Western class IV versus Eastern
The Yukon was designed, I believe, for running the Grand Canyon. Very different from the technical stuff out East.
There are several trip reports out on the web from people who have run the GC in a Yukon.
I think…
– Last Updated: Jul-23-04 3:51 PM EST –
You and I are in the same boat, or atleast we are looking for the same boat... I have pretty much decided on the Riot Stealth.. it's appox 12.5' long & 25" wide. and has plenty of storage. it has a drop down skeg for tracking as well. My main use for a kayak will be river runnin or creekin' however several times a year I will take overnight float & need the space for gear. Check out the link to the Riot stealth that some-one listed above.. I think this is the boat that will work great for you.
Yukon Expedition
I have been paddling a Yukon for about 8 years. I believe that it’s rated up to “open” class III. I’ve paddled mostly the James, New and Potomac rivers but also numerous smaller rivers, large lakes and on the Maine kayak trail. A hybrid will never be the best for all conditions, but I have found the Yukon to be stable, maneuverable, comfortable, roomy and safe. HTP is bombproof plastic. Much more durable than a Blackwater, Swifty etc. My only complaint is that it’s heavy, but that’s what makes it heavy duty.
I believe there is a boat for you.
I think you just need to try out the boats that you are interested in.Although,there is really no boat that can do every thing perfectly,there are a lot of options.The Riot boats in the control line maybe something for you to look into as mentioned above.My wife tried the Enduro this weekend and was really disappointed.It turned out to be just too much boat for her.But you may like it.How about the OT series boats.The Jolt 11’6 or the 10’1.They both come with a drop down skeg for tracking and are relatively short boats,that should maneuver a little easier on moving water.They also have hatches for gear.I know how ya feel.I wanted the same in a canoe but,I had to make some sacrifices as your going to have to do.Don’t get frustrated,hang in there,and you’ll find what you are looking for.Good luck and let us know how it turns out for ya.
Wayne
Thx for the advice.
I really appreciate it.
Whitewater Types
What kind of whitewater are you talking about? In the east rapids are slower and more technical. In the west they are bigger and faster.
I’ve ran a hydraulic, meaning tricky waves, class IV in a 14’ Perception Illusion a couple of weeks ago. The idea was to just make it through without killing myself. You don’t play in those kind of conditions. Little kayaks are play boats made to have fun in smaller waves.
I was the first person I’ve heard of to take a sea kayak down the Escalante River into Lake Powell. It is a technical class III, avoiding rocks, and I had less problems missing them than the rubber duckies that most people use. Learning to lean while turning is the key.
Last Feb. I ran the Verde, in Arizona, from Childs to Horseshoe. It’s not rated but it’s more technical than the Escalante.
PRIJON HAS A NEW BOAT CALLED THE COMBI
I am the manager of Viaje Outdoors in Franklin, TN. We are a Prijon dealer. I thought that everyone might like to know that Prijon is now making a boat called the Combi 359. It is designed for both whitewater and flatwater. It offers pillar free movement and a generous storage hatch. The boat is not currently listed on thier website, however it is in their new catalogs. If you need any info on the boat, feel free to contact me at info@viajeoutdoors.com
crossover boat
a sun kayaks max velocity…
i got one you can try if you wish…
12 drop skeg two bulkheads…i can give a good price if you are in the new england area…
rob
Necky Gannet 1
I am looking for same. Today I discovered a Necky Gannet in a local shop. It is 11’ long, dry storage in back via 6" port, drop skeg. According to dealer it can do class III ww as well as lakes, ponds, quite well.
One complaint I have heard of on these is uncomfortable seat. Price is $650 Canadian, app $400.00 USD. Seems reasonable.
Does anybody have comments on this boat
I like the design, but it is not
as good a whitewater boat as some old-school kayaks are as flatwater boats. The dealer is exaggerating. Sure, you could blunder down Lesser Wesser on the Nantahala, and some other class 3s, but you would not blunder reliably. And there would be a lot of technical class 2s that would eat you for lunch.
I would concur with the last post
Having been eaten by a class II/II+ on a number of occasions myself.
Darn diagonal waves anyhow.
In support of the SUN Velocity
I’ve tried lots of boats, owned several and I love my SUN Velocity (Riot Voyager). I’m 5’9" and weigh 230lbs. The boat is very comfortable for someone my size and I’d bet even for someone up to 260lbs. Yes, it does what the SUN and Riot web sites say it does. I’m learning to run class II rivers (Deerfield River, below the gap) and I can navigate in and out eddies just fine. (This boat edges like a plaining hull boat and carves an easy 10’ radious turn). I can’t peelout like a white water boat, but I’m quite comfortable entering into a swift flow from quiet water. I use a longer 210cm. paddle for the extra leverage I need to swing the boat around. It ferries very nice and even surfs a little in a few spots. When I put this boat on a lake it runs faster and carves turns better than my wife’s and son’s 14.5’ Perception Shadows. Did I say I love this boat? I don’t pretend that the SUN at 13’ is as playful as a real Whitewater boat, but until I find the right used Whitewater boat for the right price, I’m having lots of fun on the river and intend to keep doing so. This boat spends 80% of it’s time on the river. I plan to work up to the upper section of the Deerfield (more info on the Deerfield river on www.americanwhitewater.org) and I will run this thing through the gap one day. I have added some whitewater outfitting (hip and thigh pads), and I do have center post in mine.