Oh what fun it is to paddle-----a Taureau

[Wendy]

I bought the one from CO and had it shipped to Alabama. We have not had any rain- so I took it down to our class II river with one class III. what fun. It is very fast for a short boat ( I have owned a Prelude, Spanish Fly), surfs like a dream, and has great initial and secondary stability. I am working on a roll, but my buddies say it is just a little harder than their Ocoees. I have been customizing the foam to fit short, round legs (i.e. cutting). I also widened the inside cockpit rim with a skill saw, sanded the edges, and trimmed them with auto door trim- very nice. (Jacque said it was okay to trim). Compared to the Fly I find it spins even more easily. I did swim ferrying back and forth at the one class III rapid when I hit some swirling current. A more aggressive low brace (face in water) would have saved the swim.
Well- I just wanted to give a little feedback since so many of us have waited for this great boat.

[Tiggy]

Are there any pics of this boat yet?

[Wendy]

There are pictures on this site at the OC rec for Taureau. Also do a search for Taureau and click on What is this? thread to see more pictures.

[Helly]

How tall are you?? Glad you are happy with it, I've yet to try it out.

[Louie]

I guess Treemont, Rocky Broad, and Conasauga Creek ( Tellico Plain , not near GA ) are the creekiest things I've had it on and I love it. Fast to be so short, stable, DRY DRY DRY, and boofs like a dream. I got two more a couple of weeks ago, when you find a good model havin three ain't too many.

[Wendy]

I am 5'3 1/2 ". A friend who is 6'3" and slim fit in it nicely. I have fat thighs so the key with the boat is customizing the foam so you fit properly and came wet exit. I think a tall person with big thighs might have trouble, but otherwise it seems very adaptable with either the removal or installation of foam.

[MarkT]

I'm just hearing about this boat. I'm 6'5" and 215. Sounds like it might be a bit small for me? Anyone out there with some advice?
I do fine in my Ocoee and am OC1/2 certified instructor by ACA.

Thanks for any advice.

MarkT

[SlovenOC'er]

I'm really happy to hear that it worked out for everyone. Dan at the Mountain Shop is a good guy. Concerning size, at 6' 3", 230, I was kind of at the upper end of the Taureau's limit. Had to remove the footbraces to fit in. The waterline was 4-5" up the side when I was in the boat. It would have involved removing a lot of foam and cutting the saddle way down to get the center of gravity to where I could extend on a stroke without the boat tipping way over. Having said all this, I realize that some XL paddlers will do all this, put up with a deep kneeling position, dial in the boat, and conclude that I don't know what I'm talking about! If you are a L-XL paddler, try one before you go further. The Taureau is a well thought out boat for it's purpose. My kudos to Esquif and I'm glad that Taureau found a good home. Slov

[Wendy]

I noticed the footbraces were really loose. I tightened them, but I was told they might need a dowel or PVC through the foam. Does this saddle have a PVC to hold the thread for the footpegs? I don't want to take out the saddle if I don't have too. Is the saddle glued in?
Thanks.
Wendy

[SlovenOC'er]

Factory installed footbraces are usually positioned to meet the widest range of sizes in users. I have always repositoned mine for optimal fit and comfort. As saddles are too thick for most drill bits, I cut a section of hollow aluminum arrow shaft to twist thru minicell. It makes a nice clean cut. Hollow vinyl tubing can be inserted in the holes to better protect the foam from tearing. What I have found helps the most is a fashioned plastic plate approx: 2" x 16" or so. A trashed, sacrificed kayak makes a good source for material. Drill holes in the plate to match those in your foot braces. The plates goes against each side of the saddle. Your foot braces go on top of the plates, then tighten everything down. The added surface area of the plates really helps against the torquing you create rolling, hole playing etc. My best recollection is that the saddle-bulkhead is all assembled and glued in an order due to the small cockpit. Attempted removal may result in a lot of ripped foam and choice words. I'd contact Esquif to check the possibility as well as protecting any warranty position. Good luck.

Slov

[Wendy]

I bought a saddle just like the one installed and it came with the plastic pieces. Maybe Beluga can mail some.

Check out this link to see action shots of Louie.

http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/prs ... 000Y030306