Dagger Ocoee vs. Bell Ocoee

Riverken · Post by **Riverken** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 8:40 pm

I have a Bell Ocoee, built around 2008. Recently, I laid it down next to an old Dagger Ocoee and noticed that the Dagger model is wider. I don't know whether the Dagger is in its original configuration or was modified after it came off the shop floor, though.

Would anyone out there happen to have the beam measurement at the thwarts (or the midline) for the original Ocoee?

Thanks.

milkman · Post by **milkman** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 4:16 am

I bought one of the early Bell Ocoees and noticed the same thing. In fact, I contacted Bell and told them about the difference and they sent me some longer thwarts. But then, before putting them in, I outfitted and paddled the boat as it had been shipped to me. I liked it. It's probably a little faster than a Dagger Ocoee. And a tad less stable. A friend of mine, who had paddled Dagger Ocoees for years hated the Bell Ocoee. But I think that had a lot to do with what he was used to. I don't remember the exact measurements, but I think the Bell Ocoee is narrower by about 1 to 1.5 inches.

pblanc · Post by **pblanc** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 5:03 am

I will measure my Dagger Ocoee in the next day or so and get back to you.

Maybe a moot point from here on out since Bell Canoe is now out of business, but maybe someone will pick up the Ocoee mold.

milkman · Post by **milkman** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 2:45 pm

Bell is kaput? Since when?

If they are, Esquif should take over the Ocoee mold. It's still a very current and well-loved design.

beach · Post by **beach** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 10:19 pm

Maximum interior width is 26", thwart length is 23" at the long point.

C it

pblanc · Post by **pblanc** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:48 am

milkman wrote:Bell is kaput? Since when?

If they are, Esquif should take over the Ocoee mold. It's still a very current and well-loved design.

Per a number of Bell dealers, Bell Canoe has ceased production as of a few weeks ago and is selling off existing inventory.

I am told that the parent company that owns Bell has been looking for a buyer for over a year and not found one to meet their terms.

Bell ceased making deliveries to dealers about a year or so ago. All boats had to be paid for on pickup, contrary to common industry practices.

the Big O · Post by **the Big O** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 11:38 am

There you go Richard.........
Another model ........... Mohawk Ocoee ???

sdbrassfield · Post by **sdbrassfield** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 1:57 pm

I read somewhere they were bought by another company last fall and were going to move production from minnesota to wisconsin.

So, maybe they are not completely gone...

Shep · Post by **Shep** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 1:59 pm

As of last Thursday:

http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/a ... 03286.html