Canoe with a View : : Canadian Open Canoe forum

I believe all designed by the same person (?).

Can anybody explain real world differences please?

Don't really know enough about them to comment on the differences.

Seems odd that they may all be designed by the same person. Hmmm!

Plenty of folk on here with Apache's, maybe they'll be along shortly to offer some comment. And Windy Miller was (is again soon) a Mega owner.

As a happy Apache owner i can vouch for the cost/build quality and great boat that is produced by Stu,

that said i had a go in Windy's old Mega down in Norfolk and i couldn't get over how quick it was and alot more stable than it looked, build quality seemed fine and would definately be on the shopping list if funds allowed. Windy was so impressed he ordered a new one, though doubt if anyone will spot it.

Andy.

From what I've read, the Apache is the oldest design. The Outlander a generation on and the Birch Creek the last of the line, which would reflect in their prices.

I've already ordered an Outlander 16, but am interested if the three designs have distinctive character differences. For example you found the Outlander to be faster and more stable than it looked, but was that compared to the Apache or because it didn't look as fast or stable as the Apache?

My Apache is about 1 1/2 inches wider than the norm, because when i was constructing her i read about Apaches being tippy and having no previous experience in canoes that was the last thing that i needed, hence making the yoke slightly wider. The Apaches just as fast if not faster that the normal plastic canoe's on offer, but Windy's Mega was loads narrower, but as said when i tried it i was supprised it was as stable as my apache. Can't see them being from the same designer but there both great boats for there small amount of cost.

Andy.

(31-10-09 04:18 PM)out n about Wrote: [ -> ]My Apache is about 1 1/2 inches wider than the norm, because when i was constructing her i read about Apaches being tippy and having no previous experience in canoes that was the last thing that i needed, hence making the yoke slightly wider. The Apaches just as fast if not faster that the normal plastic canoe's on offer, but Windy's Mega was loads narrower, but as said when i tried it i was supprised it was as stable as my Apache. Can't see them being from the same designer but there both great boats for there small amount of cost.

Andy.

Hi Andy, have read all posts with some interest, and have come to this conclusion, your feel for both canoes as regards stability, you say you made your Apache app 1.5" wider to give you confidence as you had heard they were renowned for being tippy, but when you got into Windy's Mega being a lot narrower than yours, and that you were surprised at the good Stability. Now I say this with the greatest respect.
Did it not occur to you that when you first got into your Apache you were very much a novice, now after a couple of years experience you are more at ease in any canoe and would probable find most canoes pretty stable but MOSTLY due to your confidence and experience.
Best Regards Respectfully Bill

(31-10-09 04:18 PM)out n about Wrote: [ -> ]Can't see them being from the same designer

Alan Bridges ??

They say Wisdom comes with age

Yep Bill i think you have hit the nail on the head.

I think that the main difference is the entry line, the Birch Creek and the Mega have a sharp entry line and bow where as the Apache has a wide flater bow where the seam is.

Andy with widening the centre of the boat that should also have increased the rocker slightly as well

(31-10-09 07:00 PM)Graeme @ YC Wrote: [ -> ]I think that the main difference is the entry line, the Birch Creek and the Mega have a sharp entry line and bow where as the Apache has a wide flater bow where the seam is.

Sorry to be thick but.....huh?

If you look at a Mega or Valkyrie or most composite boats the bow/stern of the boat has a nice clean finish to it almost to a point where as the Apache has an 1" wide flat surface at the front which will create resistance to the water and not give a clean entry line.

Hope this helps?

(31-10-09 08:11 PM)Graeme @ YC Wrote: [ -> ]If you look at a Mega or Valkyrie or most composite boats the bow/stern of the boat has a nice clean finish to it almost to a point where as the Apache has an 1" wide flat surface at the front which will create resistance to the water and not give a clean entry line.

Hope this helps?

Graeme the 16' Apache has the wide bow where as the 15' has a sharp bow



Andy.

I understand why a boat would have a sharp bow, but whats the advantage of making it wider?

All the Apache's I have seen have the same flat front.



Picture from the Apache website.

This is not a clean entry line compared with some composite boats

(31-10-09 09:18 PM)Magic Bus Wrote: [ -> ]I understand why a boat would have a sharp bow, but whats the advantage of making it wider?

Easier to make is the only real reason I can come up with as you can work the material of the lay up into the mold easier.

Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with an Apache, it does what it says on the tin and represents a very good value boat, but would not be my choice for reasons I will not go into