I’ve got a Zephyr XL. I’m enjoying it even though I’m still learning to control it.

What size floatation bags are you using with the XL @kellymartinMB?

They are the large float bags. Assuming WCK is selling them now

https://westerncanoekayak.com/esquif-3d ... float-bag/

I had Esquif do the outfitting with a saddle and thigh straps. Already blew a few D-rings and changed them out for Northwater’s.

I ultimately did purchase the Esquif Zephyr XL that was at Swift Canoe in Bracebridge.

Although I would have preferred a bare hull at the time it came fully outfitted already from the factory and since it was the only one I could find at the time I picked it up. As it turned out after having it out 10 or 11 times the saddle and kneepads separated from the hull. It looked like they hadn't been properly glued and since to me the outfitting is safety related I ended up upgrading the saddle, kneepads and straps to Mike Yee's stuff.

As part of reoutfitting it Mike Yee performed a boat fitting test with me. Basically he marked lines 1/4 inch apart in the boat and then we gently placed the saddle on a line (unglued) and sent me out on to a small flatwater pond to paddle around. After a bit it was determined that my saddle needed to be back 2 inches further from where it had originally been.

The result of this change took the boat from very frustrating to something I could now use to learn the basic solo boat skills. I've since played with the boat on the Middle Madawaska River, Gull River, Middle branch of the Ottawa and the Elora Gorge as well as a number of nearby flatwater ponds.

I cannot overstate how important having the saddle in the right position is.

It's truly helped improve my basic canoe skills way beyond where they were when I started.

Very interesting observation. It would seem that there would be an opportunity in OC1 design to develop a saddle with footpegs that can microadjust fore an aft about 3". I can also see this being helpful for adjusting trim / performance depending on what you are carrying in the boat.

I think Northwave have an option like that although I don't know how secure it would end up being. That would be interesting to hear more about.

My latest consideration is about lowering my seat height by an inch to see how that impacts my feeling of stability in rough water.

Lowering pedestal height makes a huge difference. I've got mine set to 7.5 inches which makes a big difference in surfing and general stability. The downside is you need to be flexible to lower your seat height. This is not a problem for me, but almost no adult males are comfortable in my boats and most give up after 15-20 minutes.

Wish I could go lower, I'm stuck at 9". Would foot blocks help?

You mean ankle blocks? Some people say they find them helpful, but I personally don't use them. I think it is more useful to practice stretching until you are comfortable. Some people will put a saddle in front of their TV to stretch while they watch.

Peter K., thanks for the tv trick...I am going to try it!

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"It's healthy to be dirty" - Lars Monsen

As another bigger/taller paddler, I also have 9" tall saddles in my playboats. A lower saddle is the best way to address stability, but if you can't be comfortable in it there's no point as you'll be focused on the discomfort rather than your stroke. I have removable ankle blocks, held in place with velcro that is glued to the hull. This allows me to adjust them according to what I'm wearing or remove them altogether. They can help if they're sized and placed right. I'm mostly off the pegs with my feet laying flat.