I live in central TX and would like a 1man boat for river paddling (occasional flatwater or lake paddling). I need something maneuverable, but able to take light rapids (sand bars) and the occasional log-bump. Ideally, it would also have room for camping/fishing equipment.
Which boat would suit my needs better? The Pirogue-TV or the SwampGirl?
Also, I've never built a boat before...so the simpler, the better...but I'm not intimidated by a little work. More satisfaction when you're done
Thanks!
Chris
Touring Pirogue or SwampGirl?
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Re: Touring Pirogue or SwampGirl?
G'day Chris,
I have built and paddled all three.
Simplest build is definately the touring pirogue and bang for buck, is in my humble opinion the best option for a first build. It is also a better option than the Tv if you are doing a lot of shallow water work. It draws less water than the TV.
SwampGirl is a superb boat but is a more complex build.
As far as paddlecraft is concerned, TV is probably superior but again, is a more complex build.
All three boats are suitable for a careful first time builder but I would recommend the Touring Pirogue. It is a great all round boat and I am still giving myself uppercuts for selling mine.
I have built and paddled all three.
Simplest build is definately the touring pirogue and bang for buck, is in my humble opinion the best option for a first build. It is also a better option than the Tv if you are doing a lot of shallow water work. It draws less water than the TV.
SwampGirl is a superb boat but is a more complex build.
As far as paddlecraft is concerned, TV is probably superior but again, is a more complex build.
All three boats are suitable for a careful first time builder but I would recommend the Touring Pirogue. It is a great all round boat and I am still giving myself uppercuts for selling mine.
Regards,
Mick
JEMWATERCRAFT Swampgirl; Wadefish;Touring Pirogue;South Wind; P5 ;
Laker X 2, Sasquatch 16.5 T-V 15 Okwata 15:
Cobia 15 (under construction)
Mick
JEMWATERCRAFT Swampgirl; Wadefish;Touring Pirogue;South Wind; P5 ;
Laker X 2, Sasquatch 16.5 T-V 15 Okwata 15:
Cobia 15 (under construction)
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Re: Touring Pirogue or SwampGirl?
TP-TV will move through the waters you describe better than the Swamp Girl.
Keep in mind: it will do ok going through it. It won't do well playing in it.
Keep in mind: it will do ok going through it. It won't do well playing in it.
-Matt. Designer.
Re: Touring Pirogue or SwampGirl?
Thanks guys!
If/when I start building, I'll post pics.
Chris
If/when I start building, I'll post pics.
Chris
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Re: Touring Pirogue or SwampGirl?
I built the Touring Pirogue and love it. Its been crabbing in bays on the west coast and I recently pulled it across country for pike fishing in the midwest. Its very maneuverable, yet easily travels in a straight line when I want it to. The best part is that upon completion, it weighs less than 40 pounds. It was 35 pounds when I first weighed it, but since then, I have added an adjustable seat rest and I have varnished it.
I usually do not paddle it as much as my other boats since I let others use it when paddling with me due to its ease of getting in and out and ease of paddling. In fact, I took it out for a quick trip with my 5 year old boy last Sunday night for the first time in quite awhile. I had forgotten what a joy it is to paddle. I think it will be my river boat when fishing since it is much more maneuverable than my Sabalo. We had such a good time that it is still strapped to the roof of the truck and will probably be put back in the water this weekend.
I can't speak for the Swamp Girl since I have never paddled one, but I don't think you would be disappointed with the Touring Pirogue. Another bonus, the Touring Pirogue is an easy boat to strip build if a person would want to do that.
I usually do not paddle it as much as my other boats since I let others use it when paddling with me due to its ease of getting in and out and ease of paddling. In fact, I took it out for a quick trip with my 5 year old boy last Sunday night for the first time in quite awhile. I had forgotten what a joy it is to paddle. I think it will be my river boat when fishing since it is much more maneuverable than my Sabalo. We had such a good time that it is still strapped to the roof of the truck and will probably be put back in the water this weekend.
I can't speak for the Swamp Girl since I have never paddled one, but I don't think you would be disappointed with the Touring Pirogue. Another bonus, the Touring Pirogue is an easy boat to strip build if a person would want to do that.
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Re: Touring Pirogue or SwampGirl?
Chris
Where in Central Texas are you . I am located there also.
I have a perow I built before matt drew the Touring perow t that is very simulair. and I also have the T-V.
Both are good boats but the T-V is my choice paddling lakes and the Brazos.
The T-V is the best all around boat I have.
If we are close together come paddle both of them sometimes.
Ron
I cant comment on the Swamp Girl
Where in Central Texas are you . I am located there also.
I have a perow I built before matt drew the Touring perow t that is very simulair. and I also have the T-V.
Both are good boats but the T-V is my choice paddling lakes and the Brazos.
The T-V is the best all around boat I have.
If we are close together come paddle both of them sometimes.
Ron
I cant comment on the Swamp Girl
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Re: Touring Pirogue or SwampGirl?
The Swamp Girl is something that Matt and I came up with for me to use down here in the backwaters , rivers and skinny water. It is a little more complicated ( then the others ) to build but not enough to make a person cuss.
Think of it as a cross between a pirogue , Jon Boat and a canoe. Easy to paddle , takes very little water to float it and has the extra width for more stability.
It's a darn good fishing boat and one to run shallow rivers with when loaded down with camping gear. In fact a buddy of mine keep bugging me till I handed it over to him for his use because he wanted a boat he ( one person ) could slide in the back of his truck and then to use it in the backwaters around here for fishing.
As far as rapids I would not suggest using it in them since it is a lower sided boat and not designed for rough water.
Chuck.
Think of it as a cross between a pirogue , Jon Boat and a canoe. Easy to paddle , takes very little water to float it and has the extra width for more stability.
It's a darn good fishing boat and one to run shallow rivers with when loaded down with camping gear. In fact a buddy of mine keep bugging me till I handed it over to him for his use because he wanted a boat he ( one person ) could slide in the back of his truck and then to use it in the backwaters around here for fishing.
As far as rapids I would not suggest using it in them since it is a lower sided boat and not designed for rough water.
Chuck.
Remember:
Amateurs built the Ark...... Professionals built the Titanic
Visit some fine paddlers at The Southern Paddler
Amateurs built the Ark...... Professionals built the Titanic
Visit some fine paddlers at The Southern Paddler