Recommendations on a C1 playboat

[julian.c1]

either converted kayak or original C1.
I'm small, 5'5" and 140 lbs

I have looked at the Shaggy Pagan and the Drakkar Wheelboy, but I think those are big boats. Any other ideas?

Kayaks I have considered converting: WS Project, JK Fun, JK Star, LL Ronin, P 4twenty, R Inferno, D Agent, D Crazy 88, D Kingpin Icon.
(I know, lots, but I have lots of options that way!)

[mshelton]

Perception Torrent imo.

[julian.c1]

Ummm... when I look up Perception Torrent I get a sit-on-top kayak, not exactly what I had in mind
am I confused?

[julian.c1]

how much activity should I expect on here?

[gtoc-1]

The dagger boats make for easy conversions with their welded center rail ( have designed a system for the dagger boats).

I have done the 88 and the agent and i love them. I have also tryed the super star and it is a much better kayak tha a c-1.

The small 88 would be great for your size but the agent is a better river runner and will loop better.

you should see some activity but not a ton.

Gary

[yarnellboat]

If you don't get a lot of response on here, it's probably just because people don't have direct experience with what you're asking about?

On the bright side, the replies you do get will probably be knowledgable and relevant. That's the theory anyway.

PY.

[TomAnon]

Julian,

You a slalom racer?

I converted a Jackson 4Fun last year and it turned out pretty good. My son races as well and he uses it mostly for river running and play. I have tried it out and found it to surf real nice, spin, bow stall, etc. I was not any good a cart wheeling or nothing, largely because I am just not that good anymore. A 4Fun would be a little big for you; however, if you are at Dickerson for the Big Cash Event, we will bring it with us and you would be more than welcome to try it out. Also, go to the Monocacy Canoe Club website. Their message board is:

http://www.monocacycanoe.org/mccboard/mccboard.html

You will find several of the top freestyle paddlers check that message board.

The WS Project would make a decent conversion as well. Joe Stumpfel had some input on its design. You can find him checking into the MCC fairly often. He also works at Springriver Corp. Also, drop J. Robbins a note at Team Etc. Both of these people are in the Wash./Baltimore area. J. has converted an awful lot of different K1s to C1s.

Hope this helps,

Tom

[billcanoes]

Martin can cut the Pagan to your weight

Both David and Shawn are only 10lbs heavier than you and they kick a## in the wheelboy. If it were me I'd buy Matt's WB- it's a steal.

[oregonmatt]

Based upon the data points that i have, i think the wheelboy would be great for your weight. i'm 210, and it's too small for me. Another boater out here tried it out a couple of weeks ago - he was 180 or so - and thought that it would be better for someone smaller than him. mine's still for sale - email me at matthsusant@yahoo.com if you want more info.

[adamin]

I'll second the Wheelboy or Pagan option. I'm not sure what Seth weighs, but I'd guess it's about the same as you, and he was amazing to watch in a Wheelboy.... If you prefer glass, or want it cut to your specs, go Pagan....

IMhO either of these boats are going to outperform the conversions you reference.

Adam

[msims]

Julian, your question's probably a bit broad - "Hey, what type of c1 should a beginner get?" Take a few suggestions (eg Jackson Fun) and search the forum, read up on it, and keep your eyes peeled. You could get a cheapie for your first year, then find the boat of your dreams after you try a few...

You're in Ottawa? There's a few c1'ers in the area - get a cheap one, and start trying every c1 you see on the river, until you find the right one... You should be able to find a good beginner conversion boat for $300-400 minus outfitting.

Good luck! Mike.

[NZMatt]

HIya Julian

I'm c. 150lbs and have a wheelboy. It's not really too big for a playboat and it also makes an excellent river runner. I can get eddyline cartwheels and some flatwaters as well. That surprised me when I first got it, since I thought it would be too big. I've also run it down class IV-V and although it gets a bit squirrely and spends a bit more time than I like vertical, it does pretty well. Being plastic it also takes the abuse pretty well.

I have no experience with modern conversions - I like the XXX and the Bliss Stick Blitz Special, but they're older style.

Given you're on the Ottawa and will probably mainly be paddling deep water rivers, the Shaggy boats would be great options - and as already noted, "you" can always cut a composite boat to the right size - atleast if you buy it new, they'll do it for you. It's harder later on (and not really recommended unless you have a fiberglass and epoxy fetish like some of our friends here) but can also be done.

Cheers,
Matt

[CosmikDebris]

Get a skip. Cheap and awesome.

[PAC]

For play I'd go with WheelBoy (1st and mostly because it plastic), then a Pagan and or Sith (both rock Big time). All three can be played hard!
A Skip is a good an excellent option too, as are most play kayaks (xxx, etc.). You just have to spend a tad more time and $ outfitting them and each then as its own "issues" in terms of becoming a C1.
If price is an option and you can get a K on the cheap and don't care about putting the effort / $ in for conversion then you have a good list.
But you might want to keep in mind re-sale too (like all boaters C1ers can get "tired" of a boat's design over time).
Best course of action is up to you of course but if you can demo the designed C1s then I strongly suggest you do.
Let us know how it goes! Paul C.

PS: I have a WB and love the thing and if I had the cash I'd have either a Sith and / or Pagan. The Sith would edge out the Pagan but only because its a better fit to my paddling style and rivers I run.

[ghetto johnny]

have looked at the jackson superstar?
i have one and its a fun boat to paddle
it surf good, easy to roll, and a fun boat
if your intrested i have one for sale.
asking $300-350
let me know
john