Esquif Pocket Canyon Canoe

[martinm]

[Any one have experience or an opionion with this boat?

Interested in something light, Class 2 capability, and tracks fairly well...

Martin/i]

[Al Donaldson]

Martin:

I've had one of those for two and a half years now. My usage is mostly on Iowa flatwater (i.e. narrow, twisty and obstructed) creeks.

With my weight at 180# and usually carrying around 40# of gear, the boat works really well as a solo for me. Unless you are planning solo work (or unless you and your paddling partner are really light!), the boat will run awfully deep in the water, being only 14' 6" long and will spend a lot of time hanging up on the bottom. I hear that the Pocket works well out in the West, where deep water is a given, but if shallow streams are as common as I think they might be in Arkansas, this might pose a problem. I'd think that the boat would be overloaded with 400#, but that is just my opinion.(I don't like a boat that sits almost 6" deep in the water!)

That said, the boat turns almost as well as a dedicated whitewater boat and does track better than the same, but it will not hold a line like a lake canoe without some paddling skill. The hull design does work in Class II drops and provides a fairly dry ride in same.

All of this sounds quite negative, but my opinion of the boat as a solo river and creek boat is that it is one of the best being produced in Royalex (as a solo canoe.)

Hope this helps.

Regards,

al

[martinm]

Thanks Al, for the info. You have described the canoe I hoped the Pocket Canyon would be. I have a Bell Alaskan for tripping and heavy loads, but wanted a lighter, more playful canoe for knocking around on Class 1+ and Class II streams we have here in Arkansas. And I appreciate the info on the not so shallow draft. I'll be sure there is plenty of water before I take her out.

Seems the nearest outlet is Nantahala Outdoor Center, so will order from them.

Cheers,
Martin

[Al Donaldson]

Martin:

Depending on the price you might get at Nantahala, you might also look at the Millbrook Souhegan. This 15'4" X 32" canoe was designed by Ed Hayden as a poling competition boat and is made by John Kazimierczyk in New Hampshire. After looking at the specs and talking with Ed, I ordered one.

Kaz' boats are not finished like "production" boats (you'll have to tell him if you want pigment in the inside layers of fabric, etc...), but are a fine mix of Kevlar and glass with wood gunwales. Seats and outfitting are optional, but the Souhegan that I have actually cost me less than the Pocket, is lighter and much more rigid.

See:
http://millbrookboats.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
and navigate to the "Tandem Canoes" page.

(...and, although it matters little to me personally, the Souhegan is a bit faster boat.)

Just a thought...

Regards,

al

[TBC]

Before you buy that solo take a look at this Royalex canoe. I will sell it to you for $ 850.00 we are a local builder in North West Arkansas. Brand new canoe, very high quality at a really great price.
ps.. I have the pictured canoe on my canoe rack in my garage its needs a home.

http://picasaweb.google.com/TwoBrothers ... 8787889474" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks,
Louis

[Al Donaldson]

Louis:

Fascinating canoe. Is this a modification of your tandem Arkota? The solo pic lists 31.5" width and 3" of rocker (no weight specified), while the tandem specs say 74 pounds, 34" width and 4" of rocker. Did you guys just squeeze the gunwales in from the tandem version?

This appears to be my kind of boat, if it is not quite as heavy as the Dagger Dimensions that I love to paddle and hate to carry!

Regards,

al

[TBC]

Correct- it is a modification of the 16' Arkota. When the hull sits natural without any yokes etc.. the beam narrows to 30". This decreases the rocker of the canoe. We set the beam at 31.5". Then we set up the seat, yokes, thwarts like the solo Wenonah Rendezvous, 15'8. We have yet to wieght it but I would guess 68 lb. It would make a great overnight pack boat for your Kayaking friends while still allowing the maneuverability for a bit of fun. -Louis

[gnick4]

Just got back from a 2 day float with the Arkota and that canoe is great! You can't go wrong with their canoes(TBC).