Open boat suggestions

[jdryden78]

Looking to pick up a whitewater canoe and wanted some thoughts on good beginner boats. Right now leaning towards an outrage x, but interested in any thoughts or recommendations.

[prophet]

that would be a good choice.

[kru1]

What kind of boating do you think you will do the most? There are many different designs that excel in different aspects.

kru

[Roger]

Test drive if you can even it's on flat water. Several good designs for starter boats are out there. Probe 12 II is one if you can't get the Outrage X.

[jdryden78]

Most time will be spent on Mulberry and Buffalo, hope to hit the Frog and Piney when I get a chance. Not looking to jump into anything serious any time soon. Just want the ability to progress into better water as my skills improve.

[kru1]

Most time will be spent on Mulberry and Buffalo, hope to hit the Frog and Piney when I get a chance. Not looking to jump into anything serious any time soon. Just want the ability to progress into better water as my skills improve.

By better water, I assume you mean bigger or steeper because all of those streams are awesome.

My opinion would be to start out in a bigger whitewater boat in the 12-14' range. They are a lot more stable and forgiving similar to a cross over or creeker kayak. You will give up a little speed and maneuverability but gain stability and confidence. You will still be able to catch eddys and surf waves plus you can carry some extra gear, like a cooler and a few dry bags. A few options that I can think of off the top of my head are: Dagger Caption, Caper, Genesis, or Prophet; Mohawk Probe, XL, or Viper (I think these all come in different sizes 11, 12, or 13'); Esquif Blast, Raven, Vertige. I think the Mad River Outrage is little more aggressive, but I have only paddled an Outrage a few times. I'm sure there are many more, but these listed above are the ones you will most likely find in the used market in our neck of the woods. All of these boats hold their value in the used market, so my best advice would be to buy the one that you find used. If you find you don't like it, you can turn around and sell it. Expect to pay anywhere from about $450-$1000 depending on condition and outfitting.

Best of luck, and hope to paddle with you in your new (used) canoe.

kru

[jdryden78]

Thanks for the suggestions. I should have said bigger water. Definitely hard to beat the rivers I listed. Shame I didn't pick up one of the nice open boats I saw for sale a few months ago. The main reason I've been looking at the outrage x is because I can pick up one new for a decent price at work.

[kru1]

As with anything new, you will take the depreciation hit as soon as you use it. I have never paddled the 13' Outrage, so can't really comment on it.

Good quality outfitting brand new will cost around $500.00. Of course you can always find used and/or piece it together for cheaper. If you have a new hull with new outfitting I would think a good price would be around 1700-2000k. You can sell a almost new outfitted boat for 1200. Good thing with the Outrage is that there is a large following, so can easily sell it if you don't like it. Still think it is better to buy used until you know what you want, but I don't have extra money laying around.

kru

[magicmike]

Save your pennies. Buy the Blackfly boat of your choice, and never look back.-M-

[kru1]

Save your pennies. Buy the Blackfly boat of your choice, and never look back.-M-

Waiting for you to chine in with the Octane, that's why I didn't mention it. Didn't want to steal your thunder.

kru

[jdryden78]

Haven't really considered the blackflys simply because I doubt I would ever find a used one locally. Definitely nice looking boats from what I've read.

[bart]

I have a Mohawk Probe 12 that I've paddled for around 10 years and have been satisfied with it. Before I bought it, I asked around kinda like you are. Bob Stout had a Probe, I liked it and figured I might as well buy something and just get used to it. That's what I did and have been happy with it.