sc-vapaddler wrote: . . . Mine seems to be some 2-layer material (maybe not royalex?). I have compared my boat to a Pyranha side by side and understand the difference. (although...which one had rounded ends vs. pointed ends?) . . .
Interesting stuff -- takes me back. Way-y back. . .
From what I recall, (and I may be corrected by someone more knowledgeable,) after Nolan Whitesell designed the Piranha, Mohawk may have purchased the rights to market the hull under the name "Scamp". In turn, Western Canoeing obtained the rights to make a composite version, called the "Challenger", with a Clipper sticker on it.
I bought a Challenger, and, fearing for its safety on rocky rivers, also bought a Scamp. I do believe the Scamps were Royalex, though maybe Richard can comment.
Both boats featured the trademark bulges in the chines, amidships, which greatly enhanced their performance when heeled over. However, I think I recall the Challenger was more bulbous in the ends, whereas the Scamp was sharper in the ends.
Bottom line was the composite Challenger, IMHO, outperformed the Royalex Scamp hands down. The Scamp was sluggish, whereas the Challenger was lively.
As mentioned, thirty years later, I still have that Challenger in my garage, where I'm currently converting it to a tandem/solo configuration.
Delighted to hear you're also preserving a heritage craft!
Rick
