: I believe there's a reason why so many OI's get built, and that
: it's the same one that occasioned me to build a second one
: (after I wore out the first one), and make exactly zero
: modifications to it. Well, I modified the cockpit with a radical
: recess to lower the rim for improved laybacks, but since I'm a
: compact 5'-5" x 160 lbs I can get away with reducing an
: OI's cockpit volume. The hull is 100% as Uncle Jay designed it.
: It's a superb boat that does everything well; it's as effective
: on flat water as in the big stuff. Fast as greased lightning,
: I'm perfectly comfortable trusting my dearly beloved butt to it
: in any and all conditions.

: A few years back, at the single iteration of the Gulf Coast Sea
: Kayak Symposium (omg, such a heartbreaking tale), there was a
: class for BCU Four Star headed out into San Luis Pass, and I
: could clearly tell that half the participants were stiff with
: fright and feeling badly outclassed by the conditions. Well,
: them's my home waters and general playground, so I thought I'd
: see if I could help 'em out a little. I put my paddle in the
: park, popped off the sprayskirt, and sat my boat smoking a
: cigarette and sipping a bottle of water while bobbing among the
: haystacks as they passed by. It wasn't easy, but I did it ....
: and heard about it afterward too. Just as I'd hoped, a guy
: walked up to me and said he was scared half to death but then
: saw me sitting there, and instantly felt more confident. Mission
: accomplished! (I haven't smoked a cig since March '07, btw, yay
: me!) I might've been able to pull that off in another boat ....
: maybe .... but in the OI I just freakin' did it.

: Another quick tale: I struggled to learn to love the Greenland
: paddle at first. Worked on it for a year, and would've given up
: if it weren't for watching other guys and gals use 'em so
: effectively. I was just getting the hang of it when my first OI
: came online. When I took the GP to the OI, it came alive for
: real! I genuinely detest Euro paddles now, as totally
: inefficient things.

LOL, I've got a whole pile of plastic paddles that almost never get used. I'll use the wing on occasion for exercise on the Cobra Expedition and I have a cheapo plastic paddle for the canoe, but otherwise I always use the GP that cost me I think about $6 :)

Btw, is the OI as straight tracking as I've heard?

How much room is there under the foredeck? It's been awile since I've seen even the production version around.

Bill H.