Geezer said:
Good choice in boats TC. I was thinking of doing the same thing because that is my style too. I was impressed with the Pyranha I:223 though and will give that one a demo ride or two come spring to see if that one will work for me.
But can you beat the $599 price on the X? That was a big factor in my choice. I could have been happy with several boats that kinda fit that nitch but $599 for a new boat is a very solid purchase.
It's funny in that we consider a 8' boat as having hull speed when compared to all the new shorter boats made for loops. The only problem is that these new boats can't stay on a wave and carve. But 8' still isn't like paddling the fast displacement hull boats from the past.
Another boat for speed would be the Dagger GT series that is basically an RPM with a planning hull....but still around 8'. So, I went for the better price deal from CKS on the X.
All the other newer river runners seem to big with too little playing characteristics. Such as the Diesel which is more like my Java creeker, IMHO.
Ask me how I like my choice next year if the Numbers and Gorge get above 3500 cfs........ eeeeks!!!!
tomcat