There is a famous UK study from about 7 years ago-- and I seem not to be abler to find the link--comparing 110 boats for hull speed. The Cuda was #17 overall, and the fastest plastic boat. It beat out many of the glass boats you know by name--Romany, Explorer, and one and on. Good scientific data, I wish I still had the link.
On my GPS, without even trying, it is 4.5 mph. I can push it to 6 mph. And I am a weak paddler.
See my review (you likely already have) on Pnet reviews.
At the prioce Donna ia asking, even if you used it for a year and sold it, you;d get your $$ back. Maybe even make some if the price of kayaks conmtinues to climb. I would never sell mine. I think rrroberts feels similarly. It is a very sweet plastic boat.
If you would put some travelin’ weight in that Barricuda, it wouldn’t feel so twitchy. Or maybe it’s restless legs syndrome, when you’re sleeping out on the lake instead of exercising.
Pappy Are you in Canada? What color is your 'cuda? Might as well get all the details out here. We might have more than one person looking for one. They are fairly rare (used, anyway).
Rudder question was asked. I bought the Red Barracuda new from wildnet.com, Landis in 2005. I bought it as a second to the one I own already, which is red also. I adore this boat, and despite having Valleys which are good for other purposes, I still favor the Barracuda for it’s speed and balance–work on form and balance. When I bought it, I paid $125 for the brand new Prijon rudder. I never installed it, as I felt fine in the boat rudderless (edging to turn). But it is brand new in box and is easy to install because it is a Prijon rudder and a Prijon boat. The boat has the rudder guide right on the stern already. So, it does require a couple of drill holes in the plastic to secure the nut-bolt (I know, I put one on my Prijon Calabria).
So, that is the history of the boat. I know it will find a good home, and Donna is a super person who redmond and js_padler should meet and paddle with, even if not for the sale of a boat.
thanks, Cooldoc! I’m headed out on a weekend camping trip so won’t be online to answer questions until late Sunday, or early Monday depending on how tired I am when I get back…
Anyway, you know more about the history of this boat than anyone, so thanks for handling that. And rroberts can also help with the general 'cuda-related questions, too. Thanks, guys.
I'd be willing to drive 2 hours south to meet you (or two hours in whatever direction, depending on who wins the auction). That would most likely be Lexington or Louisville (or Columbus or Indy, etc.).
That will save 4 hours off your road time, round trip.
If you want to come up, paddle, and stay overnight instead of doing tons of driving all in one day, I can recommend some nice, safe campgrounds.
Thanks, and yes I did have a very nice trip. Might check out the kayak transport group and see if anyone is headed out your way. I’d also be willing to hold it for you for up to a month if you need some time to work out arrangements.
If it doesn’t work out, so be it. With the price of fuel right now, I totally understand your not wanting to drive a great distance.
