I am about 170lbs so would normally go for the 69 I think, but when I look at the specs there isn't much difference in lenght (2inches) but the width has a whole inch more (27) and 10 gallons more also...
The remix 79 looks pretty close to the Fink (9'2" x 28")... I am looking at using that boat for creeking and river running as I have another playboat for riverplay.
I was thinking the 79 would probably be more stable, spacy and "floaty", but should carve and turn just as well?
I am 6'1" and 188 and love the 69, it seems big to me and I am glad I didn't go with the 79. For handling I love the boat, handles pourovers well with volume upfront. Will hold a line in big water if you have to make a cross current move.
I'm about 200 lbs give or take and like the 79. I've never tried the 69, but saw one at the pool last night. Seemed like it would float me fine, but I like the extra volume as I plan on doing some self-support this year.
From what I here the 69 is a faster boat I think that the 69 is going to be more responsive and quick but the 79 is good for the big boat lovers. I paddled the 79 at the gauley and wish I had been in a 69
Liquidlogic is good about ordering hulls just call them up and talk to them, but keep in mind that adding your own outfitting "voids" the warranty. I think this is true with all companies now. They are reasonable people at liquidlogic though so they take care of their customers. You are gonna love the remix and I think the 69 is the right choice for performance.
I called my local retailer and the empty hull was nicely priced, so I thought: 1050CAN$ for a complete K1 VS 700$ for a hull only.
The hull doesn't comes exactly empty: a railing comes at the bottom, secured with the two standard foam blocks anchors for kayak seats.
I was told this railing is important for keeping the boat sturdy avoiding oil canning and my guess is that probably the guarantee would be void if you remove it to replace with your own outfit.
I am planning on adding my outfit to it instead of removing the rails, a lot like Jamie did here:
I zip tied my dagger console to the LL rail and use float bags to hold the pillars steady. I was concerned about how well it would hold together, but it spent a few minutes surfing a ledge hole without me on the Caney fork and did just fine.