Need help sizing OC1 for big guy

[hechoendetroit]

This is x-posted at boatertalk:
http://www.boatertalk.com/forum/BoaterTalk/1607967
I am posting it here at the suggestion of a couple people at BT:


I am looking at buying a solo WW canoe to paddle class III-IV. I'd like to find a used one, fully outfitting for <$600 (probably an older boat off of craiglist). I'm a complete novice at open boating.
I'm also fat @ 275lbs and 5'11". I'm working on it....

It would be a bonus if it was possible to buy a solo+tandem boat and convert it to tandem once I get down to 200lbs (maybe a Probe 14???). Do I need a boat as big as the Probe 14 for just solo?

I'd like to get some comments on what boats might work for me.

Thanks in advance!!!

[hechoendetroit]

I also posted this over at BT:

I have been scanning the local classifieds and there are:
1. dagger caper
2. probe 14
3. blue hole sunburst II
4. blue hole OCA (probably a bit on the big side for just me?)

I have searched low and high for a dagger caption and Esquif Vertige X (they both look pretty sexy), with no luck.

I'm leaning towards the probe 14, due to its rocker, but I cant find rocker specs on the other boats, so who knows...

Hopefully it is more maneuverable, dry(er), side-surfs better, cruises faster, and is comfier than the other boats that I found(funny eh?)

[Mr.DeadLegs]

There is a Dagger Encore in the for sale section of this board. It is priced right and is a great boat for a large paddler. I have never heard of one being made into a tandem boat though. For that I would go with either a Caption or an ME.

[RodS]

I paddled a Caper for years, solo and tandem. It was my first WW boat and I loved it! I'd say go for it, especially if it's already outfitted for solo and tandem.

Can't comment on any of the others you list.

[craig]

I'd second the Encore recomendation, or a Whitesell Piranha if you can find one. A Caption may also work for you.

[eckilson]

I'm not sure it matters what boat you buy to get started. If you get hooked, you'll upgrade eventually anyway. I got into paddling a couple of years ago at about your size (5'10", 260) and bought a Dagger Impulse - OK for a beginner boat. I bought an Encore last year – much more fun, definitely recommend it. I wouldn't worry about finding something that you might be able to paddle tandem in the future. Find a boat that you’ll have fun paddling solo now, and see what happens.

[c1swim]

I have to agree.
1 boat turns into 7 real quickly.

[TonyB]

The Mad River ME got me into the sport and excellerated me above my beginner counrterparts. and even tho I have purchased a Nitro, you will have to pry the ME away from my cold dead hands. um... knees.

Me = 240 LBs 6 foot even plus an unpin Kit , Lunch (including small camp stove and Full change of cold weather clothing. Did not feel over loaded.(except when having to portageonly once...too much wood)