. Needless to say I was also making numerous trips to the NWOC, renting various models of kayaks and gaining my own experience with them as well as testing out the numerous ideas and insights I gained from my readings and discussions with Matt. It was quite a journey for me, starting with the images of paddling in a Nordkapp, moving to a Selkie, on to the Icefloe, Wind Dancer, Sea Otter, etc. Then actually trying them all out according to the technical kayak performance evaluation check sheet I had obtained from Matt at the West Coast Sea Kayaking Symposium three years ago. It was a two year journey of sea kayak exploration before I finally picked up my new Mariner II in December 1987.
I couldn't be happier! Each time I go out I am more thrilled and satisfied with the Mariner II. I just love the subtle change of direction when I lift my hip to bring a hard chine in to action. It works extraordinary well in cross winds or currents and waves to track in the desired direction. And wow! The straight tracking with the integral rudder hull design! I keep pulling away from my paddling partners with rudder boats, because of the Mariner II's reduced resistance and very noticeable paddling ease. It is so paddler friendly, that even beginners (after I have given them a little instruction in how to change their body position and paddling strokes) find themselves unexpectedly pulling ahead of the others in the party in just a few blocks. Just after completing the WKC course I leisurely paddled from the Arboretum in Seattle to Seward Park and back - 16 miles - with several breaks and a rest at the Park. To my surprise, when I returned to the Arboretum only four hours had gone by! We all have found surfing a delight and quartering seas as well as beam seas (and winds) handled very nicely. I will admit initial stability is responsive, but I love it because, as I said above, just an easy subtle hip lift is enough to correct for mild winds or currents (whereas with other boats sometimes a strained unnatural hip lift and weight shift are needed to maintain the correction). One of my fondest memories is my first encounter with three foot waves near Whidbey Island as I rounded the point south of Mutiny Bay. I was expecting some difficulty, but I was ecstatic with the Mariner II's remarkable dynamic stability in such conditions. I seemed to ride within and on the waves like a sea gull napping after lunch. So comfortable.... My friend in another boat would not go into those head seas and turn and ride the following seas until we switched and he was enjoying the Mariner II. I have even taken pictures while among six foot Lake Chelan waves! Of course, the deck rigging and self rescue set up is unmentionably well designed: I've found no other boat as adept for the rear deck carry, or Mariner self rescue (paddle float). My only complaint is that my friends don't want to give my boat back after they are in it for awhile.
Thanks again, and I'll see you soon when I come in to order a Coaster, my second boat.
With Gratitude,"
---Norm K., Seattle, WA

"It handles like a dream. Even complete beginners (never in a kayak before) have paddled my boat and had no trouble in 2-3 foot swells and 2 foot surf. The waves and swells on the lake are closely spaced and steep and I really feel secure in the Escape, much more so than in a whitewater boat on the same water.
"I love to go out in surf. I like the way the bow rides up over the waves. The sliding seat is really great. Even a novice like me can tell the difference it makes. Great feature! "Thanks for such a great boat!"
---Tim K., Homewood IL

"Except for 3 days since June 1 we've had 20-25 knot coastal and 25-30 knot channel winds. The Mariner and Escape have been great. Both boats handle following seas & down wind conditions so well I think I could fall asleep and not get into trouble. I really like the big cockpits and sliding seat . . ."
---Mike H., Kauai HI

"I've become pretty attached to my Escape!! Even in rough water the kayaks handled with ease and comfort. I never experienced any feelings of uneasiness at maneuvering in rough water, in fact, I found it exciting and really gained respect for the boats.
"I like the amount of storage space that it has and how easy it is to load. Also I did some experimenting with the sliding seat and found out how advantageous it is in different conditions
"Thanks again for having my Escape ready in time to take on this vacation. It was a nice trip to break in both myself and my kayak to the fun and excitement of touring."
---Laurie L., Salem OR

"This is just a note to tell you we have found our Escapes everything we hoped for and more. Each time we are out (and that has been 2-3 times a week over the past 2 months) we discover some new way in which the boat has been ingeniously thought out. Thanks again for your attention to detail, your willingness to share information and your fair dealings. I think your boats are a tremendous contribution to the sport of kayaking."
---Bob D., Seattle WA

"I'm just flat-out AMAZED at the speed and ease with which I'm now able to get around, regardless of wind, current, or tide!! There are several cruising kayaks here in town. Now that I've paddled my Escape and compared it to the others firsthand, I'm more than satisfied I bought the best possible kayak available."
---Kent W., Cordova AK

"My Sprite is a year old. It has been in the water every month of the year, at least once a week March - November. A lot of 6 - 8 hour paddles. Even a true III rapids on a wide river with a wing dam + about 1/4 mile of large rocks. An outstanding all around boat."
---Bob Z., Yardley PA

"I love my Sprite! Thanks for a great design, it was the perfect one for me as you suggested. I've had many compliments . . ."
---Leighton W., Cocoa FL

"Dear Matt and Cam,
This letter is well overdue, but I did want to write and let you know how pleased I am with my Mariner XL. The boat arrived in perfect condition, and it is beautifully constructed and detailed. I think the best way to describe its performance is balanced. It is very comfortable on-center, leans easily (aided by the supportive seat and secure knee braces) and seems to be less edgy than my white-water boat. The reservoir I paddle in has powerboat wakes large enough to surf on, but I can put the paddle down and ignore them. Speed does not seem to be sacrificed to stability, as the boat will run much faster than I have the endurance to maintain.
Coming from white-water paddling, I have experienced a revelation. This boat tracks. It will run due straight no matter how easily or how hard you paddle. I can go great distances without the need for any correcting strokes. All this makes the XL's turning ability even more surprising. An inside high brace does almost nothing, but lean the boat hard to the outside (very easy to do) and you can carve a 90-degree turn in only a few boat lengths. I have run up narrow, twisty canals without the need for a single steering stroke. Just lift a knee and the XL will carve (not skid) around the short radius turns. While cruising, a slight angulation of your hips is all that is necessary for course corrections due to wind and waves. And best of all I never have to break my paddling rhythm with a sweep stroke or a hard pull on one side.
I'm sure you are both well aware of these characteristics of the XL, but I just wanted to let you know that I also believe a kayak should be paddled and not ruddered, and the XL demonstrates just how well a boat designed with this objective can work. Given my very limited opportunity to test paddle ocean kayaks, I certainly appreciate the dedication that went into the design of the XL and the time you both spent with me discussing the relative merits of not only the different Mariner models, but also the design and construction of competing models.
One final note, Having spent a number of seasons with a 15-oz. composite canoe paddle, I couldn't be more pleased with my Kevlar-blade Lightning. I don't think it is possible to overstate the benefits of low paddle weight, especially low swing weight in a kayak paddle.
I see from the Canoe Buyer's Guide that you have gotten your new model, the Express, into production. Could you please send me a brochure on the Express as I am very interested in what you've been up to on the design front.
Again, thank you for all your help and for an outstanding kayak.
Sincerely,"                    
Drew L., Fort Collins, CO