I have a QCC 700X. The 700 paddler weight range is listed as >160 lbs. The 600X has a weight range 110 to 165 lbs. Both are 21 inches in beam.
The 600 is 16’8" vs 18’ for the 700.
I weigh 165. In general, is it better to be at the top of a boat’s weight range or at the bottom? Top speed aside, should I have chosen the 600 instead of the 700? (I am quite satisfied with the 700.)
Weight rating
– Last Updated: Mar-13-11 3:40 PM EST –
I always thought it was interesting that the boat load ratings on the 'models' page (the page that shows all the models together) is not the same as the load ratings given on the individual product pages. I think that means these are somewhat ballpark numbers, depending as they must on an assumed additional payload value.
In my case, I have a Q400 and depending on which rating you believe, I am at the top of the range or 20 pounds too heavy. The boat is fine however, not even close to being overloaded, as I am a day paddler who travels light. So I guess they've assumed a large additional payload, at least 50 pounds, I'd wager.
In the end, if your Q700 feels good I wouldn't worry about it. You could always try to find a Q600 in your area and see if the owner will go for a boat swap for a couple of hours. If you're 165, aren't getting any bigger, and always travel light, the Q600 may be a bit better suited to your needs (as its max load is listed as either 165 or 175).
Ballast versus Empty
– Last Updated: Mar-13-11 3:57 PM EST –
Most people demo a boat completely empty
-- it usually feels twitchy, tippy, etc.
Putting additional weight in a boat is the only true test
-Multiple large water bladders at 8lbs a gallon
http://rustybayonet.com/pro1408147.html
in general
it’s better to be in the upper weight range of a model if the majority of your paddling is day paddling without 50-75lbs of camping gear. I could see the rational for the 600 for a general use kayak in your weight range with the 700 if you had the hp/technique for racing or you were using it for lots of gear.
no racing
I don’t race at all and almost always do 2 to 3 hour unloaded day paddles, averaging 4.0 to 4.2 kts, often in the ocean with moderate swell and chop.
Another way to phrase my question: Without a gps, if i did not know beforehand which boat I was in, how would I tell the difference between the 600 and 700 in flat water and moderate conditions?
Stay with the 700!
– Last Updated: Mar-13-11 7:40 PM EST –
In the family we have had 700, 600, and the 10x.
I used to be your weight, but now am 10 pounds less.
I had the 700 and always raced it, did expedition paddles and nature watching paddles and thouroughly enjoyed it.
My wife had the 600, but wanted the smaller 10. Hence we had a spare 600. Last year I decided to take the 600 with us on our four month stay in the Keys, and as much as I enjoyed the boat, I realized that I liked the 700 better.
This year I have a 700 with me and it solidified it for me that I like the 700 better.
At your weight, I would stay with the 700.
I honestly don't think you would notice a major difference between the boats
jack L
Buy an Epic
– Last Updated: Mar-14-11 12:55 PM EST –
China treats their workers better than Wisconsin does.
Like
union whinning.
Qcc’s clearly aren’t made by the state government. Unlike the government qcc is forced to make a profit. I think their workers will be fine.