Kevin, I have no opinion about the Wilderness boats. I have read many reviews on them. Like nearly every other manufacturer they seem to have some issues.

On the other hand, I have a CD Sirocco and I love the boat dearly. Whether, or not CD makes the best poly boats on the market I'm sure would spark a lot of debate, but I've looked at a lot of them and haven't found any other brand that I liked better. The only problem I've had with mine is the tape that covers the fake hull/deck seam came loose. I contacted CD about it and they sent me a whole roll of the tape. I later found that the best cure is to restick the tape with silicone sealant.

If I were in the market for another poly boat, it would probably have to be a CD. I have never paddled the Storm, nor the Squal, so I can't help you there either. My best advice would be to thoroughly check out any boat that you might be interested in and by all means demo it if you possibly can.

First, be sure the boat fits and then be sure that the particular boat you are interested in is straight. Polyethylene boats can come out of the mold crooked and if they are not stored, or shipped correctlym thet can be bent. Be sure you turn the boat upside down and at least sight down the keel. Be sure the boat is straight from stem to stern and don't make this just a cursory inspection. Take the time to look it over very carefully. Don't settle for a boat with dips, or bulges in the hull, or deck. If you do buy a polyethylene boat, or any boat for that matter, be sure to store it and haul it in a manner that will not warp the boat. Never, never leave it sitting in the sun when you're not using it. I always store and haul my boats on edge--except for the Expedition, which I store on a special padded perch.

One last little piece of advice that I have recently adopted is to not dismiss the feel and handling of a boat, based on a limited demo. Some boats might feel great right off the bat; others might take some getting used to, but then begin to show you their true attributes.