Newbie outfitting

[mshelton]

I am currently paddling an OC-1 but want to get a boat(yak) and outfit it as a C-1. I am 6'5" 200lbs, I have an optunity to get a Dagger Crossfire (real cheap) to convert and want to know will this be a sutiable boat to convert for my size. I'm looking mainly for river running with a little play. What other old style boats would be sutiable for conversion? I don't want to spend alot of cash since I will probably have alot of trial and error in the outfitting but it should be a fun project.

Thanks in advance for any help.
Marshall

[Sir Adam]

For your weight I wouldn't recommend the Crossfire as C1. Kayak yes, but C1, no. If you're looking for river running and a little play I'd look for an old CBoat-there are a few Cascades for sale around 300 or so, if you look enough, and there's a Gyramax north of Boston dirt cheap (free, I think), though it's just the hull, so you would have to outfit it still.

Where are you located? Someone in your area might know of other boats, or you might be able to try one out.....

[PAC]

I agree with Adam on the Crossfire. Good starter K but bypass that sucker as a C1.
A couple more reasons: At your size you'll be hardpressed to comfortable get in (and out of ) that boat, and based on its design you'll have some "learning" issues.
You should be able to borrow a boat, or get one cheap, that would be better suited to your needs.
Like Adam said there are cheap Cascades about and after you buy the Crossfire and convert it you could have had a Cascade, maybe an Atom, or even a previously owned and outfitted play boat. Let us know where you located and maybe you can hook up with someone to "demo"! Enjoy!

PS: The next boat can be the fun "project" boat since you'll have some solid thoughts on what you want!!!