C-Forum

I am looking for input on how to handle a large weight disparity when paddling OC-2 with fixed saddles. The boat is a Probe 14 with the old style triple saddle set-up (I think later they switched saddle types so that the boat direction was reversed when paddling solo).

I will be paddling with my son who weighs about 55 lbs. to my 175 lbs. My options are to place him in the most forward saddle, and then I can be in either the center or rear most position. If I am in the center, the boat will be bow heavy, and if I am in the rear position, the boat will be stern heavy.

He is not a strong paddler yet, but has a fair forward stroke, and draw stroke. I assume that I would be better off stern heavy when going through holes in order to minimize water intake, and that turning may be a bit easier with more stern weight. Any experience to relay with either or both situations?

If you want the boat to handle properly you're going to have to alter the saddle and thigh strap anchors to move one or both tandem seat locations. Given what is involved in that operation, and the fact that your son's weight will be changing over time, you might want to just make do with one of the two options that you've described. Of the two options, I would agree with your choice of the stern saddle with your son in the bow saddle. It will be stern heavy, but better than being bow heavy.

If you ever look at other boats, you might find it easier to modify a composite boat with a thwart seat (as opposed to a foam saddle) for multiple paddling positions. On my composite slalom OC-2 I have two different thwart seat positions and thigh strap anchors because the previous owner paddled C-2M with a very small wife and C-2 with a large male partner. Glassing in new anchors for seat (which can be bolted and unbolted) and straps in a slightly different position isn't too hard.

John

I wouldn't worry about it- your sons weight is going to change and you cant rebalance yearly- I weighed 190 to my sons 55-60lbs when I used a probe 14- the boat is so stable and I dont think you're be running class IV or rivers so difficult that the weight will come into factor that much- IF however you are running Gauley etc.. then you might want to work on the weight disparity

I would just leave it alone with you in the stern and your son in the bow- OR Add a gallon of water at the tip of the bow which might be a little bit of a pain but could help with trim

Bill