Stinger details

here are photos of one of the Stingers with the performance outfitting that came off the container of boats recently received here in the U.S. (available for $799 through 100waves)


it's worth taking a moment to notice some of the thoughtful details in this performance seat.


a place in front for a water bottle or throw rope is always a nice feature. But also take a look at the two screw inserts at the front of the seat. You can install the DragoRossi thigh wing system in very little time. It's actually easier to install and maintain this performance version than in the elite version.

Another feature to note is the molded-in attachement points on the side of the seats. Look at the top, of the side of the seat and you'll see a round hole. This acts as an easy attachement point for several brands of back bands. No need for drilling or any fancy boat work. If you use the DragoRossi performance backband, all you need to do is thread the webbing through the holes, and attatch the ratchet straps to ratchets. There are set screws on the side of the seat that allow you to easily attach the ratchets.





Included in the $799 U.S. price are bow and stern grabloops. (the ones on the side can be bought separately)



this is just a nice photo that shows the suprising amount of leg room in the Stinger.




DragoRossi Stinger $799 at 100waves.com

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below you can see the nice smooth rocker of the Stinger that allows you to keep the bow on top of the water and make infinite minute adjustments to your lean. (it also bounces when you want it to,and stays flat when you want it to stay flat)



between these two pictures you should be able to get a good idea of how much foot room is in this boat.



notice that the planing surface on this hull extends all the way from front to back, and not just on a single flat spot in the middle. This allows the water to "see" the entire length of the boat.



one thing that is often not discussed enough are the fins. You only have to put the fins in when you want them there for the added control that they allow. Isn't it nice to have the option? There are several people who just carry their fins in the back of their boat with a little allen key stuck into the foam pillar. When they reach a great playspot,the fins get attached. Then, the fins can be removed to continue downstream, and they will be out of the way so you can boof and splat all the rocks you want.

Mafia details

Performa set up fresh out off the wrapping. This is how it starts. The option to buy it now, like this, is available at $799



Here you see the new Performa seat. Foam bow pillar installed.



This photo will give you a good idea of how much access you can get behind the seat.



The stern grabloop, with three attachment points is included in all Performa outfitted boats.

You can see the spots for the extras you can get. The side grabloops. Two places for drainplugs. Buy and add what you want.



Of course the bow grabloop is included.


DragoRossi Mafia $799 at 100waves.com
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below you can see some of the options that can be bought and added to the Performa boats.



Add a bulkhead and a bowring.

Squashtail details

these first few pictures show what is included for the base model Performa series Squashtail. Available at 100waves.com for $799



notice the grabloops on the side. They are included in the basic low price that you get.



the Performa seat had added a little bit more room up front.
Notice the areas where you can screw in the thigh wings to the seat, the place to drill out a drainplug, and the area that allows you to attach a third grabloop, right behind the cockpit. (we'll talk more about how to buy those options further down this page)




I took this photo not just because the Squashtail is a really cool looking boat from this angle. It shows how the knee area has been increased a little bit. Just enough to make more people comfortable in the boat. It also means that feet don't have to go as far into the boat, so there is more foot room. AND, the foot area has been increase a slight bit.

An unintended bonus from this added knee area is that the Squashtail now loops easier. The boat was not designed with this purpose in mind, but it does it quite well, especially in small holes.



since the Squashtail is a surfing machine, I thought it was cool to have a surfboard-like photo of the hull. Pretty cool.

That does it for the base model Performa set up. Now, let's move on and think about the things that can be added to the boat. (be sure to click on the links for more info and lots of pretty pictures)

DragoRossi Squashtail $799 at 100waves.com

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below you will notice a photo of two boats. The one on the left is the basic Performa set up Squashtail. The one on the right is an older Elite set up Squashtail.
you'll be able to see (on the left) the higher cockpit rim in the front, the slightly wider and higher knee area, and the little bit of extra room at the front of the seat.


of course you see the drainplug on the boat on the right. That can be added to your Performa boat for about $11, or you can just go without it and have fewer holes in your boat. The choice is yours. (I like the drainplug. I have a friend who doesn't)



in this photo, the older boat (Elite outfitting) is on the left and the new boat (Performa outfitting) is on the right. Notice the concave area along the stripe. It's not quite as big on the newer boat. That is because there is more foot room.

Oh, am I'm sure you picked up on the backband. Yes, you can buy a backband and add it to your Performa Boat. The seat has attachment points that make adding a backband very easy. The DragoRossi Performa backband cost about $45. That's about the same price as many other brands. So choose your favorite. Add it to the boat in minutes,and you're on your way!

(of course, some people have an old backband lying around. Imagine that. It's like a free backband. Others will choose to glue a few blocks of minicell foam and create a custom seat back that is similar to the Testarossa/Race seat)



Ah yes. This third grabloops was not available when the Squashtail was first released. You notice that it's not on the old boat (in the background). It's not a vital piece of equipment because you already have the two on the side. But, it does make a nice attachment point when you are tying your boat down. Or, it's yet another place for your buddy to grab onto your boat when you loan it to him and are teaching him how to kayak.

there are many accessories that can be bought, in addition to the Performa seat system



DragoRossi makes a simple ratchet backband that is easy to install.
many other brands can be installed in minutes too.



here is the DragoRossi foot sled. it relieves pressure on your toes and allows you to have an adjustable foot system that you can crank up when you need it, and loosen it up for the mellow sections.



of course some people just prefer a foam bulkhead. That works well to.




which ever system you prefer, the first step will be to remove the set screw from the bow of the boat,the one that holds the foam pillar in place



then you can remove the bow pillar and install your footblock, heel sled, airbag, foam block, whatever you are going to use






remember to put the foam pillar back,and insert the screw again; then you'll be all set!



buy and install the thigh wings for increased control and performance. Installation is very simple





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video of a small playspot

Thruster details

Performance Details





here is the DragoRossi Thruster with basic Performance set up, freshly unwrapped, weighing in at 33 lbs. This is what you get for the $799 price.



stern grab loop included



lots of room for stern access, even with a slightly elevated seat back. Lots of room to glue extra foam for back support



bow grabloop included too



alot of space up front for big legs and feet





DragoRossi Thruster $799 at 100waves.com

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there are many accessories that can be bought, in addition to the Performance seat system



DragoRossi makes a simple ratchet backband that is easy to install.
many other brands can be installed in minutes too.



here is the DragoRossi foot sled. it relieves pressure on your toes and allows you to have an adjustable foot system that you can crank up when you need it, and loosen it up for the mellow sections.



of course some people just prefer a foam bulkhead. That works well to.




which ever system you prefer, the first step will be to remove the set screw from the bow of the boat,the one that holds the foam pillar in place



then you can remove the bow pillar and install your footblock, heel sled, airbag, foam block, whatever you are going to use






remember to put the foam pillar back,and insert the screw again; then you'll be all set!



buy and install the thigh wings for increased control and performance. Installation is very simple




you can purchase the side grabloops and install them to provide additional attachment points







buy and install a drainplug




100Waves

Mafia Gangster CriticalMass

Critical Mass (left) Gangser/Idra (center) Mafia (right)

just a quck cut and paste image so you guys can see the subtle differences between these three excellent creeking options. Everything was kept to scale in this image; to be as accurate as possible. Still nothing beats seeing them up close and personal. If you have a chance to paddle one, I would strongly recommend it. With so many options, you're very likely to enjoy one of these boats.