Necky Manitou sport vs. Dagger Approach 10

(Boats are very simular in size)

I just picked up both of these boats recently and have a few observations as well as questions.

First Off, I,d like to mention, I have limited experience when it comes to whitewater.
Prior to purchasing these boats, the only whitewater time logged was in a one-man pontoon boat down the lower Clackamas River in Oregon. Class 1 or 2?

Ok now my observations. In flat water, neither boat was as quick as touring boat (duh) the Necky was the faster of the two and more comfortable. This led me to believe the Dagger with its retractable skeg surely would out perform the sleek Necky in whitewater.

Well, we took both boats out, and down the lower Clackamas River we went.
First off I would like to say, wow that was fun. Sure its not the upper Clack with big water, but heck I’m almost 50 and a Noob.

Coming up to the first small whitewater with an evil grin I put my dagger into super-duper whitewater mode and raised the skeg, next I wish my much younger partner good luck and down I went. Just a few easy paddles later I lost control of my boat and sideways I went into the next set of rocks. With the skeg up it was very easy to turn sideways either by my lack of control or the force of the water. Meanwhile the Necky again passed me by just like it did when we were on flat water. The lack of tracking made it very hard for me to put down any kind of power stokes for fear I would do some more 360’s. And I did so many times that day I decided to name my boat 360!


Ok, now my question. Is the Dagger Approach the better boat for whitewater BECAUSE it is so much more maneuverable (and I just need to learn how to control it) or did the Necky just out class it on its own turf as well as in flat water?


PS the Necky had no problems at all.

The Necky will probably outperform the approach on lower class whitewater where there is little maneuvering required. However, the Dagger will beat the Manitou on more technical whitewater. If you go on class 3+ whitewater, you should find that the Approach will be better than the Manitou. Also, use lots of correctional strokes to keep the Approach going straight or drop down the skeg. look at any WW boat and you will see that they are made to turn easily, since they have no keel.

Thats what I was hoping to hear cjcc.

I am still waiting for me instructional video on basic WW from amazon to get here. Maybe it will show me how to move out of the way of rocks without spinning the boat

alikair wrote:

Thats what I was hoping to hear cjcc.

I am still waiting for me instructional video on basic WW from amazon to get here. Maybe it will show me how to move out of the way of rocks without spinning the boat

Also check out Expert Village on Youtube. www.youtube.com/user/expertvillage?ob=4 . just search advanced kayaking and there should be a few things that may be useful.

thanks for the tip CJ, I never been to expertvillage before. Was very informative.

It's also a bit a matter of preference. If your steering stroke is good enough you don't need a fast turning boat. However, the manitou appears to be a sea kayak. I'm no expert (or anything else) on sea kayaks, but taking it to whitewater might bring a few minor problems along. Most obvious to me is that a keeled boat is less stable when going over rocks. So I think I'dd personally prefer the whitewater kayak when paddling on whitewater, just keep practicing.

After another trip down the river and watching a few basic kayak videos, (and still I know I'm just a rookie) I still think the Necky is the better boat for class 1 and 2 hands down.

The lack of tracking with the skeg up is to extreme for such a long boat, that I spend most of my energy tying to keep it from spinning and flipping me over.

From reading other peoples review of this boat, most people wouldn't take this boat on class 3. that being said, in class 1 and 2 the Necky is more stable in whitewater and is faster in flat water.

I did try putting my slag partially down and I did help a lot. I am afraid I will end up breaking the skeg if I catch a rock just right.

I hope this helps anyone thinking of buying one of these boats,

and thanks again for everyones advice.

After looking at the Approach, you may want to get some hip pads so you have more control of the boat. www.gearfetch.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=502