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Hi gang,
I'm having trouble with my new boat, an Aire 156 R-series self bailer, 15' 9" long. It's a big boat, but I bought it because most of my trips are carrying lots of passengers and/or gear on class 3 and 4 multi-day trips.
I've had it out a few times in the last couple of months on some class 3 and 4 water, lightly loaded with just 1-2 passengers. The thing has terrible forward speed and momentum. It really stalls out climbing big waves and hole punching does not seem to be an option. Yesterday, on a high water run in Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork, I got back surfed on several big breaking waves that I have had no trouble punching through in the past with other boats. Perhaps if I had 2 paddlers in the front helping out it would improve the situation, but I don't want to always rely on having that kind of assistance. Likewise, I could turn around backwards to row through big water but I don't want to have to do that all the time either.
I am a seasoned rower, accustomed to rowing big boats- I've rowed a Maravia Williwaw 2 for years which I loved and it handled beautifully. No difficulties in punching holes or climbing big waves. The Maravia is the same length as my Aire and 4" wider and has great forward momentum. I would have stayed with it but the Williwaw is something like 25 years old and the fabric is slowly starting to wear out. Price, alas, prevented me from buying another one.
I have rowed a 14 foot Aire R-series boat and didn't notice the same issues as I have noticed on my 15 foot, 9 inch model.
Has anyone else had a similar experience with a 15+ foot Aire?
Any suggestions?
Incidentally, I'm using 10 foot oars- the same ones I used on the Maravia.
Thanks for any advice/insight you might have.
Jo C. in Montana
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Help! I hate my new boat! New 
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