Fast, Stable OC1 That's Less than 12 Feet in Length...

Alan B · Post by **Alan B** » Wed Feb 24, 2010 3:43 pm

The Prodigy is a pretty unexciting design. It's not very deep and doesn't have much rocker. It probably would feel similar to the Shaman. I agree with Phil, look at the Inferno or the Rumba. I have paddled both, though if I read your needs correctly, the Rumba would be an easier transistion. I own a Defiant, which Kaz cut down and re-configured to make the Rumba. It is a great boat.

I have 2 Ocoees and think that is still one of the best all-around, semi-short boats. Reasonably fast, dry and really carves into eddies. The Prelude is a bit like an Ocoee but I always find it to be slower, have less stability and it is heavier (but because of the material, is more durable).

All the other boats mentioned would be fine... I just have a bias towards the above. Just don't get a Prodigy.

dcoc1 · Post by **dcoc1** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 7:33 pm

Thanks everyone.

So I've tentatively narrowed my choices to the following 3 boats (though I haven't ruled out any of the other boats mentioned):

- Spark
- Ocoee
- Prodigy (the non-X version)

I'm assuming that with regard to the Prodigy and Spark, one tradeoff is that the Prodigy is significantly more stable but the Spark is quite a bit faster and more nimble. Anyone disagree with that assessment?

Thanks again.

eddyhops · Post by **eddyhops** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 7:59 pm

The Spark & Ocoee are pretty darn different in design from one another.

I strongly recommend trying both of these before buying either.

marclamenace · Post by **marclamenace** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:18 pm

dcoc1 wrote:I'm assuming that with regard to the Prodigy and Spark, one tradeoff is that the Prodigy is significantly more stable but the Spark is quite a bit faster and more nimble. Anyone disagree with that assessment?

Sounds right. the spark is a slalom-oriented design, the royalite will wear off pretty quick is you beat it, but honestly bell royalex isn't really better

Ocoee and spark are both edgy fast and can get tricky for a beginner if you present a wrong edge. Prodigy is a beginner-friendly boat with more room for gears as well.

greybear · Post by **greybear** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:48 pm

I had a Spark very fast, and the Zephyr is great fast and stable. Some believe the Nitro is slow although I found it to be fast enough and very stable. If your racing the Nitro won't do well but for river running it is great and plays well to. I paddle a Detonator and for a short boat it is quick when entering eddies, peel outs and does great in all but flatwater. The Viper 12 is over 12 feet but I used to creek with one and they don't act like they are 12'6.
Greybear

rcgalwa · Post by **rcgalwa** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 3:04 pm

I vote Ocoee or Spark.