B O A T I N S I D E R
LIQUIDLOGIC CR
THE PLAYFUL RIVER RUNNER YOU CAN RIDE ALL DAY
Get your motor running. PHOTO IAN MERRINGER
YOU WOULDN’T KNOW IT from looking at kayak ads, but most boaters gave up hopes of ever throw- ing big aerial moves long ago. Most boaters have a job off the river, appreciate being able to walk after a full day of boating, and still see a long front surf as a worthy pursuit. Enter the Liquidlogic CR. The CR, which stands for Cross River, is available
in the 125 and 250 models. The names obviously don’t indicate their size in gallons, instead they are a play off Honda’s CR 125 and CR 250 high-perfor- mance racing motocross bikes. It’s a curious choice, since the CR boats are not high-performance com- petition designs, but are designed for the paddler that wants predictable river running performance, all-day comfort, and the ability to surf with style— more like Honda’s trusty enduro line of trail bikes. Looking like a slightly stretched-out playboat, the
CR has a long and narrow planing surface that is al- most seven inches longer than that of the Liquidlog- ic Vision, sidewalls that flare more toward the stern, and less kick rocker than most modern playboats. With these design features the CR delivers per-
formance but remains forgiving and comfortable. The wide stern—without kick rocker—provides easy edging and predictable eddyline crossing. Up front, the prominent rocker keeps the nose riding over eddylines and weird water. Compared to freestyle boats, it’s like running rivers with training wheels. Ferrying the CR is a joy. Noticeably faster than
other sub-seven-foot boats, the long and narrow planing surface allows the boat to plane quickly. The higher top speed allows you to nail river-run- ning moves with fewer paddle strokes and more smiles. On big water this reduces the pucker factor
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while getting around the nasty stuff. As a playboat, the CR will inspire you on some
features, and limit you on others. It shines on a wave, with the speed and looseness needed to play waves that are too flat or slow for most short boats. Sit up and use the front edges and the CR can lay down some serious carve. Sit back too much and it feels a bit sluggish, but very stable, edge-to-edge. The CR blunts almost as well as more dedicated playboats. The extra speed and stability will en- courage boaters that have been trying to master the flat spin to go for it with gusto. On eddylines and in small holes the CR is not
going to open up the world of vertical play for the average boater. The large sidewalls make it difficult to get vertical without applying plenty of muscle and perfect technique. In more retentive holes the boat is a well-balanced cartwheeler and delivers impressive loops. According to Shane Benedict—head designer
and lifestyle consultant at Liquidlogic—lots of us are sick of cramming ourselves into small, uncomfort- able boats for long days on the river. In response, he made the CR as comfy and roomy as your favou- rite easy chair, with lots of volume around the knees, plenty of foot room, a large, easy-entry cockpit, and the “Cone of Comfort,” a thin foam lining in the bow. If you want to get to waves easily, surf them in
style, and still be able to walk to your car without looking and feeling like you spent the day on a dirt bike, give the CR a test paddle—it could be your new ride. —Thom Lambert is a moderator of the Boaterboard at
www.boatwerks.net.
Ferrying the CR is a joy. It’s like running rivers with training wheels.
Length ................. 6’ 7” Width ................... 25” Volume ................. 55 gal Weight Range ...... 140–210 lbs Price .................... 999 US
CR 125
Length ................. 6’9” Width ................... 25.75” Volume ................. 63 gal Weight Range ...... 180–250 lbs Price .................... 999 US
CR 250
RAPID
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