Picked up a Black Jack New Trick 12 footer last week and for me, it's a game changer.
First of all let me state I don't know canoes like a lot of people here know canoes. I've had a classic shaped Hornbeck Black Jack since they came out and have loved the mobility it allows me. Paddling on ponds, miles back in the woods gave me new perspective into the wilds that I have been traveling around on land all my life. As my experience with that canoe grew, there were times, mostly on bigger water that I wanted something that moved over the water with less effort and might carry a little more gear for the long sojourns that I live for. As such I think I have found it with this new boat.
We went camping on Forked Lake over the 4th so I got to take it out on a little bigger water to see how it performed and I can't say enough good about it. It moves effortlessly through the water and turning it is so much fun. My friends camping with me who have had classic Hornbeck 10" for much longer than I have, were also taken with it as well. My GF even was nice enough to put the first scratch on the bottom so I won't feel bad as I add more.
For the weight weenies, I stuck in on a cheap scale and it weighed 14 lbs. with foot pegs. Since I also sprung for a new Werner Kalliste paddle that is at least a pound less than my old wooden Grey Owl Paddle, the total weight over my last setup is only a pound more for much more boat. I haven't carried it on any long hikes yet, but it rides well on my pack with just a line from my pack to the stern.
Imagine, in love again at my age...
First of all let me state I don't know canoes like a lot of people here know canoes. I've had a classic shaped Hornbeck Black Jack since they came out and have loved the mobility it allows me. Paddling on ponds, miles back in the woods gave me new perspective into the wilds that I have been traveling around on land all my life. As my experience with that canoe grew, there were times, mostly on bigger water that I wanted something that moved over the water with less effort and might carry a little more gear for the long sojourns that I live for. As such I think I have found it with this new boat.
We went camping on Forked Lake over the 4th so I got to take it out on a little bigger water to see how it performed and I can't say enough good about it. It moves effortlessly through the water and turning it is so much fun. My friends camping with me who have had classic Hornbeck 10" for much longer than I have, were also taken with it as well. My GF even was nice enough to put the first scratch on the bottom so I won't feel bad as I add more.
For the weight weenies, I stuck in on a cheap scale and it weighed 14 lbs. with foot pegs. Since I also sprung for a new Werner Kalliste paddle that is at least a pound less than my old wooden Grey Owl Paddle, the total weight over my last setup is only a pound more for much more boat. I haven't carried it on any long hikes yet, but it rides well on my pack with just a line from my pack to the stern.
Imagine, in love again at my age...