Figuring out what type of boat to get

So many times I am asked, "What type of boat should I buy?" The easy answer is, "One that fits you well and that you'll enjoy paddling." But really, how do you know if the boat fits well and you'll enjoy it?

I've been thinking about creating a program of some sorts to provide a good answer to folks. This program would ask a series of questions, churn a bit, and then spit out an answer. (Kinda like the quiz you take to determine what kind of dog that you are -- http://www.gone2thedogs.com/ -- click the WHAT DOG ARE YOU? link to see. I'm a SCHNAUZER (GIANT).) Anyway, here are some of the questions I'll ask:

• What type of water do you want to paddle? (for example, small lakes or ponds, large lakes, bays, coastlines, easy rivers, difficult rivers)
• What type of paddling do you want to do? (for example, fun and enjoyment, fitness, fishing)
• Do you want to travel down a body of water or do you want to stay in one place?
• Do you want to go on overnight or multi-day trips?
• Do you want to paddle year 'round (even in cold weather)?
• Is the weight or the size of the boat an issue?
• How tall are you and how much do you weigh?
• How much money do you want to spend?
• Do you want a brand-spankin' new boat without any scratches or a boat that has some stories to tell?
• What... is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?

Once I know the answers to these questions, I can point you in the right direction. Be thinking about your answers. In the meantime, check out the latest issue of Canoe and Kayak Magazine (http://canoekayak.com/features/current-issue/decembertoc/). It's their annual buyer's guide, and it's choc full of good information.