C-Forum

Does anyone have any scoop on the old Mohawk XL-12 model? Like max paddler size, handling characteristics? I haven't been able to find much on it out in the etherworld.

Thanks.

My first boat was an XL-12 (circa 1992). It's somewhat "old school"- wide, round, and not much rocker, so it is not that quick to turn. That said, it's not a bad boat and much less barge-like than the similar 13-14 foot boats that were around at the time. I was about 160# at the time, I found it a lot easier to handle than the XL13. It was a decent river runner, just not that playful.

Here I am, about to get trashed- Lower Keeney, New River Gorge 1993. It did roll pretty easy though

Silent Bob wrote:It's somewhat "old school" . . .

Yes, but we're talking vintage '80s here.

A buddy had both an XL-12 and an XL-13, and I got to try both. The 13 was a fine boat -- solid, stable, and dependable for its time. It became his go-to boat for many years.

The 12 was a spawn of the devil -- absolutely no stability, primary or secondary. It even rolled over when we made a planter of it in the garden.

IMHO

Rick

That was my first ww boat, but I didn't have it long. I never felt comfortable in the boat. Primary/secondary stability for me wasn't good. I never felt I could relax in the boat. I was probably too heavy for it - 200 -210 lbs.

Thanks for the question & comments. Everyday I drive by an XL-12 that's growing moss in a neighbour's yard, and I was wondering whether it would make a good parent-child tandem, but I think I'll pass.

Pat.

We did not get the mold for it, we had the plug and it is the only plug of the og designs that we killed. I did not like the design like others said it was a very unstable boat even being so wide.

Hi, boatape. What is your interest in the boat? It is an old design and there are many other "better" boats available, used as well as new.

yarnellboat wrote: . . . I was wondering whether it would make a good parent-child tandem . . .

Not to hijack the thread (much), but I've been having a lot of fun lately with a recently-converted-to-tandem Whitesell Piranha (made by Clipper). Stable, but lively. I think it would make a great parent/kid tandem. Yours to borrow and try out.

Rick

Thanks for all replies. As for my interest, I have been paddling inflatable SOARs (16' and 12') for a number of years, and while they are great fun, I thought I would look for something a little more 'pure' to paddle. I also organize annual trips and thought if I could pick up a hard-shell ww canoe then I could loan the SOAR to any newbies on the trips, as it is very forgiving. Plus I still prefer canoes to kayaks. I found an XL-12 but it sounds like it's not quite what I'm looking for. Maybe I'll break down and get a new one but I'm a cheapskate at heart.....

How is the Piranha's "wetness" Rick?
I had a Piranha rigged tandem and had to wear a snorkel. I seem to remember not much depth in the hull, even less depth under the hull.
My 200lbs didn't help.
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Einar wrote:How is the Piranha's "wetness" Rick? . . .

Ah, yes -- a little damp in big wave trains. Depth amidships seems adequate, but the ends aren't deep enough.

Strangely enough, on a Cow Canyon run, we ran Last Drop (about 6' vertical), and came up pretty dry. We were both in the 165# range. I think that the bluntness of the bow helped it bounce.

But, I think with a lighter paddler in the bow, (eg. parent in the stern and kid in the bow) it would be a fun boat on II+ trip. Even an Adams run!

Rick

Pierre LaPaddelle wrote:

yarnellboat wrote: . . . I was wondering whether it would make a good parent-child tandem . . .

Not to hijack the thread (much), but I've been having a lot of fun lately with a recently-converted-to-tandem Whitesell Piranha (made by Clipper). Stable, but lively. I think it would make a great parent/kid tandem. Yours to borrow and try out.

Rick

I have a Royalex Whitesell Piranha I have been considering re-outfitting as a tandem. Do you have any pictures of how you set up your boat?

pblanc wrote:[. . . Do you have any pictures of how you set up your boat?

Pix are easy. PM on the way.