Re: [Paddlewise] Wilderness Systems boat review

At 02:35 PM 6/16/00 +0700, Dave Williams wrote:
>Howdy,
>
>Have any of yooz guys ever paddled either the Piccolo or the Alto by
>Wilderness Systems?  I'm really wondering about their tracking.  We're
>thinking about buying a few, but I'd like know more about them before making
>that decision.

I haven't paddled the Piccolo but I can comment on the Alto.  A friend of
mine had an Alto as part of his rental fleet (he sold it last year).   At
just over 16' and 22" wide it had the dimensions of what I consider a
"real" sea kayak when compared to many of the "entry level" boats out there
that are shorter and wider.  The shallow v soft chined hull has enough
initial stability to make even a first timer feel comfortable.  The
secondary stability is adequate, but what makes it a joy to paddle is the
nice, predictable, transition from initial to secondary stability.  It's a
very easy boat to edge/lean and learn low/high brace turns.  The stern
tends to come around quicker than less manoeverable boats but it's very
controllable.

The seat and cockpit are very comfortable.  I've had the Alto on our local
lake when the wind was up and there were lots of whitecaps.  The boat
handles the rougher water quite well due to it's manoeverability and wide
range of stability;  that is, it still feels stable between the initial and
secondary transition points.

When pushing the limits of secondary stability there are definately better
boats but I found it a very easy boat to roll.  In fact, the first time I
ever rolled it was in the Alto.  It has a low rear deck so layback rolls
are doable.

The recessed fittings and molded grab loop fittings are nice and clean,
otherwise the deck outfitting is fairly sparse.  The rear hatch is a good
size and the day hatch is a nice addition.  I would find some way to attach
the day hatch cover to the boat though.  I almost lost it once.  The
biggest drawback to the Alto is the lack of a front bulkhead and hatch.
Put a float bag in it, and it makes a really nice dayboat.  The boat I've
paddled didn't have a rudder and I'm not sure it's worth the extra expense.
 It's quite manoeverable so even a beginner isn't going to need one for
most conditions to turn it and it tracks fairly well in the wind.  It's a
good boat to learn how to paddle without a rudder.

The best part is the price.  At around $850 retail it's in a price range
that isn't exhorbiant for a first time kayak buyer.  I've seen used ones
for as low as $450-$500.
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