10-01-2006, 01:37 PM
Went to Cabela's in Michigan yesterday. Took the SuperSport 9 with me and left it in the car. Went inside and looked around just in case I could find a better deal. I did.
Water Skeeter Backwater 9 for $339, regularly $450. Only $40 more than I had paid for the SuperSport. It's the display model and it's missing the stripping apron. Thicker steel, powder coated and generally beefier. The fit of the framing tubes is tighter than on the SuperSport. Also, it has a thick PVC coating on the bottom of the tubes for abrasion resistance and built in anchor system (pulleys, cleat, routing guides).
I think it will suffice for my occasional whitewater journeys. I will feel a lot more comfortable taking this into Class III than the SuperSport. The tubes are larger and the rocker is pronounced. Of course, I would have loved to have bought the $800 version with the standing platform but it looks like a platform and railing can be backyard engineered fairly soon.
Remember, my whitewater experience is extensive, 15 years +. It is my choice to venture into Class III. The manufacturer doesn't recommend it and I'm not trying to tell anyone else to try it.
bigdaddyjohn
[signature]
Water Skeeter Backwater 9 for $339, regularly $450. Only $40 more than I had paid for the SuperSport. It's the display model and it's missing the stripping apron. Thicker steel, powder coated and generally beefier. The fit of the framing tubes is tighter than on the SuperSport. Also, it has a thick PVC coating on the bottom of the tubes for abrasion resistance and built in anchor system (pulleys, cleat, routing guides).
I think it will suffice for my occasional whitewater journeys. I will feel a lot more comfortable taking this into Class III than the SuperSport. The tubes are larger and the rocker is pronounced. Of course, I would have loved to have bought the $800 version with the standing platform but it looks like a platform and railing can be backyard engineered fairly soon.
Remember, my whitewater experience is extensive, 15 years +. It is my choice to venture into Class III. The manufacturer doesn't recommend it and I'm not trying to tell anyone else to try it.
bigdaddyjohn
[signature]