Atom, X, Z, Forplay or Redline

[Sir Adam]

Atom, X, Z, Forplay or Redline
by Mark

I'm looking for advice on my next best boat. I have 1 1/2 years solo open boating experience and this year picked up a Gyramax for a song. The Gyramax has been a great experience and lots of fun, but I'm ready to move on. After looking at past discussions, I think that the Atom, x, z, forplay or redline would all make nice boats. I'm looking primarily to run solid class 4 safely, but I would like to begin to learn how to spin and get vertical as well. I would prefer to lean (at least a little) towards river running/safety until my chops are down and I can handle a more unstable (read "playful") boat. I am 5' 8" and weigh 148 lbs.
Also, what should I do with the Gyramax? Is it worth keeping? Does anyone have experience in class 4 water with this boat and how do the ones mentioned above feel compared to it in class 4 water?
Thanks,
Mark

Posted on Sep 25, 2002, 10:02 AM

I have a Whip-it I might part with
by Michael McDoanld Michael McDoanld

That pretty much says it all, perception whip-it, similar to redline, a little narrower, already outfitted. I am in Vermont.
-mike

Posted on Sep 25, 2002, 11:01 AM

FS: Redline
by Brandon Brandon

Good condition. end caps, outfitted, spray skirt, red and white marble. (kinda pinkish...)$500

Posted on Sep 25, 2002, 12:44 PM

Suggestion....
by PAC

See if you can try out each of the boats your thinking about. Then based on price and what your looking for in the boat (how you us it) make your purchase.
My experience is all are good. Each having its strong points.
Atom - fun, could stern squirt but was "washy". Long for me but would be a good transition boat from what you have now.
X - fun and great river runner. Plays better on bigger water. I recently squashed my X so that it now is a X-play. I'll post if that works out after it's trials.
Foreplay - fun and lose. Didn't get enough time in this one. But had fun.
Z- solid river runner not very lose for play at my weight (175lb @ 5'8").
Redline - another solid river runner. The one I paddled was squashed so I'm not sure I can give a review on the mfg. model.
Overall I never meet a boat that I didn't like after I had a chance to adjust to it (ok there is one boat but its an older model so positive thoughts here!). The better the deal the more I like the boat and there are some good deal out there (thank you kayakers). Best of luck and let us know as to what you buy (and why)! CU PAC

Posted on Sep 25, 2002, 3:35 PM


Re: Suggestion....
by Mark

Thanks for the comments. How about the Gyramax? What is it's role now if any?

Mark

Posted on Sep 26, 2002, 4:36 AM

Well....
by PAC

I don't think there is a hugh (or even small) market for that design. It's old! But C1ers are special in that if they like a design they might purchase it cheap just to take out every once and a while to relive their humble beginnings.
Options:
1 - You can sit on it (if you have the garage or under deck space) for when you want to take it out, or
2 - Attempt to sell it. I think I saw some for sale on the web you can search the web for a market price then post it yours.
3 - Sit on it and use it when ever, use it as a trainner for your buddies (to let them know how cool you are and in unworthy they are), and sell it first buyer that shows up.
Good luck with the new boat and let us know what you wind up with, why, and how you like it! CU PAC

Posted on Sep 26, 2002, 6:21 AM

A Touring Boat
by Scott Broam Scott Broam

I've thought about getting one to use as a touring boat on flat water/ocean - I'm not sure I could keep up with folks in sea kayaks, but I know I'd sure be a lot more comfortable in rough seas in a trusty, dusty sea-1 than I am in a kayak...

The addition of a skeg or rudder might improve tracking, but I'm not sure if it would make an overall net improvement in speed.

Scott

Posted on Sep 26, 2002, 6:52 AM