DragoRossi Thruster video

the video should be embedded, but just in case your browser needs updating, here is the address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hKfR8AAAfA



since ARTandWATER is all out of Thrusters until winter
(don't worry, you can still order directly from the factory and have the boat shipped to your door)
I thought I'd at least put up this fun freestyle footage found on YouTube

if you want to be the boat from the factory, send an email to info@dragorossi.com
or visit the website http://www.dragorossi.net

Fish vs Thruster

been getting lots of questions about the differences between the Fish and Thruster, so here are some photos



besides lots of extra knee room, the Thruster has a larger cockpit for easy entry/exit. (Thruster on the left, Fish on the right)



essentially the same length (the Thruster is longer by an inch or so) the main difference is the how/where the boats carry their width.

Three backband options tested

I've installed three different backbands into the new DragoRossi demo fleet at Clarke Outdoors



there is, of course, the standard performance DragoRossi backband that only takes minutes to install.



there is also the IR Reggie that went into the Thruster







and the ever-popular IR Flex Capacitor that was installed into the Stinger with only a minor modification so that it could be used with the DragoRossi performance seat ratchets. There are other ways to install it, but this just seemed like a good one.

The Flume (Housatonic River)

Ok. I think that the photos will tell most of the story of this sunny day on a fun rapid. (there is much more downstream, but I wanted to put the camera away and get into the boat tooo......)



The Flume is a very nice 7' drop that is intimidating because it is not straight.



but it is also not difficult if you can hit the center of the horizon line



the sides are super shallow, and people have hit their heads and face



but if you can hit the center (about 10' wide) and have a reliable roll, then you can just chuck yourself over the drop (you WILL roll about 50% of the time)



Here is local paddler, Bonnie, in her EZ doing the right to left approach



Maurice in his new yellow Pintail XL showing us how it's done



Kenny in a C1 converted Fish hitting the last cross-bow needed to set up the move



and Kenny again showing us just how deep the hole at the bottom is (don't worry folks, he pulled it out like he always does)



Steven's first attempt at the low-water, crossing boof move. If you screw it up, then you get pounded on the rocks. He didn't quite nail it perfectly, but he was able to deal with the minor line adjustments he had to make rather well. Terrific first attmept. This kid is good.



Jeff demoing the Critical Mass with a beautiful boof into the eddy.



Maurice firing it up again in his Pintail XL.



Ted rocking the Pirouette old school style, showing that long boats can boof too.



Jeff in his Crux firing up the creeky line.



Ted firing up the Critical Mass to show that light dudes can paddle the big boats too.



Ted pulling into the eddy (the kick back into the hole is pretty darned strong...)



and one last shot of Jeff, who wanted to give the Critical Mass another try. He was amazed at how "small" the boat paddled. (I guess that means that it turns well)

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

specs

more

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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