I bought my first kayak from Marc Bourgoin and Lincoln about ten years ago, a Boreal Baffin, and we have kept in touch since then. Last summer I ordered a Lincoln Schoodic that was ready in late November so my primary boat through this season. We live on Long Island Sound in Connecticut so I'm out at least three or four days a week in all sorts of conditions, along with a trip to Maine every July, this time including a paddle with our guide (Karen Francoeur of Castine) around Schoodic Point. One huge benefit to buying a Lincoln is the hands-on availability of Marc and his crew to do anything needed for the kayak after you have it, so it will always be in top shape, not just a purchase from a dealer or retailer.

As advertised, the Schoodic is incredibly light, mine three pounds less because they built it without a skeg. I liked the fit for me but need enough room for good body rotation and knee shift, so Marc suggested adding an extra quarter inch of depth to the hull, which made a great difference. This personalized design is another advantage to Lincoln, Marc, and his team.

I tried about three previous high-end light-weight kayaks before I got to the Schoodic, and it was the only one that suited my stroke. Compared to the Baffin, it tracks extremely well, even with trailing or angled trailing waves, and it is simply quick. I find that the tracking appears to trade off with turning, somewhat, so that the Baffin turns more quickly with a basic body edging. For sharper turns, the Schoodic is good with a stronger edge with high or low brace, especially now that I added foam rubber hip supports beside the seat, at Marc's suggestion.

This will be a boat that I can grow with, and I am looking forward to many years and high mileage, knowing that I can count on the continuing support of the Lincoln crew.

I recently picked up my new Schoodic from Lincoln Canoe and Kayak in Amesbury, MA. Using their web site, I was able to easily custom order a kayak exactly to my specifications; everything from
material type, deck/hull color, and many options for accessories. The end result was a fantastic looking boat, lightweight, and it handles great! And the staff at Lincoln was friendly and very knowledgeable,
everyone I spoke to at their factory is involved in either the design or manufacture of the product.