About myself

First off, I am tall and skinny, so it is difficult for me to find boats that fit both my hight and weight requirements. I am a green, but solid, class IV boater. I have been boating for about 4 months and this was the bargain that got me into the sport.

About the test environment

I have paddled the Y on a variety of class (III)-(IV+) creeks in the Adirondack Mts.: AuSable R. (class III wavetrains and holes. A few technical rapids requiring eddy hopping to boat scout), Otter Cr. (pool-drop class IV), Independence R. (Long! class IV+ slide with multiple doors yealding varying features from undercut sidewalls to munchy hole boofs), Saranac R. (class III slalom at the level I saw it at), Grass R. (class IV pool drop with some really fun features but too much flat water in between).

Review

With my height and weight in mind, this was an extremely comfortable boat. This is the first boat I have been in that I did not need to slide the seat back in. It has pretty basic, but comfortable outfitting that is easy to customize to all body types.
It has extremely responsive edges, which make manuverability and eddy hopping a dream. It is a little sluggish on the flat water but is a tank plowingn through holes. I had previusly borrowing an Eskimo Salto (see my review), and had a much better time with the Y. Again, much of this may have to do with the way that I fit into the boat (definately see my Salto review). I found that it was much more responsive edge to edge and was more agressive when it needed to be. It rolls extremely easily.

Conclusion

From my experience this is a very enjoyable boat and is very afordable and easy to find. Probably a good choice for somebody breaking into the sport on a dime.

About myself

I am a fairly experianced paddler. I have been paddling for almost two years, mainly on class IV rivers on the east coast. Other boats I have paddled are a Wavesport T3 and an X.

About the test environment

I have run a few IVs and a V in this boat without any major issues.

Review

This is a very good boat. It boofs well, lands soft, and is fast and stable without sacraficing manuverability. It does everything I ask it to do with ease. Also, it rolls like a dream. The first time I got into this boat, I was able to nail a hands roll on each side efortlessly. After about 20 minutes of work, I was even able to roll it with just hip-snap, no paddle stroke or hands. I also really like the volume placement. It never gets bogged down punching through holes or on swrily eddy lines. It can even be surfed and spun in playholes a bit if that fits your fancy.

Conclusion

Great all around creeker. It does everything with a nice low price tag.

About myself

I am a fairly decent paddler and have been paddling hard for about a year. I have developed some class V moves but normally like to paddle class IV runs.

About the test environment

I have paddled this boat on class IV creeks and have experimented on some class V rapids. Section IV of the Chattooga and Tellico as well as the Tallulah release.

Review

This boat handles very well and runs rapids great. It takes a little bit of work to make a tight slot due to the size of the boat but that's more my fault than the boats. Regardless the best thing about this boat is the way it resurfaces from a drop. It lands soft and if you are forced to pencil in it comes up even and quickly. I love my Y. Plus you can buy them new very cheaply.

Conclusion

Great boat.