Big Dog Force-Turret
Over the last four days paddling in scotland, I’ve had the use of one of the few big dog OC1′s yet moulded, something for which I need to thank Andy, Jason and Pete lots.
Ultimately, I’m highly impressed.
Fishladder Falls on the North Esk - Paddler: Joshua Kelly, Photographer: Jonathan Dempsey
The boat feels just like a C1 to paddle (with the exception of the occasional splash of cold water), and despite the increased width, hasn’t lost any responsiveness compared to it’s smaller decked brother. I noticed right away that with relatively low gunnels it was actually quite wet running, conventionally that would be bad thing and I’d spend the rest of this post whining about it. However I found that the boat ran as well if not better wet, the hull felt a mite twitchy and directionally unstable when empty, but with water anywhere up to the saddle it became rock steady and the tracking improved, without becoming sluggish or harder to boof, past saddle height and the water started to make the boat slow down, as is more conventional of a swamped OC1.
I have had a couple of niggles with it, Firstly on fitting straps I discovered that the saddle was wider than the space on either side, meaning that getting a length of pipe through was impossible, I used two pieces “meeting” in the middle instead but the result was a bit messy. Secondly it would benefit from having a fitted airbag (or a suitable bag cage) at the back as fully inflating the regular airbags provided, meant that anyone who used the footpegs on their furthest back settings had their feet almost pinned into the boat. Considering that I was paddling the second of three boats yet made, I think I can forgive such minor issues.
River Blackwater - Paddler: Joshua Kelly, Photographer: Jonathan Dempsey
Despite taking a C1 with me, I actually found the force turret to be so good as to make my trusty Gus almost surplus to requirements. The only time I needed to be decked was tackling big water on the Lower Gorge of the Findhorn (whereupon I discovered that it was 9km upstream, meaning my intended halfway boat swap was out of the question.)
Sorry about the lack of pictures, I should have some pictures and a brief video of the boat on the Meig in the next couple of days.
Demonstrating the Unique Portgageablity of the Force-Turret - Porter: Joshua Kelly, Photographer: Jonathan Dempsey
I paddled the Tellico in a big dog OC1. Handeled very well, was staable, very wet but handeled water in it very well. If they would just work on the front of the cockpit I think it is a good boat.
LOUIE
April 6, 2010 at 1:06 am
What would you see done different to the the cockpit? Were you finding that water splashed in the top from punching little waves and the like?
thekrikkitwars
April 6, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Sounds good kettle. Go down any siphons on the smeig? How many swims per river where you averaging?
Glad to see you prefer the Big Dog to the Gus. How have you found the Gus as a C1, what runs have you got it down?
How is the Force for quick escapes in case Broadley tries to crush you again?
When you back in Bangor?
Mousey
April 6, 2010 at 11:27 am
I had 1 swim, and successfully avoided my pet siphon, which was a nice feeling.
The Gus is really good as a C1, but I’ve only used it on the Upper Tees and Lower Clough.
I’ll be back in bangor some time saturday afternoon.
thekrikkitwars
April 6, 2010 at 12:35 pm