“I would estimate having 600 hours on my Islander, and it has been nothing less than stellar.  The folding riggers are still equally stiff, and as reliable a boat as I'll ever need.  The craftsmanship, by Ted Perry and crew, seems unmatched with consistency in the open water business…I launch off the beach in Rye, NH without protection from the break.  These boats could not have been tested in more realistic extreme conditions, over a longer consistent time-frame, since they are swamped with salt water 12 months a year, stored outside on the side of my house (where the water turns to ice after rowing) and generally treated very poorly.  I do, however, use an application of Mirage (non-wax) sealant, once a year to protect the boat from UV and such, at Ted's advice.

...you're welcome to hop into one of my well-loved Echo's to feel how smooth they operate long after the new car smell is gone!”

-- Ray Panek, NH Seacoast