Big Dog Force OC1

[canoemad]

Has anybody bought/had a go in this boat yet. Looking at some pictures I definitely need one in my life.

Can anybody tell me about this as there is no info on the Big Dog website and they haven't answered any emails.

Paul

[Three Coats]

Paul, I've had mine just over 18 months now...it's a great boat! Mines outfitted with bulkhead, hip blocks etc It comes with a wide carbon/kevlar stringer so you've got plenty to glue outfitting too.

Kelvin outfitted mine there's some pics on 'Team Mean's' page on Facebook, I don't have the foggiest idea how to post pics on here! :-)))

Also worth looking at the Dropzone too, I liked the one I tried...

TC

[TheKrikkitWars]

Sally, I think he's talking about the turreted OC1 force's that Bob and Eli have been paddling...

I had one of the pre-production ones, and it was pretty impressive, the production version is somewhat better still. However it's still very slow coming to market (I think due to the new outfitting they're developing for it). Best to either contact Big Dog directly, or contact Bob McKee who's got (what I think is) the first production boat...

Bob's FaceBook

[Bob Mckee]

Hi

I've just been down to Big Dog today talking some stuff over. It's pretty much ready to go. I've been paddling a pre-production version for a few months now and it's really really sweet. A much better boat than the proto-type. The changes made to it have made it more forgiving, more predictable, and drier. It still retains the nice aspects of the proto-type that made it so much fun. All in all it's a better balanced boat.

So when will it be ready.........

First production shells are rolling off this week, production internals should be popping out this week or next. The only thing we are waiting on now are the specially made airbags which the boat is going to come with, however I'm sure a boat could be supplied without airbags in the meantime if you wanted. Speak to your local dealer and they can get an order put in. Wouldn't have to wait too long from then I don't think.

If you want any more info please feel free to get in touch.

In the meantime to whet your appetite here's a link to a very quick video of the proto-type in action in Mexico last year (if you don't like lots of over the top screaming and yelling I'd turn the sound down!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9IBGVCU ... PoQ-Q0JdEE

**********STOP PRESS*************

I've found a whole 3 seconds worth of the production boat in action, here you go..........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFiBaV3q ... e=youtu.be

I'll put some proper stuff together soon of the production boat.

[Three Coats]

Oh yep, sorry Paul...mines just a Force I'm not keen on the Force OC1...I've got an Esquif Prelude which is rather nicer to look at - sorry Bob! :-))))

[Bob Mckee]

Ha! Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder Sally! And has no one ever told you that it's what's on the inside that counts......I sure don't miss my old preludes fickle personality!

Anyway if anyone has any Force questions feel free to ask. I could be a little slow in answering though as I'm off boating in Costa Rica tomorrow for a couple of weeks.......sweet.

[Three Coats]

...ha, ha, yep the Prelude is a fickle girl but that means we get along just fine!!! (well most of the time!)

I need to paddle a Force sometime, maybe it'll be like the Tareau, you just got to love it in an 'ugly kid' kinda way...

Costa Rica? Have fun, sounds awesome!

[outrage dave]

Dam I must love ugly kids then, cause I think it looks ace and I can't wait to demo one.

[andrew549]

Is there any more news on the force OC1.

[outrage dave]

I'm after one of these too. Perhaps Big Dog are waiting for me to save up enough money to but one, before they release. LOL

[Bob Mckee]

The Force OC1 is imminent. Just been chatting to the guys about it this morning. Just putting the final finishing touches to the internals ie the saddle. Not long now. I'm going to stick my fat neck out and say that by the end of the month the full production completed boat will be ready for everyone to enjoy.

[outrage dave]

Dam, they need to give me a little more time to save up, sell stuff, things like that. Thank's for letting us know though, I'm now off to stand on some street corners, lets see how much I make.

[Sickboy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6rT42nbaXw

6 pence the going rate

[Three Coats]

Canoemad did you get your Foce OC1?
Had mine a few weeks now and it's great fun - real 'cheesy grin' boat! Bit 'thuggish' to paddle compared to my Prelude but excellent fun all the same... ;-)

[canoemad]

I've still not got one. I gave up waiting for info. I've still got my Prelude, just got a Wheelboy, but I've not even sat in it yet. I still want one but I've no more room, there's 7 boats blocking everywhere!

What's the force like compared to your Prelude. Is it faster, less wobbly or drier? What's the outfitting like? Is it quick and easy or have you spent the usual 3 weeks of faffing about with it?

On an earlier reply you thought it was ugly, what changed your mind?

Paul

[Three Coats]

Well they've tidied it up and changed the profile of it so it's a little more pleasing to look at! Still not as beautiful as a gunnelled boat though :-)

Primary stability - loads
Wet - well yes, but much more stable than the Prelude with a good dose of water in
Quick - mmm, quick in a different way
Carves like a dream
Outfitting - well I'm short and very fussy, took me a couple of hours all told I guess, tinkering a bit still with saddle height

I got rid of a Wheelboy - you'll be dissapointed I think, better off with a Kaos or other playboat conversion.

Only problem is it's red - but then I didn't have any choice on the colour!