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Posted by Judge on 14:49:17 10/02/03
In Reply to: PROWLER review for the BigBoys (long) posted by WeeWilly
At 6'6" and 280, "I feel your pain".
I started with a scrambler XT and, after sinking it with all my gear in choppy water, bought a Cabo (99.95% of the time, I paddle solo). I love the Cabo, but it is a monster to move around on dry land. Next boat was an Aegean. Great on land, but has the tracking problem (I never thougth that I was too light). I took some friends out and the guy who used the Aegean couldn't understand why it wouldn't go straight. Then, I picked up a used Cabo (yes, I have too many boats). In fact, when that friend that couldn't go straight switched to my Cabo half way throught the ride, he said the problem went away and wondered why I gave him a crummy boat. And, a couple weeks ago, I took out another friend and we took both Cabos (single paddler) on SD Bay (chop and all) and had a great afternoon. He is only 5'7" or so and probably doesn't weigh much more than the boat, but he handled it well, and, for a first timer paddled very well.
Like Art and Bill says, most boats are made for the masses (so are pants, and cars, and long sleeved shirts), so a big guy (although my size seems very normal to me) needs to look around.
In addition to the old addage "test paddle before you buy", I would suggest that you test paddle in the waters you will be paddling in after you buy. That is, don't figure that just cause it seems good in the calm bay waters, that it's your best choice the swell and chop of the coastal waters - no matter what your size.
But, also, it is great to read your reviews on the various boats. Just like Jim had input into making the Prowler much closer to his ideal boat, maybe one of the boat builders will take your ideas into how to make a great 'big guy' boat.
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