Big Guy Open Boat

[CSH]

I'm about 280 lbs. 6'2". I currently paddle a mohawk probe 14. I like the boat. I like the soft chines and big rocker. However, the boat is currently set up for the solo or tandem combination. This is not a very good set up for a solo paddler. Also, I have broken both of the gunwales and put alot of general wear and tear on the boat in the past year and a half. Also would like to put a pump on the boat.

Now to the question. I am think about buying another open boat. Something smaller, that is already set up for solo, with a pump. My main question, is "Is the probe 12 too small of a boat for me?" I paddled one in a pool last night, and it felt pretty good, but havent paddled one on moving water yet.

I am a novice to intermediate paddler, so the big forgiving boat is nice, but I am looking for something a little faster from a stop, and a little quicker turning.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
Chris

[Sparky]

Well, here's my 2 cents worth. My wife and I together add up to your weight. We wore out a Caper then bought a Caption. My personal opinion is the performance of the Caption would be tops in 14' canoes. We got one of the last Royalex lightweight layups with wood rails before Dagger quit making them-45lbs. I've also paddled the Esquif Blast (13') tandem and really liked it. Not as quick as the Caption, but better at play.

I have friends that paddle Probe 12's and like them, but under 200 lbs in weight.

Borrow anything you can and try them if possible. Mad River molds the Caption at $1200-$1400 and that Blast is around $2000. It's pretty expensive getting boats out of Canada.

No offense intended to you Mohawk paddlers. Good Luck!
Brent

[prophet]

might try to find a Dagger Genesis, 13'2" i think and a good all around boat

[Tim Eubanks]

Does that make Marcel a "big guy"?
How about an Impulse? There are few of those around for sale. As I understand them, not a real aggressive boat, but certainly a good starter.

[Steve S]

I have a Dagger Genesis in primo condition that I will sell for $700. It's located in Little Rock.

[prophet]

Does that make Marcel a "big guy"?

he doesn't look that big but i've heard some say he was pretty dense

[CSH]

Thanks for the Advice guys. Keep it coming. Steve I sent you a PM.