Mad River Synergy?
Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 4:49 pm
Anyone have any experiance with this boat? I am having trouble finding info on it.
We have a Synergy, which I have paddled solo more than tandem. It is fast for a rockered whitewater boat, because it is narrower by at least a couple of inches than, for example, the Dagger Caption, and it is a full 15 feet long.
Paddled tandem, it is a little cranky like most tandem whitewater boats. The stern likes to come around the bow. But you get used to that. I would not think it as dry paddled tandem as the Caption, Probe 14, etc., but it is dry enough.
It spins pretty well, and has excellent acceleration. I have surfed it solo on relatively short waves. Side-surfing is a weak point. A cross-current grips the narrow, roundish hull pretty hard. A related weakness is ferrying. There is not enough flat area on the underside to cross-plane on the current when ferrying, so it is usually necessary, or at least advisable, to keep the boat pointed pretty much upstream. By contrast, my 14' 6" Mad River Guide will plane much better when crossing on a ferry, as will my Dagger Zealot slalom boat.
I think that solo river cruising is a strong point for the Synergy, because of its speed. I ran a six night trip on the San Juan in the boat, had no trouble keeping up with the flatwater canoes on the flat sections, could spin easily for canyon pictures, and even with about 80 pounds of gear aboard, was able to do some playing. I use the boat a lot for relatively easy runs. More comfortable, keeps water drops off my glasses, etc.
The ABS work seems to be excellent. I have the vinyl gunwales, which I prefer. I installed a Mohawk triple saddle, but there is something to be said for separate saddles. Easier to get at the water for bailing.