So in response to this reply... Yes it is hard to determine a boat just by looking at it, but in this case in my opinion people are correct by giving props to the Villan. I have never been a fan of Jackson's boats, aside from the all star. But I demoed a villan prototype last weekend on the Tellico, and I was phenomenal! I'm use to my LL Jefe which in my opinion is one of the best creek boats out there, but the Villan has some details to it... They have a rail system on the bottom that extends to about your feet that helps the boat track better than the Nomad, and the Jefe. It lands boof's with speed. Handles well while stuck in a hole. and is easier to get out of a hole than the nomad or Jefe. I speak of these other two boats because those are the only other creek boats I've been in. Like I said not a fan of Jackson until I paddled the Villan. Props to the jackson team for a great new boat. And I say this from experience.
Take closed cell foam blocks and log cabin it in the front of your boat to where your feet are. Take out the bulkhead completely. It takes time and is tedious, but once you do it, you'll love it.
Thanks for sharing your glimpse at the Villain. I'm hopeful for a light, super-comfortable, semi-planing creeker with raised chines. My first question for you is how does it turn? Does it track hard like a Nomad/Mystic/Habitat making corrections sluggish? Or, does it have the rocker to correct easily by spinning the boat like a Magnum/Solo/Rocker? Also, with a light boof, did it like to stay on top or dive? I know my answers will come when I demo the Villain/Pure/New Burn but any opinions are fun to hear. Finally, if you're locked in winter, come to the NW for some Gorge action. The temps have been in the 50's riverside!
The Villan boofed well with minimal speed. It stayed on top of things as much as you can with little speed. It does have enough rocker to turn nicely. Think of a nomad that tracks a bit better. Still has the turn like the Jefe/Nomad, but will hold a line better. I would almost compare it to the Karnali. But a little more displacement than planing hull. Try it out for yourself to really gague it. My over all opinion is it will be a contender for my next creeker.
