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16’ Penobscot Soloized and Squeezed

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Location
Goshen CT
I picked up this late 90’s RX 16’ Penobscot a couple years ago on eBay with the intention of turning it into a solo river tripper. I am planning a Maine trip this fall so I finally put it together a couple weeks ago. New grab handles, thwarts, seat and trusses, back band pad eye attachment points, minicell knee pads, and painter bungees. I also squeezed it from 36”s to 32”s after some testing and making sure the bottom didn’t hog.
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There was a small puncture I filled with thickened g-flex.
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I did not notice any discernible difference in initial stability when I narrowed the hull. I ran a string down underside of the bottom and it did not change the shape. The shape under the waterline did not seem to change either.

I took it for a run down the Housatonic River in CT today for about 5 miles and was very pleased. The river was on the low side so the class I maybe II rapids were very technical. It was very maneuverable, fast, and stable. I am looking forward to many more day and back country trips.
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Bob
 

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I have to say, it paddled nicer than the Rx Morningstar for the few min I was in it. It did have less initial stability when I jumped in to pole it, but it may have been that way before the squeeze too. I'm tempted to do this to my Heron now.

I can also say, having seen the woodwork in person, that you did a very fine job with all of it!
 
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