OC1 or C1 for river-runner?

darreng · Post by **darreng** » Wed May 11, 2005 1:05 am

Currently I paddle a Dagger Id 7.0 as my only boat. I had an opportunity last weekend to paddle an open boat, and it was good fun. In particular, I enjoyed the speed of it (what I believe is called hull speed).

I'm thinking of adding a "river runner" to my boat quiver of 1, and my question is, which kind of boat should I get:

- Cascade or similar
- convert a river running kayak to a C1
- an open boat like a prelude or outrage (not too long)

Ideas? I'm not worried about specifics, just want to know what you guys paddle when you want to feel like a slalom boater.

swriverstone · Post by **swriverstone** » Wed May 11, 2005 1:10 am

darreng wrote:Ideas? I'm not worried about specifics, just want to know what you guys paddle when you want to feel like a slalom boater.

Dude, get a slalom boat! <grin> Seriously---if you want speed AND the ability to turn fast, there is no alternative.

Alternately, find someone who'll sell you a Perception Slasher---it's the next-best thing. (Everyone complains about the edges, but edges can be a BIG asset---once you learn how to use them!)

Scott

Sir Adam · Post by **Sir Adam** » Wed May 11, 2005 1:27 am

Well, personally I like cut-down slalom boats that I can stern and bow squirt and yet are FAST and fun to surf. Viper, Edge, and Acrobat all fit the bill.

That said, if I was looking for a cruising boat and I couldn't find the above used, or didn't want a used slalom boat, I'd consider either a Hornet, or, if I had the $$, an Amoeba (which looks like a hot cruising boat to me, though I have yet to see one in person...maybe Kaz will make me one as a wedding present

)

Either way, I'd go decked over open. Not that open boats aren't a ton of fun...I just dislike bailing (and started in open boats). I do find the Taureau VERY intriguing though....

Larry Horne · Post by **Larry Horne** » Wed May 11, 2005 2:49 am

after a year and a half i still love my h3255. i can't imagine a better all-around boat. i have big fun in class three and survive some class five water in it. it's fast, predictable, stable. i spent a lot of time in open boats too, and the challenge of running drops dry is fantastic. but, like adam, i am over it when it comes to bailing.

darreng · Post by **darreng** » Wed May 11, 2005 3:07 am

Thanks for the info.

I forgot to mention that it needs to be plastic. I have a buddy here who used to paddle in the southeast, and he said that the rivers out here would destroy a glass boat.

That said, I would love to get a full on slalom boat. All the playboating I'm doing is doing nothing for my skills

I found a guy selling a slasher down in Cheyenne. Maybe I should pick it up.

Ken D · Post by **Ken D** » Wed May 11, 2005 2:36 pm

If you are looking for something plastic and fast then I would also suggest a Perception Slasher. I have one for use on those southeast rivers. When I found out Perception was discontinuing them I ordered a new one. It handles a lot like a full on slalom race boat but is more sluggish due to the weight, around 45-50 lbs. I'm a little on the light side for it so I can't really stearn squirt it like my slalom boat. Once you get comfortable in the Slasher you would find the transition to a glass race boat a no-brainer.

Hope this helps

NZMatt · Post by **NZMatt** » Wed May 11, 2005 6:35 pm

Well, I'm going to fight the trend and say go open! I love open boating and can't imagine a better general cruising boat for rivers. For all out play, you'll still have the ID, but you can still have a lot of fun surfing an OC - especially if the holes get big (like up in the great white north). If I'm going out for a pure playboating buzz, then I paddle C1, but for river running, it's hard to beat an Open Boat. I'd recommend a Zoom, Detonator or Prelude, or if you want something a little more like a decked boat, see if you can find a Taureau (haven't paddled one, but they look awesome and would add a creek boat to your quiver

) or a Spanishfly.

Best idea - go paddle a few and see what you like best

yarnellboat · Post by **yarnellboat** » Wed May 11, 2005 6:49 pm

I agree! If you're asking the question because you just had an awesome time in an open boat, then diversify and add an open boat to your options!

P.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Fri May 13, 2005 2:05 pm

Give me a call, Zooms, Traure, Ocoee, Skeeter, Super fly, ect, ect, ect. I can loan you any you want to try out. Go open it drives the pods crazy. Love to see four or five high fivein each other at bottom of some twenty foot drop, boof right into the middle of them , give them a discusted look and say " large steaming pile of dog doo that easy with two blades and a dress"

darreng · Post by **darreng** » Fri May 13, 2005 5:25 pm

" ... that easy with two blades and a dress"

I almost blew coffee out of my nose when I read that. Very funny.

I should get an open boat just so I can say that to my kayaking buddies.

I don't have plans to travel to the southeast this summer, but I really want to. Thanks for the offer to demo some boats. Maybe this winter I'll be able to head down south.

Darren

Scal · Post by **Scal** » Sat May 14, 2005 2:04 pm

I agree with the above posts. Open is the way to go for cruising and playing the big water, you clear bigger holes, surf bigger waves and you get much more speed than a plastic C-1.

If bailing is a problem install a bilge pump, but developing tecnique not get full of water is part of the fun. My buddies and I love to paddle a river and see who can get through some strectches and have the least amount of water in their boats.

chuck naill · Post by **chuck naill** » Sun May 15, 2005 1:06 am

Where is there a 20 foot drop in Lenior City, Louie?

C-Forum

OC1 or C1 for river-runner?

OC1 or C1 for river-runner?

Re: OC1 or C1 for river-runner?

Hmmm

GO Open!

If you are ever in my neck of the woods

20 foot drop?