C-Forum

thinking of switching to C1 from kayak and wondering which boat would be better, Pyranha Ammo small or Wavesport EZG 50? I have kayaked for 4 years, comfortable in class 3, have done some class4's and 5's, but I am old and probably will be sticking mostly to river running class 3 with some 4's. Would the EZG be easier to roll? just wondering because as a kayak it is much easier to roll than the ammo.
Dave

i've actualy converted both. ammo really sucked. i was too big for the boat, it was a M i'm about 200lbs, but that wasn't the only problem. boat is super slow and lots of volume with not enough rocker are a bad combo for c1, or at least for me.

i have an ezg60, i think the 50 would be more fun even though i'd probably max it out weight wise. i'd rather have my big ez back cause i don't really playboat, but the ezg makes a good river runner.

I am 155 lbs, and i find both boats to be very stable as kayaks

This is coming from a guy that playboats once out of every two hundred days on the river

I think if you're going to be river running then neither of your choices is any good. I would find a boat with some speed. Old school playboats with some length are fun as a c1.

If the choice is because you happen to own both already, then I would convert the ezg50.

yes, the reason I am choosing between an ammo and an ezg is because they are the 2 boats that I own
Dave

Where do you live/ I've got a Redline and Score for sale!

Pat.

The high steep slab sides of the ammo result in very poor secondary stablitity; even though the boat has good primary... That won't do you any favours in a C1.

I'd definately go for the EZG

funny, the high steep sides on the ammo give it great secondary stability when kayaking, however, it sounds like I would be smart to convert the EZG, which has always been my favorite boat.
Dave

i don't remember the secondary stability being an issue with the ammo. i do remember not being able to ferry.

dlmlmm wrote:funny, the high steep sides on the ammo give it great secondary stability when kayaking, however, it sounds like I would be smart to convert the EZG, which has always been my favorite boat.
Dave

I've found the boxy shape (like early liquid logic playboats) makes them stable *on* the big flat bit; but the tipping point between resting on the hull and on that flat bit is abrupt rather than gradual meaning it can't be gently edged with the same confidence that a more subtle boat can.

thanks for the input, the ezg 50 is going to be converted and the ammo is going on sale
Dave

would a 7 inch high saddle be okay?
Dave

dlmlmm wrote:would a 7 inch high saddle be okay?
Dave

It's higher than I'd use in a playboat, but if you think you'll be comfy on it, make one and try it on flatwater...

If you find it to be unduly unstable (it'll feel a bit like sitting on a beachball) then you can cut the saddle down gradually until you feel stable.

Just to be clear about converting from kyaking to c-1'ing and saddle height--you are going to feel off-balanced initially because your center-of-gravity is sitting higher than what your body is used to. At your weight in the EZG, the 7-inch saddle height may actually be okay. You are just going to have to keep getting in the boat and working on your roll, you'll be given plenty of opportunity to practice that. To qualify my experience, the first c-1 I spent the whole summer paddling (way back in the 90's) was a converted Prijon Hurricane. I got pretty good paddling that boat because I got so proficient rolling it (from all the flips I did).

Before you get frustrated with the learning curve, cut the saddle down a little at a time. I'm talking 1/4-inch at a time. Just a little height difference makes a noticeable change in your balance in the boat.

Have fun with it and keep posting your progress, plus your questions (and frustrations )

i'll vote the opposite of the slow and gradual. go for absolute misery right away, start sitting on your feet whenever you have the time (reading, computer, etc...) and go low, 5" at the most. if you can get used to that, great, if not at least you'll feel better when you add another 1/2" on.

another thing you'll find out is that saddle height isn't the only comfort factor. how wide your seat is along with how everything else fits and may or may not block bloodflow or just plain hurt.

if you don't completely mess up your first c1 conversion or your first 5 then you are way ahead of me and most c1ers for that matter. it's hard to do, especially if you're not used to woodworking, etc...