thanks guys...i feel pretty lucky to have both in the shape they are in. my thoughts on having a second boat is that i'd like to put a skeg on one to help with weathercocking...and that i wouldn't feel bad cutting into one if i had another. odd, i suppose. both boats still have the single rudder control, and i plan to change that for sure. hey bilnik...guess it is pretty far, but there is one for sale in vancouver....

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/boa/1755761944.html

i drove 1550 miles roundtrip for the wichita boat, from massachusetts to north carloina. i just think the dirigo 17 has the most beautiful lines i have ever seen. well worth the trip. the guy that sold it took exceptional care of it and also gave me the original magazine articles featuring the dirigo. a tremendous gentleman. he had not paddled it in some time i believe, and wanted it to be in the water where they belong. i am very grateful for the experience.