new Swift Cirrus

[adkjoe]

I'm waiting for the P15 solo to be released sometime this year! Dragonfly 15 prototype (left) Prospector 15 prototype (right).

 

[tketcham]

It'd be interesting to paddle a shorter version of the Swift Cirrus, sort of a cross between a de-tuned Northstar Firebird and a sportier Swift Prospector 13. Plenty of stability with a touch of playfulness.

Instead, they hired DY to replace it with the Dragonfly 15, which some might call a detuned hull with more mass market appeal. The same perhaps could be said of this new Cirrus—a detuned and less playful Wildfire. Both the DF 15 and Cirrus, compared to their predecessors, seem more like entry-level Volks-canoes than performance canoes.

Exactly right, for a good reason. If you're in the business of selling canoes you need to offer what the buying public wants, and I'd guess that the majority of new customers don't have decades of experience augmented with lessons/training. When relatively inexperienced paddlers try out our Firebird (or even the Lady Bug) they'll say something like "it's fun, but not for me," usually because the canoes are a bit too lively. The alternatives tend to be longer and/or wider canoes that are much more stable but lose a fair amount of playfulness. I like the idea of de-tuned hulls that offer some of the fun with a bit more stability.

 

[gumpus]

It'd be interesting to paddle a shorter version of the Swift Cirrus, sort of a cross between a de-tuned Northstar Firebird and a sportier Swift Prospector 13. Plenty of stability with a touch of playfulness.


Exactly right, for a good reason. If you're in the business of selling canoes you need to offer what the buying public wants, and I'd guess that the majority of new customers don't have decades of experience augmented with lessons/training. When relatively inexperienced paddlers try out our Firebird or Lady Bug they'll say something like "it's fun, but not for me," usually because the canoes are a bit too lively. The alternatives tend to be longer and/or wider canoes that are much more stable but lose a fair amount of playfulness. I like the idea of de-tuned hulls that offer some of the fun with a bit more stability.

I remember test paddling a Firebird at a demo day and the seat was so low (apparently to make it as stable as possible) that I could not kneel properly. After my test paddle I commented that "it's a kneeling boat with a sitting seat!" and the rep said "yep" and chuckled.

When I bought my used Bell Yellowstone the seat was set up for sitting and I'd bet that the original owner never felt comfy in the boat.

 

[yknpdlr]

I am very rarely a kneeling paddler. I train and race sitting using a single blade bent carbon paddle, or trip/recreate with a version of a straight wood otter tail. I prefer to have an elevated seat for ease and efficiently of single side paddling. For the previous three solo canoes i bought in the past two years (PB Shadow, Swift Cruiser, SR Blackwater), I asked each builder to install a custom higher (at least 1.5in plus sitting pad)) than the normal highest stock seat option for me. Fit for my style.

 

[NikonF5user]

an elevated seat for ease and efficiently of single side paddling. For the previous three solo canoes i bought in the past two years (PB Shadow

How did they elevate the (presumably pack) seat in your Placid?

 

[tketcham]

I remember test paddling a Firebird at a demo day and the seat was so low (apparently to make it as stable as possible) that I could not kneel properly. After my test paddle I commented that "it's a kneeling boat with a sitting seat!" and the rep said "yep" and chuckled.

The dealer that I bought my Firebird from asked if I wanted a sitting seat or a kneeling seat installed. He mentioned that they come set up for more of a sitting position by default. With the kneeling seat there's plenty of foot clearance, it's a good height for comfort while kneeling, and there's good stability when heeling. It's still a fun canoe when seated but you have to pay more attention when heeling. We had a kneeling seat installed in the Prospector 13 and it has plenty of reserve stability even when seated. That's why I think it would be interesting to see if you could blend some of each boat into a de-tuned Firebird/souped-up Prospector 13. A bit of tongue-in-cheek there but other than the Curtis Lady Bug I don't know of another canoe that comes close to that blending of specs/performance, especially a Lady Bug with more stability. A scaled down Cirrus might be a nice little canoe.

 

[yknpdlr]

How did they elevate the (presumably pack) seat in your Placid?

it is not a pack seat. it is a rail mount, able to slide fore and aft for trim (though actively not while seated). Joe made a few of them for racing, which he also uses on his own boat. It also has a slight degreee of forward tilt which is better for race paddling. He mounted an extra block under mine to raise it up almost 2 inches on my 2024 Shadow. I also have the same seat on my much older Rapidfire. Not even staking the stock 3 floor mounted seats were high enough for me, so Joe offered the custom seat that works very well for me, sometimes even with an inch and a half of gel seat (If I don't have to portage it).

 

[zekabl]

Do we have a price for these 2 new swift boats? And will Rutabaga have a Swift demo day like last year? Seeing the boats at Canoecopia is one thing but being able to test paddle brings it to another level.

 

[NikonF5user]

Do we have a price for these 2 new swift boats? And will Rutabaga have a Swift demo day like last year? Seeing the boats at Canoecopia is one thing but being able to test paddle brings it to another level.

The pricing is up on the Swift website - looks like $3750 CAD base for the Cirrus and $3895 CAD for the D-15...

 

[NoelCanoeDad]

I was messaging with Bill on Facebook and my impression is the mold is not in great shape. Not sure how well the WildFIRE is selling - I do know I have every intention of getting one, but I need to wait until done my National Board Certification (assuming I achieve)! I'm hoping they'll do a one-off special order when the time is right.

There is actually an expedition kevlar boat in the exact color I want on the Swift website listed as a factory second / blem - I think I'd jump at it if it didn't have external skid plates. I've never been a fan. But it's a beautiful WildFIRE nonetheless...

I am heading up to Toronto Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for the Outdoor Adventure shoe. I’m sure we could message Bill and he could bring that Wildfire and I can bring it to you. Lol

 

[NikonF5user]

I am heading up to Toronto Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for the Outdoor Adventure shoe. I’m sure we could message Bill and he could bring that Wildfire and I can bring it to you. Lol

That is exceedingly tempting. EXCEEDINGLY tempting. But I think I need to hold off until I am done with my National Boards - I have already promised myself a new WildFIRE if/when I achieve (and I should be able to actually afford it if I achieve).

But it is still very very very very tempting...

 

[Jmharrick]

Too bad the woodwork on my Swift-Winters Winisk is rotted and that I don't have the means to repair it.

I imagine you could find someone on this forum to fix that for you…