L'Open vs. L'Decked

yarnellboat · Post by **yarnellboat** » Fri Aug 20, 2010 6:51 pm

Sorry for yet another L'Edge post, but I'm hoping to get some comparisons of the open and decked versions, leaving aside which looks cooler:

Open pros: lighter, easier to load/dump

Decked version pros: a bit cheaper and presumably drier, but is it really that much drier?

I'm thinking I'd go for the lighter open version, but maybe not if the decked version is a way drier ride, which of course would mean the open version gets just as heavy pretty quickly anyway!

Anyone tried a split version, decked in front, open behind. Maybe that's my answer!

Pat.

p.s. Craig, the trend with kayak makers seems to be cranking out lots of big XL size boats in all styles. So, when do we get the L'Edge 10-4?

Pat.

Craig Smerda · Post by **Craig Smerda** » Fri Aug 20, 2010 7:08 pm

yarnellboat wrote:Sorry for yet another L'Edge post, but I'm hoping to get some comparisons of the open and decked versions, leaving aside which looks cooler:

Open pros: lighter, easier to load/dump

Decked version pros: a bit cheaper and presumably drier, but is it really that much drier?

I'm thinking I'd go for the lighter open version, but maybe not if the decked version is a way drier ride, which of course would mean the open version gets just as heavy pretty quickly anyway!

Anyone tried a split version, decked in front, open behind. Maybe that's my answer!

Pat.

p.s. Craig, the trend with kayak makers seems to be cranking out lots of big XL size boats in all styles. So, when do we get the L'Edge 10-4?

Pat.

The open model is lighter... but it's also potentially wetter. The decked model is considerably drier especially if you are running bigger drops or punching through large waves/holes and there are limited opportunities to hop out and dump out. (Remember... water weighs around 8lbs per gallon.) The decked one doesn't really "feel" that much heavier on the water imo. There is no "split version" and it's highly unlikely that there ever will be unless someone does it themself. Keep in mind once again that we set the specs for the boat from the start to accomodate "the average sized canoeist"... if and when we would ever do a 10'-4" version it would probably be to pick up some more hull speed... but this mold has to get paid for first... and I can assure you that it wasn't cheap.

rnbeals · Post by **rnbeals** » Fri Aug 20, 2010 8:09 pm

"averaged sized" is about 210 or 220, right?

Mr.DeadLegs · Post by **Mr.DeadLegs** » Fri Aug 20, 2010 8:37 pm

That is on the light side of average isn't it

Craig Smerda · Post by **Craig Smerda** » Fri Aug 20, 2010 8:46 pm

rnbeals wrote:"averaged sized" is about 210 or 220, right?

I pinned the average at 180-ish+

yarnellboat · Post by **yarnellboat** » Fri Aug 20, 2010 9:11 pm

More hull speed sounds like a great idea, I say you get started on that soon!

Seriously, has anyone else noticed how many kayaks are now being offered with more width and volume? Looks like we'll have lots of choice for good conversions!

Pat.

p.s. If I were 180lbs, I would've put money down for a L'Edge already! But I'm not.

Mr.DeadLegs · Post by **Mr.DeadLegs** » Fri Aug 20, 2010 9:36 pm

I want a LEdge Big Boy. For the plus sized paddler!!!!

Wendy · Post by **Wendy** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 1:22 am

Decked very dry running the OCoee- I did not run dry lines for the most part to test it. I wish I had run the meat of Double Trouble like I usually do and will on the next trip.
One thing I need to do on the decked version is find a way to make the deck less slippery in front on the front thwart where you put your hands to get in and out. I may put handles there from webbing with washers.

karstmaninaboat · Post by **karstmaninaboat** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 1:29 am

Is the open version supposed to have foam in the sidewalls?

Craig Smerda · Post by **Craig Smerda** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 2:01 am

karstmaninaboat wrote:Is the open version supposed to have foam in the sidewalls?

Yes.

Bill M · Post by **Bill M** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 2:52 am

We were there too! I wish we had seen you. First because I enjoy seeing you and second because I wanted to see(and try) the new boat.
Bill

Wendy · Post by **Wendy** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 12:03 pm

Next week headed to Lower Yough. After that let's get together so you can try it. I thought of you at Double Trouble. "Wendy you needed one more stroke".

dafriend · Post by **dafriend** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 7:11 pm

yarnellboat wrote:p.s. If I were 180lbs, I would've put money down for a L'Edge already! But I'm not.

Pat,

I tried out the prototype and at 215# (or better depending on lunch) there was more than enough volume. I'm guessing the production boats aren't significantly different with regard to displacement. So put that money down!

Dave

yarnellboat · Post by **yarnellboat** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 8:31 pm

I'm having a hard time imagining how it can be that much different than boats of a similar size, which IMHO tend not to do well with that extra 40 or 50lbs in them.

Obviously Craig/Esquif have done a great job with it, but I'll still need to try before I buy.

My main interest then will be decked or open. I think I'd prefer open, but if the decked is really that much drier, well, it would probably be worth it.

Pat.

Yukon · Post by **Yukon** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 8:38 pm

Pat there are lots of kayaks out there in the length of the Ledge for your weight range. I think you would more than fine in. I have a Taureau and it floats me - but is a much different beast than the Ledge.
The Ledge is deep. I would go for the decked version as you can always change it a later date if you want to. Much harder to close it back up
What are you paddling these days?

Someone has to be the first to get a New Ledge on the West Coast. Go for it.

C-Forum

L'Open vs. L'Decked

L'Open vs. L'Decked

Re: L'Open vs. L'Decked

Decked very dry running the OCoee

Wendy

Bill wish we had seen you