ZG as a C1?

[arc]

Any thoughts on using the big ZG as a C1 for a tall 195 pounder? 25 inches wide doesn't sound real stable, but it looks like it may be OK. The ends look friendly enough, should be faster than my airhead. How's the ZG carve? Will it get down a river OK or will I be working to keep the ends on the surface?

I'm also considering a Bigwheel or S6-200. Was really hoping for the large Fluid Flirt, but I think things will be pretty dry around here by the time it gets here.

[bmcknight]

Arc-

I have been paddling a ZG 54 C-1 for about a month and I love it. In comparison to a the T-2 the ZG is a bit narrower but after getting used to it, it is not an issue. The speed that you get in return is well worth it. The ZG carves like a champ, I enjoy just front surfing it and cutting back and forth. Down river it is fast and responds well.

I weigh about 185 I feel I am a good fit for the boat. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Bill McKnight

[arc]

Thanks for the reply Bill. Speed and carving, the two things missing in the Airhead, sounds good to me.

Would you recommend trimming the boat level or bow heavy?

And why were you paddling a T2? Most C1'ers around here like their boats on the big side. At your weight the T2 should be slower,flushier and less stable and loose than a T3. Your paddling credentials speak for themselves, you obviously know what you're doing, I'm just curious why you chose the small boat.

[bmcknight]

Before I was in the T-2, I paddled a skip which is significantly smaller than the T-2. I was used to smaller boats and I actually felt the T-2 fit me well. In my style of paddling I like to do a lot clean manuevers and the T-2 allowed that more than a T-3. I did not feel it was too big for it. THe T-3 was a lot wider and I had no need for the extra volume. I actually considered paddling a T-1 for a while but just never got around to converting one.

Bill

[arc]

Hey Bill, I went looking for a ZG and the only Wavesport shop within 150 miles didn't have any demo boats:confused: . So I bought the only 54 they had, apparently they ordered more but Confluence can't make enough. I figure any place it won't work well, the Airhead will. The boats are polar opposites and should complement each other well.

The boat's already outfitted and I just got back from my first flatwater test session in it and I have to say I'm impressed. You say you like clean moves and I can see why you like this boat. It flatwaters more like a delerious than a spud and is just as fast. I hope it works this well on the local wave-hole, and I can't wait to get it to the beach when the waves are up.

My trim may be a little off, it looks a little stern heavy, but fixing that is going to take some plastic surgery. I should be 1/2 ahead of level(used a level off a flat section of hull) but the tail is lower than the bow. Either I measured wrong during my trim float test or the boat is asymetrical. The bow is about 4" above water and the stern 3". Fast forward paddling lowers the bow approx 2 inches above water with a trace of water sitting on the stern. Front of seat is 6.25" from the very back of the cockpit rim. Does this sound about right or am I too stern heavy? Is this boat very trim sensitive?