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< Sept/Oct 2000
	Gear
Eskimo's Quadro A Boat for the Big Boys Chuck Kirk

I am a 200-lb. paddler with size 12 feet and a 34-inch inseam. In other words, I ain't small. And my first thought after taking Eskimo's new Quadro out was that it's the most comfortable playboat I've ever been in. Light and responsive with plenty of footroom, it seems longer than its 7' 8" length. With new thighbraces and a thicker seat, the Quadro is super stiff, with a lot of rocker in the bow (though large-thighed paddlers may want the shorter thigh braces). The flat hull has non-trip edges in the bow and stern with a razor sharp edge in the center. The bulkhead system is great--pre-shaped and sectioned so you just put what you need in and go. It only takes about 45 seconds (including getting in and out of the boat) to go from loose to tight just by adding an additional section.

The Quadro is also faster than I thought, making it a great river runner. If you're one of those who has to take a playboat down a creek this is the craft. I couldn't flatwater cartwheel it with handpaddles, but I could get it to go vertical easily with a paddle. Flatwater cartwheels are a lot different than in the Zwo, Eskimo's playboat of '99. Where the Zwo slices through, the Quadro bobs through. Lighter people will probably not be able to flatwheel it as easily. I had to force it (but I didn't have it outfitted). Also, I'm coming from a Zwo so the more time I have in the Quadro the better I'll become. This boat is designed as a Big Boy Playboat.

It's also a superb flatspinner. Fast and stable. I thought it was easier to spin than the Glide--which is a great boat for me, because I'm too heavy to spin most boats. It also blunts well. Front surfs are smooth and it carves sharply and gives off a spray of water. Remember enders? Unlike many other swap-only boats, this one can still get some air for such old school moves as pirouettes. It's a great boat to take downriver and play the whole way without fear of pitoning or pinning. It even lets me pull my knees together while sitting for much needed R & R.

For a rodeo rookie like me, it also has one other redeeming feature: it's easy to roll. I rolled it on the upstream side in fast current just as easy as in calm water. With high flat sidewalls it's also stable on edge. For those like me who can only afford one boat, it seems to do it all.

Boat Beta: length: 7'8", width: 26", wt.: 33 lbs., vol.: 50 gal., MSRP: $925. Info.: (303) 664-1629, www.eskimo-de.com.