I've done a good bit of whitewater canoeing, and I'm interested in getting into some kayaking.

My purposes will be mostly river-running, though it doesn't seem that river-running in a playboat would be so bad. Also, I'm leaning strongly towards a playboat simply for the storage issue: I need something that I can fit in the dorms, perhaps hanging on the wall (drill-hole-fees be damned).

I've been shopping around for a cheap (college-kid budget), used kayak, and this is what I've come up with:

Wavesport ZG 54 for $300, used only one season. Seems like a good deal, though more than I had hoped to spend.

Liquid Logic Session for $175, Relatively new, bought in 2004. This boat seems like it's been used quite a bit though, but the owner assures me that there is no serious damage, ie. oil-canning, gouges, cracks, etc. Digging the price.

Dagger Crossfire for $250, This is an older boat, and a much longer one at 12 feet. I know this would excel at river running, but again, space is an issue. I wanted to include it to see about whether this is a reasonable price. Pictures show little signs of wear and tear, looks like it's been in storage for a long time. "No visible damage"

Whatcha think?

Go with the ZG. The Session has extremely slicy ends, and the Crossfire is kind of old, but with the ZG you could also get into playboating with it (moreso than the Session). Also, for storage, check this out .

Agreed

Go with the ZG... best bet from what you have posted up there

You should match your boat choice to what you intend on doing and the types of rivers in your area.

But from the list shown, go with the ZG54. I had one for over a year and was pretty happy. Maybe it needed a fraction more bow rocker but otherwise it was very cool. I am usually about 187 lbs and 6' tall. Good luck, and have fun!

ZG all the way

i've got a ZG its a great boat go with that

regarding storage- seems like just standing the boat up on end in a corner would make more sense then setting it on edge on the rack referenced above. I'd make sure that whatever you buy is shorter than your ceiling is tall.

I am in the exact same situation, headed to college this coming fall and hoping that my roomate doesnt kill be for bringing a playboat, creeker, and stinky gear into an already small dorm .