C-Forum

This is x-posted at boatertalk:
http://www.boatertalk.com/forum/BoaterTalk/1607967
I am posting it here at the suggestion of a couple people at BT:


I am looking at buying a solo WW canoe to paddle class III-IV. I'd like to find a used one, fully outfitting for <$600 (probably an older boat off of craiglist). I'm a complete novice at open boating.
I'm also fat @ 275lbs and 5'11". I'm working on it....

It would be a bonus if it was possible to buy a solo+tandem boat and convert it to tandem once I get down to 200lbs (maybe a Probe 14???). Do I need a boat as big as the Probe 14 for just solo?

I'd like to get some comments on what boats might work for me.

Thanks in advance!!!

I also posted this over at BT:

I have been scanning the local classifieds and there are:
1. dagger caper
2. probe 14
3. blue hole sunburst II
4. blue hole OCA (probably a bit on the big side for just me?)

I have searched low and high for a dagger caption and Esquif Vertige X (they both look pretty sexy), with no luck.

I'm leaning towards the probe 14, due to its rocker, but I cant find rocker specs on the other boats, so who knows...

Hopefully it is more maneuverable, dry(er), side-surfs better, cruises faster, and is comfier than the other boats that I found(funny eh?)

There is a Dagger Encore in the for sale section of this board. It is priced right and is a great boat for a large paddler. I have never heard of one being made into a tandem boat though. For that I would go with either a Caption or an ME.

I paddled a Caper for years, solo and tandem. It was my first WW boat and I loved it! I'd say go for it, especially if it's already outfitted for solo and tandem.

Can't comment on any of the others you list.

I'd second the Encore recomendation, or a Whitesell Piranha if you can find one. A Caption may also work for you.

I'm not sure it matters what boat you buy to get started. If you get hooked, you'll upgrade eventually anyway. I got into paddling a couple of years ago at about your size (5'10", 260) and bought a Dagger Impulse - OK for a beginner boat. I bought an Encore last year – much more fun, definitely recommend it. I wouldn't worry about finding something that you might be able to paddle tandem in the future. Find a boat that you’ll have fun paddling solo now, and see what happens.

I have to agree.
1 boat turns into 7 real quickly.

The Mad River ME got me into the sport and excellerated me above my beginner counrterparts. and even tho I have purchased a Nitro, you will have to pry the ME away from my cold dead hands. um... knees.

Me = 240 LBs 6 foot even plus an unpin Kit , Lunch (including small camp stove and Full change of cold weather clothing. Did not feel over loaded.(except when having to portageonly once...too much wood)