c1 creekboat / riverrunner choices for big guys

[tgb]

i had this buried on another thread & wasn't getting any feedback. I could use some advice while looking for a new boat. i'm considering a large burn.

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some of the reviews i've read on the h3 255 seem that it's stability is sensitive on the upper end of the weight range. the burn seems to be a refined h3. does anyone want to weigh in (no pun intended) on the how it will handle us bigger fellas? i have found one locally for $700.

i fluctuate between 230-235, 6 foot tall. the h3 cockpit seemed roomy enough once in the boat (thighs sat an inch or so below the rim). does the burn have the same depth? i have difficulty finding a boat where the rim doesn't dig into my thighs, or the exiting isn't sketchy due to the width of the cockpit.

the mega rocker seems like an upcoming possibility. huge volume with a super fun size cockpit (ej's description). jackson will even sell it as a shell, so you don't have all the kayak stuff in it. i realize this could pose a problem during re-sell.

i would appreciate any feedback on what some bigger guys are finding to be reasonable conversions. i'm in the process of gathering info to decide on whether to attempt another conversion, or just sticking with a big, cushy openboat.

thanks for the input,
trevor

[ezwater]

Finkenmeister. A real c-1 that can handle weight. Not the best hull for creeks, but better than an H3255.

[billcanoes]

I have a micro 250 a solo l- you can try- I'm 195

[Jan_dettmer]

Big Nomad maybe. Nomad is one of the best creeking hulls in my opinion.
But the cockpit is the normal large keyhole.

The Micro 250.... It's a great design but I don't like em too much as C1s. I have trouble keeping them right side up. That might be a lack of skill though...

The h3 is a good boat. Little flat for my taste. Depends on what you are paddling and how far you wanna push it.

Don't know the Burn but people seem to like it.

Cheers, Jan

[Tiggy]

I like my "Y" boat

[Bernie]

The Mamba 8.5 has the biggest footprint on the water and alot of the big boys like the initial stability.

All the other models mentioned in this thread make good c-1's too.

Try before you buy is always the best formula (when possible).

[tgb]

i appreciate the feedback so far. the Y is a nice boat, but the cockpit is a tight fit for me. probably lacks the depth needed to get my legs up in the boat. the mamba 8.5 sounds like a possibilty. how is dagger plastic these days, & how does it compare to the nomad for a c1?

i've never even seen a fink & wouldn't know where to find one around here. bill - how is the cockpit with & internal space on the fluid solo L?

my work schedule is such recently that i usually only get to paddle when the rain brings up the rivers around here. that has seriously eroded my skill level (what little i had). so i guess to sum up what i'm looking for in a boat for a big, old guy is: stability (width), adequate internal space & a cockpit that 1) doesn't dig into my thighs & 2) allows reasonable egress when i end up bailing.

[Tiggy]

I find any K-1 to C-1 convert tight. How much room do ya need? I am 6'1'' but somewhat skinny, I fit in a Mr. Clean just fine and find the "Y" to be freakin roomy, lol. You are not using a dagger C-1 outfit form are you?? I just think any kayak will be "tight" until you are used to it.

[tgb]

being 6' & being "somewhat chunky", tends to change how much space is required to be somewhat tight. (my struggle with furniture disease over the past few years has caused my chest to drop into my drawers )

i've tried some pretty big boats over the past ten years & there is a lot of variation in how comfy some boats feel.

the super ez has a tremendous amount of room, but at my weight i tended to do a lot of fish counting. even for a wide boat it was a very touchy boat for me. the cascade on the other hand felt great.

for me, if it comes down to settling for a tight fit, i will just end up sticking with open boats. i'm just looking for a cushy ride to float through my upcoming senior years in.

[Bernie]

Dagger plastic is good but the kayak seat design was bad so the end result was the seat would wear through the plastic.

That will not be the issue if you buy a new model because Dagger and Wavesport will both be molded with new/better plastic.

[billcanoes]

Trevor-

If you liked the Cascade you should get another one. if it aint broke why fix it- the cascade will be wider than most conversion by a good inch, plus it's less expensive than a new conversion.

And you can probably get a shuttle from the Gauley fest to NC- I'm pretty sure I'll be there- but its been a strange year and lots of paddling has fallen through.

I know PAC was considerring selling his-or at least I thought he was
Bill

[Bruce Farrenkopf]

Hello Trevor,
My vote goes this way....
1) Cascade
2) Finkenmeister
3) Pyranha Burn (this might be as good or better than the Fink)
SYOTR,
Bruce

[Larry Horne]

uhh... wtf bruce. don't you mean...

1. Burn L
2. Fink
3. 'Scade

you know it's true!

seriously though, i would aggree with the cascade being #1 for trevor.

btw... i know you wouldn't be caught dead in a conversion, but that h3 hull is still yours for the taking.

[Bruce Farrenkopf]

Hello Larry,
Don't give that H3 Hull away, I am still interested.
Right now der Finkenmeister und ich are getting along well. Moving myself forward was a good thing for my roll and general boat control.
And I am still hopeful about the Fatboy......
Can I let you know come Springtime?
SYOTR,
Bruce

[the great gonzo]

Bruce, I measured my position n the FM, and I am almost where you are, maybe about 1/3 to 3/4 inches further back.
This and adding thigh straps definitely made the difference in the boat for me.
So far It's still the best boat I have been in when it comes to really pushing my limits.

martin a.k.a. the great gonnzo!