Blackfly Prototypes

ESP · Post by **ESP** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 2:16 pm

If you haven't seen the pictures of the Option and Ion yet check them out on the Blackfly facebook page. Nice!

RodeoClown · Post by **RodeoClown** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 2:53 pm

Be aware the the Blackfly facebook page seems to reside on a server in the Bermuda Triangle. The pictures seem to disappear from time to time, only to reappear later.

TNbound · Post by **TNbound** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 2:57 pm

Awesome! Can't wait to get in one of those badboys.

Any videos of test runs yet?

RodeoClown · Post by **RodeoClown** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 3:05 pm

I tried to get some GoPro footage yesterday, but the boat was too cold to get the mount to stick. I'll try again today.

fleckbass · Post by **fleckbass** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 3:29 pm

Any idea what the paddler weight limit is where the boat is not too wet?

RodeoClown · Post by **RodeoClown** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 3:40 pm

fleckbass wrote:Any idea what the paddler weight limit is where the boat is not too wet?

Not really. Both boats shrunk more than I expected in terms of depth, so I'm planning on adding some depth for the production boats, and also a little spash deflector type thing on the end of the deckplates, so they'll be drier than they are now anyway. I found that the Option is so stable that it's really easy to block waves with the hull, even with as shallow as it is right now.

I'm also not sure I have a good concept of what "too wet" is. Keep in mind that I'm used to paddling a Blackfly.

canoemid · Post by **canoemid** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 4:56 pm

Any idea of hull weight projections yet?

RodeoClown · Post by **RodeoClown** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 5:19 pm

Fully outfitted- as pictured including airbags, the Option prototype is 58lbs, the Ion prototype is 47. Both boats came out thicker than I was shooting for, so I'd project the production boats to be about 53lbs and 45lbs respectively.

ian123 · Post by **ian123** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 5:46 pm

Cool looking boats. The ion looks crazy.

Is it just me or does the Option look a bit like the L'edge ??

skos · Post by **skos** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 6:33 pm

Great looking boats, it`s encouraging to see two brand new boat designs cant wait to see them on the water!

Walsh · Post by **Walsh** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 6:55 pm

For all the hullaballoo about "growing the sport" that periodically goes around . . . THANK YOU for taking this risk. I hope that people love paddling them and respond by buying as many as you can make.

Shep · Post by **Shep** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 6:56 pm

I think the Option does look like the L'Edge, but I think that is form following function. I certainly haven't heard Craig or anyone else associated with Esquif crying foul, although I assume they haven't seen the boats in person yet. I would also point out that although the bow-profile definitely does resemble the L'Edge (particularly in the tucked-in gunwales above a protruding crease line), the side-profile isn't as similar. I *think* the Option has less curvature in the rocker line.

I for one am excited to learn how the two paddle relative to each other. How lucky would we be if this was the start of a new canoe "arms race"?

Shep

Walsh · Post by **Walsh** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 7:12 pm

Shep wrote:I How lucky would we be if this was the start of a new canoe "arms race"?

"Mine is shorter than yours."

yarnellboat · Post by **yarnellboat** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 9:11 pm

How long, wide and deep are these things?

Look great, awesome work, good luck with production (and sales)!

Pat.

Atucky · Post by **Atucky** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 9:17 pm

Holy Cow... I can't believe there will be two more plastic canoes to choose from!

Is the Option symmetrical? It almost appears to be tapered at the stern.