Go large for an extra 40 litres

Written by ned

Tuesday, 11 March 2008 17:42

the Jefe is dead - long live the grande!

Well actually the old jefe with weld is holding up perfectly well, but it was time for a change. Changing boats periodically feels good for my boating, it makes me think about what im doing and that can only be a positive. The problem has been that the Jefe has been a fine boat, does everything asked with pretty much no vices. Now they do it in different sizes as well though, and have reworked the smaller and larger versions.

I've gone large. I'm bucking a trend on this one, but have never felt the standard jefe has been too big, and have been squirted and flipped several times! The idea of a bit more stability, a bit more autoboof, a bit more punch, and the ability to carry kit for multidays all appeals, for both foreign trips and microcreeking. Basically a bit more Jefe!

The original jefe had two issues, one was the pretty flat back deck and te other those aggresive rails on the tail which made the boat rail, then stall, when on aggressive breakouts. Both the Chico and the Grande have resolved this (hopefully) by rounding the back deck and radically softening those flares on the back quarter.

So I took the grande beast out for its first run out and was pleased with the decision. Just a real good level on the kent, but it felt lively and responsive. Autoboof was definately present. I dropped over the weir by the footbridge without a stroke and it didnt bat an eyelid. I put it in the most compromised positions possible on the kent and it was solid. Situations that ive flipped the jefe in as well. drop over force falls, down the barrel at gunpowder, centre line on the L shaped weir, and the hit boof into the curler in the ledge above that were all good - and at a good level. Basically it gave confidence to go on and explore what it was capable of.

Downsides? The ouftiting looks great, but is a pain in the arse (similar to all the major manufacturers now). The default setting for the seat is obviously too high. I dont want extra leverage in a creek boat, I want solidity and to be able to trust it. I want flexibility of outfitting not instant comfort in the shop. The knowledge that this outfitting cost more, and is worse than, the previous version is irritating as a consumer. 'Super double x system 32 outfitting' should be an optional extra, not standard. Next time gimme a basic seat and lump of foam. If you want to bundle something else in then, i'll have some spray on contact adhesive and a surform plane please. Gripe over. I'll adapt it to suit me and the boat itself feels good, with the other outfitting sound.

BTW seeing as flames are passe now, i've embraced 'vomit yellow' as the colour of choice !