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. Thanks a million in advance! All the best, Dave dave_at_paddleasia.com Phuket Town, Phuket 83000 Thailand *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I have a piccolo which was my first kayak, purchased for my 12 year old. It doesn't track period. It's a problem because the boat is really sized for kids who typically lack the skills to keep the boat going straight. There is a rudder option but it must be factory installed. cya -----Original Message----- From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net]On Behalf Of Dave Williams Sent: Friday, June 16, 2000 3:35 AM To: PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subject: [Paddlewise] Wilderness Systems boat review 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. Thanks a million in advance! All the best, Dave dave_at_paddleasia.com Phuket Town, Phuket 83000 Thailand *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
The first boat I bought, now about 4 years ago, was a Piccolo. I wandered into the Cadillac Mountain Sports in Bar Harbor, and let them sell me one. I think they were jerks for selling me that boat. At the time, I was about a 175 lb, 5'7" male, in my late 30s. The boat is really designed for small adults or children. I kept the boat about 2 weeks, then traded it (at a different shop) in on a Sealution, which was much more appropriate for my size. (I wouldn't want to paddle either at this point, having paddled my Caribou for a while now. . . ) My partner has an Alto. I kind of like the boat (especially for the price), but she claims it weathercocks badly. She is planning to install a rudder, which apparently is available in a retro-fit kit. The main thing that gives me pause, as John Fereira said, is the lack of bulkhead up front. I am a little reluctant to go into any serious waters with her with that boat. But generally it's not bad. Mark *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Dave, My 10 year old has a Piccolo. The Piccolo tracks very well and handles wind and waves admirably. My son has never had any trouble handling this and I would recommend it for kids to paddle. The design is a winner IMHO. Paul -----Original Message----- From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net]On Behalf Of Dave Williams Sent: Friday, June 16, 2000 12:35 AM To: PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subject: [Paddlewise] Wilderness Systems boat review 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. Thanks a million in advance! All the best, Dave dave_at_paddleasia.com Phuket Town, Phuket 83000 Thailand *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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