I have had an Xstream for two years now. I agree with Stilly. You sit higher and they are much easier in the wind. I haven't needed parts yet, but should be easy since it was built in Seattle. The boat is "packable", it has a back pack case for use when deflated, which I have carried 4 miles one way. It also has straps to pack inflated, which is how I get it to the hike in eastside lakes.