119's

[cmayes]

Hey y'all I am picking up my new 119 tomorrow. It is camo. I am also the proud owner of a Manta Ray 14 and a generic 14 foot canoe.

The 119 is coming from Dicks Sports. I know this subject probably has been beat to death, but I know they're some 119 guys on here and wanted your opinions. The seat...should it be moved forward. I know in another thread one of you all added footpegs. Is paddling a 119 difficult without the pegs? I knoiw going upstream in the canoe I just "dug in"; I'm already thinking about modifacations for rod holders and such. I think I will enjoy sitting above the water more than I do in the Native. I have no way to see the pictures you all put on the website because MOST of the time the school system blocks them out. I apologize for rehashing this. Just looking for experienced recommendations.

[Catawba]

My 119 is 100% original equipment. I'd wait till you get some hours in the seat before making any changes. I think what is best for someone who is 5'10" and 165 lbs might be very different than what is comfortable for someone 6'2" and over 300lbs. Hope you enjoy the new ride.

[Jump n Fish]

Everybody's got their own preferences, but I like mine bare bones. Lots of room, easy to get in and out of, easier to trasnport, less stuff for stuff to snag on, and most importantly no added weight. You'll probably want to put a more comfy seat in there, but I used the original location and brackets. I did install the bassboat seat with the lowest center of gravity possible, but I see no reason to move the seat forward like many do. I like having the extra legroom and storage in front of me in the current position and the slight incline on the front end makes it handle rapids better and makes it less inclined to scoop a wave or water.

Unless people just like the seat further forward for other reasons I really can't see how the stability in the current position is not more than sufficient for anybody. I just see no benefits of it.

Anyway, just my preference, but I encourage you to use it a few times before you go crazy on modifying it. I have an appreciation for all the cool stuff people do to trick out their 119's, but theres no way I could comfortably fish out of some of those setups with my style of fishing.

[blake]

As heavy as your tackle bag is, use it as bow ballast. Otherwise move the seat forward.

[dmurf2005]

I'm 5'9". 165 and I use the standards eat and placement. Lots of guys on here with great mods those. I myself am a bit of a minimalist

[basshead]

Take a trip or two, then see what you'd like to change. I dropped my seat a few inches (it was even with the gunwales) and went the aluminum route. Added a nice folding seat and called it done. The only other addition that was a must were drag chains...pretty simple and works well for me.

As for paddling without foot pegs, I do just fine. Did a paddle up in pretty swift water a couple weeks ago stayed up with the kayakers in the group.

[Catawba]

I also place my tackle bag forward of the front thwart. Only my dry bag for change of clothes behind me. There have been times when I thought about putting in some kind of foot pegs but like basshead, have not done anything about it after a couple years of 119 paddling. I've seen foam blocks mentioned somewhere.

I did not realize your 119 had the seat set that high when you got it basshead. I would probably not like it up even with the gunwales either.

I'm like dmurf with respect to the minimilst approach.

[cmayes]

Thanks for your suggestions everybody, I will obviously take a coupl of trips first. Blake is right...my bag is heavy, he'd be proud though I have scaled down some!!

[Crappiecrazy]

So Dicks Sporting Goods is still selling the 119??? I was all set to buy a 119 but the last thread that I read, lots of folks seem to say they are very unstable???? Let us know how you like yours.

[Catawba]

I think the Dicks' near me now carries the Old Town Discovery 119. I have an older Field & Stream brand they sold. I've dumped mine a couple times but I consider it stable. I know of a couple guys, not me, who will stand up and fish in them.

[cmayes]

I would say after fishing in a canoe it would be as stable as a canoe depending on how you pack it. I guess I will find out soon. Mine is the Guide 119.

[Catawba]

Ooops, I think the Guide is what Dick's now sells, not the Discovery I mentioned previously. But I'm pretty sure all Old Town 119's are the same regardless of the name sold under.

[Crappiecrazy]

Thanks for the info. I really did not care which "name brand" they carried, it is the 12ft solo canoe that everyone talks about on this site. I hope I can find one at Dicks this summer. I missed a good one on Craigslist here in Ky a few months ago.

[basshead]

Gastonia Dick's has a red one in stock.