Edge?

[mattbcha]

Could someone explain the edge I have read about on such boats as the viper and ocoee? I am interested more in function than structure, meaning how does it affect paddling etc...Also, what level paddler is usually suited to an edgy boat? My wife is taking a solo class with me, and that gives me an excuse to buy another boat. Right now I have an impulse, and it suits me fine, but since I am going to have to get another boat, I may as well get one I can grow into. Any suggestions? I am an advanced beginner/ low intermediate. Think Hiwassee, Nantahala. However I plan to really hit the water this year along with taking a couple of good clinics. An outrage would probably be my boat of choice, but finding a used one seems to be impossible, and new boat funds are somewhat limited. Thanks

[Craig Smerda]

The "edge" as it is referred to is the chine area of the hull. A boat with a hard chine (Ocoee or Viper) has a very flat bottom (good primary stability vs. less secondary) and near vertical sides with little to no tumblehome. Most boats use a rounded chine (which has less primary stability but usually more secondary stability) and some form of tumblehome.

Most folks start off in boats that have a rounded chine. Once you get comfortable with them and step into a boat that has a hard edge it feels very snappy. You learn to use your edges in a different manner than you would with the rounder hulled boat.

As a beginner boat I would recommend an Outrage which is very forgiving and has great hull speed or a Rival which is similar. If she is short a Phantom may be a good boat to look at as well. You should be able to find these boats used very reasonably, but it will have to be completely reoutfitted (which is key!) to fit her dimensions as a poor fitting boat slows the learning curve.

Hope this helped?
Craig

PS> When the Edge and Ocoee/Viper first came out many people didn't like them. As time wore on more and more people started paddling them. I can safely say it has to be one of the best selling rec-canoes to date.... which once again shows how slow our side of the sport is to change. Bell will be making the Ocoee this year.

[NZMatt]

Hiya Mattbcha

The outrage is a very soft chined hull - ie. no real edge. If you want an edgier boat, look to the ocoee, Ezquif Zoom, Pyranha Prelude or Viper. If you want something your wife can paddle too, then go with one of the shorter boats and make sure she likes it too. My wife really dislikes my Detonator, but loves her Phantom. Neither is hard chined, but the feeling of stability is very different between the two. If your wife is small, the Phantom makes an excellent boat and it'll be highly maneuverable and playful enoguh to keep you amused too. Unfortunately, they're also getting harder and harder to find since they're now out of production.