Big Dog Force OC1 review from a beginner.

[Libraryhound]

First I am a beginner ww canoeist but have ww kayaked for about 9 years. I am 5'5", 190lbs I love the water but can't wear a skirt anymore (because a legitimate medical reason not because I was tired of crossdressing). So I switched to canoeing and love it. I bought a Big Dog Force OC1(thanks Gavin Rains).
Saturday(1/12/13) was the first time the boats been in the water, I took it for a quick run down part of Chattooga section 3, Fall Creek to Bull. First apologies for I am going to compair it to kayaks not canoes.
My Big Dog is factory except I cut the seat pad down it felt too high. It is heavy 64lbs. Chattooga was running 2.03.
When I first got in the water it felt unstable but then the secondary stability was great. It paddles in moving water like a mix of a liquid logic Gus and a jefe, it rides the top of the water like th jefe but it rutters and leans like th Gus.
It was a lot dryer than expected as it will plow waves if they are back to back and close. I found the factory air bags need to be bigger. I made it to Bull no swims or spills. Had to dump water once after a unskilled low brace at Washington's nose.
I found the boat slow in the flats but that is from my lack of canoe stroke skills, but it has nice speed in moving water.
All in all I like the way this boat feels. I will give an updated review after I become more accustomed to canoeing.
Thanks
Libraryhound

[Pierre LaPaddelle]

. . . First apologies for I am going to compair it to kayaks not canoes. . . It paddles in moving water like a mix of a liquid logic Gus and a jefe, it riding on top of the water like the jefe but it rutters and leans like the Gus. . .

Hey L. H. -- your only mistake is apologizing! Never do that on this forum!

I loved your comments, and look forward to hearing more as you put the Force through its paces. In particular, I was interested in your comparison to the Gus and the Jefe. Great insights. Thanks!

Rick