Looking for versatile river runner. Advice please!

[akobilis]

First of all, I'm a newbie. I've sea and rec kayaked in the past, but now I'm looking to get my own boat. Here's what I'm looking for: Since I live on the potomac in Alexandria, I'd like something that I could drop in and get a workout in the mornings (basically flat, slowly moving water). I'd also like to do some distance paddles to explore some of the tributaries in the area. Now, I ALSO have friends that are into river running, so I'd like to also hit little falls or mellow rivers like the Yak. I do not want to get into serious whitewater or serious playboating, I just want to dabble. Maybe class 1 & 2 rapids max. I'm 6-3 and 195lbs. Some of the boats I'm considering:

- Wavesport Diesel 65/75
- Dagger Mamba 8.0
- Dagger RPM (or RPM Max)
- Dagger Approach (new hybrid-style kayak)

A playboat buddy is leaning me toward the Diesel or Mamba, since they have planing hulls and he wants me to get something that I can use to surf in the future, but since I'm looking to use it to paddle on flat water close to my house much of the time, I was wondering if a displacement hull wouldn't be better for ease of paddling and speed. From what I understand, a boat like the RPM is pretty fast and easy to paddle AND very capable as a river runner. The Approach is low on the list... seems pretty geared toward recreational kayaking.

Thanks in advance for the advice. Just trying to get some alternative opinions.

[mike18]

Don't know much about the Approach, but anyone of the other boats would be good for what you're looking for. None of them are going to be anywhere near as fast in flatwater as your sea kayak so don't be suprised (but you probably already know that)

Personally I love my Diesel. At 6'3" 195 lbs. I would lean towards a 75. If you are on a budget you would probably beable to find a used rpm for cheap. The advantges of an rpm would be it is faster and easier to roll. The disadvantages to a displacement hull like the rpm is it is not as stable (primary or secondary), and it would be harder to control (planing hull kayaks turn much easier). Hope this helps

[akobilis]

Thanks for the advice Mike. I'm going to head to Springriver and rent a Diesel 75 so I can try it out. Out of curiousity, do you ever paddle your boat in flat water? If so, does it handle pretty well?

[mike18]

Yeah, sometimes I'll use it to float around and go fishing in it. It works pretty well in flat water. Like I said before though, don't expect any of them to be fast compared to what your used too.

That is a great idea about demoing one from Springriver. I'm not sure about now but they used to put the price of the rental towards the purchase of the boat if you decide to buy one.

[Skunk_Ape]

You might be a hair heavy, but give the Bliss-Stick Huka a try.

[twiggenberries]

...would be the Prijon Athlete.

[Pickens_71]

I would suggest you try out Jackson Hero or Super Hero. Its a very versitile WW boat but it can still handle flat water fine. i have paddled the Super Hero and i was very pleased with it's performance. Hope this helps,
Phillip