Mohawk Viper 12

[awelch]

So I did my research and searched this topic prior to posting. I got back to 2004 without finding the information I am seeking.

I am getting a new boat. I have been paddling a Nitro for the past year. I want to see if anyone has an opinion on the transition from a Nitro to a Viper 12 and what opinions are on the upper weight limit on the Viper 12 is.

I am 6' 270. As always any information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Andy

[billcanoes]

Andy

the viper 12 is a kick kmk boat- I loved it. but it is very different from the Nitro- its faster and more responsive though some would say less stable.

[sbroam]

I loved the Viper 12 at 220. I know a paddler who loves the Ocoee at 260. The Viper 12 is a little bigger, so I'm thinking it should be OK. Try it out if you can, if it doesn't work, try the Probe (there is one FS in Asheville...)

[awelch]

I would love to check one out. I tried to demo one from mohawk but all they have available is a Probe 14 and a Viper 11. I am going to the Nantahala Friday with a buddy that has a Viper 11 so I will try the 11 and see if I see anyone that has a Viper 12 on the river.

I am going to demo their probe just to see what it is like. Any large paddlers with Viper time want to chime in?

[Paddle Power]

The Viper is my favourite OC1. You have to love or learn to love the edges. Less stable than the Nitro. The 12 should be fine for your weight, much better than the 11.

[billcanoes]

Andy

I've owned both the 11 and 12, and at my weight 195, I liked the viper 12 MUCH better, it is signigicantly faster, and they're both responsive

[jim gross]

I paddled a viper 12 while my occoee was down for repairs years ago. The boat was not as quick as ma occoee, meaning it wasn't as fast in manuvers. The edges are softer, I found the boat at 220 to be a stable platform , rolled well but was a little broader across the bean when doing cross strokes. For me it was a fine interum boat. JIM

[Mr.DeadLegs]

Viper 12 vs Whitesell Whirlwind

Pros and cons of each and if you had a choice which would it be?

[jim gross]

Whitesell, really. ... UGH

[sbroam]

Whitesell Descender, Piranha - ditto on the ugh. But, Whitesell Whirlwind = Bluehole something or other = David Sherril design = a pretty good boat. Tried one recently, probably wet for the larger paddler, but looked like a candidate to tuck the rails in. To compare though - no edges like the Viper does.