OC2 input.

[billcanoes]

I have a 6 year old, who I paddle with some. I had a probe 14, but it was too wide for me to paddle like I would like to, with the minimal input my son provides.

So I'm looking for an OC2 which is narrower and pretty short. I had thought I would get an Esquif Blast, but my firends Nitros got torn up, and I met two padllers from IL at the New River Gorge, who also had their chines, on their Blast, get torn up too.

So, can anyone suggest a good narrow OC2 for solo/tandem use? The narrowness is important as I am only 5'6 and do not have jojo the monkey boy arms.

Thanks for the input,
Bill Reap

[Jim]

The Howler is a great boat to consider- take a look at http://www.millbrookboats.com/

I have paddled a Royalex version with my son (now 10 years old) since he was an a couple of years old. It is 26" wide, comfortable, responsive and dry. It is stable with our combined weight of 270 pounds, but it feels pretty edgy when I paddle with my wife (combined weight of 315 pounds).

There is a great deal on one over on the for sale section. I think I saw that boat in the fall, and it was in great condition.

Good luck.

Jim

[billcanoes]

Thanks for the note Jim.

A friend of a friend has an ABS Howler, maybe he can let me demo it- I saw the post for the Kevlar Howler.

Kaz or others,
What is the difference in handling between the Kevlar and the ABS, and would this be decent boat for river tripping? (2-3 days trips? or is the boat too narrow?

Bill

[montana c-1]

the howler is a blast to paddle. I have only paddled the Kev. version and it is sweet. John does a good ob of building his boats. Some other boats you may want to consider would br the Nexus from BELL , or the Vertige x from esquif. Nexus is a great boat that a strong paddler can manuver witha newbe up front pretty easily. The verige is a little faster and wider of a boat. Maybe a little better for river tripping Friends of mine have taken thiers down the Selway only to walk laddel (nasty rapid for a canoe) get out and paddle some of those. But keep the Howler in mind if you like speed go for it.

[Jim]

Bill:

Kaz does a great job with his composite layup. I have been paddling a Prowler for 2.5 years and it is taking a beating and holding up fine. In October my wife and I swiped a boulder (her fault- really) and we really pounded into it. We were amazed- a little crack in the outer layer of glass and the rest is fine (no repairs needed).

You may not want composite if you spend a lot of time on steep or bony rivers. Of course- the best solution is to have one of each- having a plastic Howler and a composite Prowler is a great luxury. Unfortunately, it is also making it hared to convince my wife I need another boat (since there are another half dozen laying around).

I will be calling Kaz for a Millbrook boat as soon as I come up with some $$$, as you cannot find better.

[billcanoes]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the input, I enjoyed reading your previous review of the Howler and Prowler a few months ago.

I sent Jim and email-

Bill Reap