Finky vs. Score vs. Cascade

yarnellboat · Post by **yarnellboat** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 5:10 pm

I'm a 210lbs class II-III open-boater looking into C-1 (still). From what I've read, something like a Wavesport Score would be a good conversion as a river runner that I could also play in.

I've paddled a Cascade, and basically paddling-wise it's too similar to an open boat. If I'm going to diversify, I might as well get into something more different.

How does the Finkenwhatever compare to these other 2 boats?

For what it's worth:

Cascade 11' 80gal 27.5" wide
Finky 9'2" 74gal 28"
Score 8'3" 56gal 25.5"

How does the Finky surf, spin and squirt?

Thanks, P.

Jan_dettmer · Post by **Jan_dettmer** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 5:17 pm

Pat, come to Victoria. We have one here. You can test paddle it.

Cheers, Jan

Larry Horne · Post by **Larry Horne** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 12:58 am

what about an atom? or maybe one of the EZ series wavesport boats. the fink (and all the other boats listed) is too big if you want a play boat.

it's really best to just accept the fact that you need at least two boats, a creeker and a playboat. if you accept it now you will save time and money by not messing around with all-around type boats that do nothing extremely well.

bearboater · Post by **bearboater** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 1:22 am

i have never paddled the other boats aside from the fink. but it does not squirt intentionally. in one case it did when i was in very aerated water, and was leaning back, it surfs very well, very fast. but i have not tried a spin in it. its got uber edges, and with some one my weight about 210, it sits low enough in the water that i doubt it would spin on a wave very well.
maybe.
or maybe im just not that good yet.
cheers
-isaac

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 1:28 am

At 210lbs. if you're thinking about Wavesport's EZ series try the Super EZ. I have a Big EZ & I'm 190ish. I think I'm close to the upper end of the weight range. Also the Big EZ is ~25.5" wide, which makes it roll real easily

I think Scott is in your weight range & he's got a Score. I recall it being more stable than the Big EZ, so it may be a better first conversion boat for an OC'er.

Here's a link to photos of how the Big EZ floats a 190lb'er:

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/wh20crazy ... /my_photos

yarnellboat · Post by **yarnellboat** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 4:09 am

Thanks all,

I suspect Larry is right about needing 2 boats, but I'm on a tough budget.

I ask about these specific boats (as oppose to the SuperEZ or others) because they are available for sale locally. I think something along the lines of a Score would do me, because I'm not looking for a park & play, hole-ridin' playboat - I still want to be able to paddle around! And I am pretty heavy.

I take it the Finky is basically a creeker or river runner? Somewhere between the Cascade and Score, perhaps something like an Atom?

Jan, you're right about that being the best plan, to come over and try it - I take it is Tim's boat you're refering to? - but, I don't get to the island much (not to mention that and I'm somewhat scared of paddling with people who are way out of my league.) Maybe in the new year, but for budget, convenience and some playing potential, I'll probably go for the Score.

P.

Larry Horne · Post by **Larry Horne** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 5:56 am

i just looked at a picture of the score. i didn't realizewhat it was...
i would get it. it's gonna be fun, for sure.
if it's not already, you're roll will get real good, real fast

Bruce Farrenkopf · Post by **Bruce Farrenkopf** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 10:17 pm

Hello Yarnellboat,
The transition from an OC1 to a C1 could be challenging - very worthwhile - but it could be a bumpy ride. So don't get a boat that will make that transition discouraging. Get a boat that alot of people have had a positive experience with. This is a critical decision for your C1ing future. If you get a small touchy playboat you might decide that C1ing is not for you, and this could be due to poor boat selection rather than your ability or disposition.
1) Stay away from conversions, particularly kayak playboats. Like Larry suggested, you will either learn fast and have alot of fun, or.........
2) The Cascade is a great river runner (superb on class 4+ and tougher water) and would make the transition to C1ing relatively smooth, but on easier water it is not much fun. It doesn't surf.
3) The Atom is a very good river runner in Class 3-4, and is alot of fun in that realm. It surfs, ferries and catches eddies well. However, it is edgy and that can lead to problems in difficult heavy water or steep creeks. The Atom would be choice #2.
4) The Fink would probably be your best choice. It is a river runner, not a playboat. It doesn't squirt. It is however much more fun than the Cascade in class 2-3-4 water. It surfs well and is a good boofer. It is stable and controllable in heavy water, and the big bow rises to the surface rapidly and stably over steep drops. The Fink would give your transition to C1ing a better chance - and you'll enjoy the ride.
SYOTR,
Bruce