David,

I have built an Osprey standard and am finishing a Coho. Erez brought up the comparison earlier so I thought I add my two cents to it. Perhaps my observations can help you.

In building the two boats I noticed that the Coho has a lot more rocker than the Osprey. This would lead me to believe that the Coho might respond to turning strokes better than the Osprey. I won't know for sure till some time in January. However people that have paddled both have commented that the Coho handles much better than the Osprey.

Applying this to the West River is a little more difficult. Based on CLC's literature it appears that the West River has been optimized more for speed. Pictures of the West River indicate it has less rocker than the Coho. It is also about an inch narrower than the Coho. And it has a longer water line. All of these attributes should give the West River a higher top speed than the Coho. However the trade off would be that Coho should maneuver easier than the West River. Actually the Osprey HP might be closer to the West River in design criteria. The HP is also narrower with less rocker and more water line than the Coho.

Of course all of this is based on indirect observation not actual paddling experience. But it is the best I can offer.

Don

: I really like the looks of a multichine yak and have baisclly narrowed it
: down to these two designs. Anybody out there familiar with both? I am
: particularly interested in handling differences,any building problems with
: either boat, overall impressions, stability, speed or anything else anyone
: has to offer. Thanks in advance for your help. Dave in SLC