Solo Decision

Come on Gremmie…

– Last Updated: Jun-05-08 5:20 PM EST –

How many times have you run Land of Oz, Big Drop, Cat's Paw, Double Drop, and Rickety Rack when the Saint was "running good", say 20 inches? That's class 2 to you? If so, my hat is off to you. Oz Hawksley & Tom Kennon rate it as class 2 & 3, going up to class 4 in flood stage. That dam breach in flood stage looks like class "prepare to die" to me.

Class 2: "Clear" channels which are evident "without" scouting. "Occasional" maneuvering may be required, but rocks & medium sized waves are "easily" missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured & group assistance, while helpful, is "seldom" needed.

I wouldn't try the Saint in an Argosy, or a Wildfire, but I have done it, the Wolf, the Nantahala, and the French Broad on several occasions in a Mohawk Odyssey 14.
It was less than ideal too, but there again I don't consider those to be all class 2 either.

Class 2 to me is some spots on the Piney, Spring, Mulberry, and upper Buffalo in "normal" levels.....An Argosy, or a Wildfire/Yellowstone can handle that just fine. When water level comes up & starts getting pushy....... nope! The big problems for them as I see it is when you get into large standing waves, and steep drops.
They get "bilge pump" wet quick.

BOB

P.S. Next time the Saint is up; let's me & you borrow a couple of Wenonah Sandpipers & give it a go.

OK
If the experts classify them as II-III, fine with me. I guess I got to see someone run a class III feature in a Yellowstone. Sorry, no pics.



To my original point: If rivers are predominately class I and II with rocky features, I’d consider a dedicated WW boat if I was running them a lot. Sure, the Yellowstone and the Argosy can run class I and II, but so can a whole lot of other models so I see no distinguishing features in that respect.

Agreed…

– Last Updated: Jun-05-08 6:43 PM EST –

Will stir the mix up a little more..........

A Mad River Guide will run class 2/2+ (class 3 with a good paddler), as good, if not better than the Yellowstone, or the Argosy.

LOL!
BOB

distinguishing characteristic
The poster was looking for a 14 footer in rx. Not many competitors in production. I wish there were more.

…$.01 more
TAGcaver,

Everything mentioned…including gremmie’s OC-1 thinking as well. Gotta “Get out There” and demo a few…



$.01

Bingo…
I think we have a winner.

Big Spencer’s answer was short & sweet, and said a whole lot.



BOB