Amongst the delivery of Royalex, I got my boat - a Prospector 15
Red in royalex light. On Monday I took it out on its maiden voyage on Loch Ken. Fortunately I managed to dodge the showers, but still encountered lots of wind, as normal coming straight down the loch, giving me good feedback on how the boat reacts to trim. Paddling into the wind, with the 80 Litre Watershed Dry pack right at the front, I found the boat well balanced, without the need to add more weight, or evensir forward of the yoke. Downwind, relaxing on the seat, with the dry pack moved back under the yoke was equally stable.
With the loch higher than normal summer levels, I also took the boat onto the River Black Water of Dee to get used to the moving water characteristics, with a few eddies to hop back and forward the boat is very forgiving and manoeverable, and will make ideal tool for use in summer and winter, there will also be room for tandem paddling, thanks to a high freeboard.Just the kneeling thwart and sailing kit to fit, and I will be ready forjust about anything
Loch Ken is a great quiet loch, about 90 minutes drive from the shop, its an ideal location if the lakes are too busy, there are lots of things to do, with campsites on the Loch, a descent of the River Dee, and Loch Ken is a nice overnight trip, or day trips from the old railway bridge gives options south or north depending on wind direction. there is also some scenic walking in the woods to the west, and 3 of the 7 staines mountain biking routes within 30 minutes drive. Please note the Blackwater of Dee is normally too low and rocky to get to the point of usefull moving water to play on. and, after I took a quick walk up looked to be a good greade 3 with no eddies at least 500m further up.
Look out for me, or Craig the Shop Manager from Lancaster who has a new burgundy 15 in royalex on the local rivers,and lakes.
Pete
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