After being out of the game for quite a few years, I would like to take up a little OC-1 whitewater (downriver) racing again, just for fun. In looking around the net, it seems that the selection of suitable boats for that purpose is even more sparse than it was years ago.
I used to paddle the Wenonah Jensen 16' C-1W, and the later 16'6" C-1W. Neither of these boats have been in production for a long time now. As far as I can tell, there are only two boats being produced today, the 15'6" Swamp Hen from Millbrook Boats (made by Jon Kazemierszyk), and the 16'8" Savage C-1 from Savage River Canoes.
My preference (for now) is to buy something used (Wenonah C-1W, Swamp Hen, etc) but they seem to be very scarce to non-existent. Either that or nobody that has one wants to turn loose of it. So, is there anybody out there who has something like this who might be interested in selling for a reasonable price? Otherwise, does anybody even know anybody who might have one they would be willing to sell?
If I have to buy new, my preference (I think) would be for the Savage River boat as it is longer and therefore theoretically a hair faster. OTOH, I have heard that the Swamp Hen is very quick, and perhaps would be less of a handful in tight, steep technical drops. Also, it is almost $1000 less expensive than the Savage.
Any old (or young) OC-1 downriver boaters care to comment in any way? Are there any other suitable boats for WWOC-1 downriver racing that I am not aware of? Thanks for any tips or info you guys can provide.
WWOC-1 downriver racing boat
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