ECC test ride

Raven · 10-26-2009, 02:26 PM

I got a chance to visit with Kevin and Mark last Fri. and run the Caimen and the Vantage. I'm not going into draft or WOT speeds, just my general impressions of both skiffs. To me both these numbers are relative as to the build,props,equipment ect.
The Caimen in it's second generation build is probably the finest 2 man skiff I have ever ran. She's quick,nimble,and very,very dry. It's like running on the edge of a razor,she's really that good. As a true poling skiff,yea it's tippy. But compared to other narrow beam skiffs of this style,the Caimen is the best by far. I was impressed by it's soft landing while jumping the Vantage wakes and the no wet back design of the sponsons. She is very touchy on the tabs and power,like comparing a Vette to a SUV. But experienced operators willl smile from ear to ear. I guess I still loves me some Caimen.
The first impression of the Vantage is just how big this skiff is. The compartments are huge,and the cockpit and front deck seem massive. While running the boat I felt up out of the water as opposed to the on the water feeling of other skiffs. This boat is quick and nimbel as well. You can stuff the rubrail in the water on a sharp turn and never have the feeling of a slide or any walking. Other than jumping my own wake there was no rough water to run,but she was butter smooth and dry. The spray rails are huge, and need to be seen in person to understand why this skiff is so dry. As a big water boat the Vantage is the real deal,and should do very well in the market of over priced skiffs. Mark and Kevin are continuing to do improvements on both skiffs and you might see a shallow version of this boat on a flat near you in the not to distant future. Thanks guys for the rides,Tanner,get to work!

IRLyRiser · 10-26-2009, 06:27 PM

I miss my buddy Dave's Caiman. It was a sheer joy to drive. Thanks for the info..

Scooter · 10-26-2009, 06:36 PM

Guess there are a bunch of test rides going on .

hmaadd29 · 10-27-2009, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scooter

Guess there are a bunch of test rides going on .

photochop

Thanks for the info

JRH · 10-27-2009, 05:11 AM

Nice review.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raven

You can stuff the rubrail in the water on a sharp turn

You're too old to be driving like that. Slow down and get in the right lane.

Raven · 10-27-2009, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRH

Nice review.

You're too old to be driving like that. Slow down and get in the right lane.

What I can't see won't hurt me...lol

phlatsphil · 10-27-2009, 08:45 AM

Good report Denny. Hope to get a ride next weekend.

fishinforreal · 10-27-2009, 04:38 PM

Good report Denny...

I spent the day with Kevin on the Vantage in the North Lagoon, NSB, and ran out of Ponce up towards Port Orange about a mile off the beach today. It was a hell of a windy day to demo the boat and I was greatly impressed.

Rayzor · 10-28-2009, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hmaadd29

photochop

Thanks for the info

No photochop,..saw that with my own eyes, in fact took an iPhone pic myself. It's one of those moments in time thing

10-26-2009, 02:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
Raven Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Ponce Inlet Posts: 168	ECC test ride I got a chance to visit with Kevin and Mark last Fri. and run the Caimen and the Vantage. I'm not going into draft or WOT speeds, just my general impressions of both skiffs. To me both these numbers are relative as to the build,props,equipment ect. The Caimen in it's second generation build is probably the finest 2 man skiff I have ever ran. She's quick,nimble,and very,very dry. It's like running on the edge of a razor,she's really that good. As a true poling skiff,yea it's tippy. But compared to other narrow beam skiffs of this style,the Caimen is the best by far. I was impressed by it's soft landing while jumping the Vantage wakes and the no wet back design of the sponsons. She is very touchy on the tabs and power,like comparing a Vette to a SUV. But experienced operators willl smile from ear to ear. I guess I still loves me some Caimen. The first impression of the Vantage is just how big this skiff is. The compartments are huge,and the cockpit and front deck seem massive. While running the boat I felt up out of the water as opposed to the on the water feeling of other skiffs. This boat is quick and nimbel as well. You can stuff the rubrail in the water on a sharp turn and never have the feeling of a slide or any walking. Other than jumping my own wake there was no rough water to run,but she was butter smooth and dry. The spray rails are huge, and need to be seen in person to understand why this skiff is so dry. As a big water boat the Vantage is the real deal,and should do very well in the market of over priced skiffs. Mark and Kevin are continuing to do improvements on both skiffs and you might see a shallow version of this boat on a flat near you in the not to distant future. Thanks guys for the rides,Tanner,get to work! __________________ Don't pass on the first day what you're willing to kill on the last. Last edited by Raven; 10-26-2009 at 03:32 PM.

10-27-2009, 08:45 AM	#7 (permalink)
phlatsphil Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Edgewater, FL Posts: 368	Good report Denny. Hope to get a ride next weekend. __________________ “If you can’t convince them, confuse them.” [Harry S. Truman]

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10-26-2009, 06:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
IRLyRiser Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Melbourne, FL Posts: 1,108	I miss my buddy Dave's Caiman. It was a sheer joy to drive. Thanks for the info..

10-26-2009, 06:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
Scooter Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Palm Coast , Fla. Posts: 415	Guess there are a bunch of test rides going on .

10-27-2009, 04:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
fishinforreal Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: EC Florida Posts: 56	Good report Denny... I spent the day with Kevin on the Vantage in the North Lagoon, NSB, and ran out of Ponce up towards Port Orange about a mile off the beach today. It was a hell of a windy day to demo the boat and I was greatly impressed.