What can you solo folks tell me about a 1983 BJX in kevlar? Thanks.

The "Bardy Jones Express". Narrow and fast. Flare the whole length of the boat, so there is some good secondary stability. Its the kind of hull that people fall out of and the boat snaps upright with out shipping water.

It is one of the few solo canoes in which I never got real comfortable sitting. It can be done, but real good technique with no side to side motion is a must. It was made to be a kneeler and the seat is placed high for that reason.

It is narrower at the waterline than is allowed by race rules. I could not paddle hard enough to reach hull speed. It would be a fun boat to play with, but maybe not a tripping hull. Maybe if you are trying to set a new solo Voyageurs Highway record it might be worth a try.

I'd love to have one in my shed.

Hey Sedges, first I want to thank you for all the info you guys provided regarding my first solo canoe, a M R Independence I picked up last fall. I just returned from my first solo trip in the BW with my dog. I learned a few tricks about seat placement and trim from you and the other indy owners and had a ball. I'd never heard of the BJX....was amazed to find one for sale in Iowa.

Glad you had a good first trip in your MR Indy. The boat fits my style of paddling and traveling. Yours too, evidently.

The Lotus boats were very nice. The 1980s was a time of great creativity in the canoe world. Haven't seen that many new ideas come out so fast since.

If you haven't paddled the BJX yet, pick a place you like to swim and a warm day for the first go 'round. It will take a little time to get relaxed in that hull.

Will do, I had 2 18 liter dry bags in the bow when the indy was empty. I was able to cruise around in the wind no problem, fished with my dog in the canoe also, sweet boat. I would think that some ballast would help with the BJX, good swimming weather now though!

Wow the black gel coat looks really cool on the BJX. I have a white one that is fun to paddle but I just put it up for sale. I have too many canoes and it just never gets used.

Did you lower the seat or was it that way when you bought it? My seat is way higher than that.

Surfman,

Here are you located and how much are you asking for your BJX?

sedges: "Surfman,


Here are you located and how much are you asking for your BJX?"

I am located in Houston, TX. Asking $1000.00 but there is wiggle room. I bought the BJX from the original owner 6 months back and he did not paddle it much. It is super clean and has always been garage kept.

I like the black a lot, but it is going to scratch white. The boat looks like it has been in the water once or twice. The seat looks to be unmodified as far as I can tell. I'll post a few more pics once I figure out how I did it the first time.

WoolShirt: "I like the black a lot, but it is going to scratch white. The boat looks like it has been in the water once or twice. The seat looks to be unmodified as far as I can tell. I'll post a few more pics once I figure out how I did it the first time. "

Yeah black boats are pretty but they show scratches so badly. My black gold Magic with clear gel shows every little scratch.

Permanent black marker.

surfman,

Good thing I am too far away to consider. I'd be spending money that I shouldn't. It is really a pristine boat and the price is good. My mode is to acquire hulls that I want in bad condition for cheap and fix them up. Looking for a BJX with rotted gunnels, no seat and covered with mildew from laying under the porch for 20 years!

I'm sure you'll find a buyer for your pretty boat.

Those are both really pretty boats. Love the sculpted seat and the unique seat rails and I've never seen a canoe with thwarts inset into side pods like that and not attached to the gunnels. I just really admire the creativity and innovation.

That's an interesting idea, there are 10-12 little pock marks, I'll give it a try.

justpaddlin: "Those are both really pretty boats. Love the sculpted seat and the unique seat rails and I've never seen a canoe with thwarts inset into side pods like that and not attached to the gunnels. I just really admire the creativity and innovation."

The BJX was a special boat. The outfitting is really a great innovation. That never caught on

Its a arrow straight ride. I tried one once and I never worked as hard in any other canoe( and I have paddled too many) as I did in the Bardy Jones Express to get a turn.

That said I would take it if it were floated by my house

After a little search, it appears Mr. Jones is alive and well living in Pelham, NY. Would love to have him sign the boat next to Mike's signature.

yellowcanoe: "

justpaddlin: "Those are both really pretty boats. Love the sculpted seat and the unique seat rails and I've never seen a canoe with thwarts inset into side pods like that and not attached to the gunnels. I just really admire the creativity and innovation."

Its a arrow straight ride. I tried one once and I never worked as hard in any other canoe( and I have paddled too many) as I did in the Bardy Jones Express to get a turn.
"

That was also my impression when I tried one years ago. There's a picture of BJ in a BJX on the Hemlock site and even with him on the edge of taking on water it's hard to tell if the boat is turning.
BJX pic

I came across this thread while researching this boat because I found one for sale. Any idea on what the top paddler weight it can handle is? I'm a little over 200#. I'm looking for a faster boat than my Wenonah Prism and most of the "usual suspects" are designed for sit and switch.

I'm a kneeler no matter how much I try to convert so this boat appeals to me. But, I'm worried I'm too heavy.

This would be for fast day tripping and occasional, casual racing. I can generally keep up with the SUP crowd, but I want to have a chance at beating them sometimes :-) and a Lotus is a pretty boat.. (I redid the woodwork on a friend's Caper and I'm too heavy to be comfortable in that.)

Surfman,

What kind of paddle is that laying on top of your BJX ???

If I owned that boat, I'd have to get a couple of labels made for it that said "Black Beauty", which it truly is.

Galt made some pretty canoes; I have a Dandy, and a Caper.

BOB

I think 200# would be fine for an experience paddler. If it turns out that you don't feel comfortable with it I don't think it would be hard to sell and get most if not all of your money back. Maybe if it was way over price you wouldn't.

I was 175# when I paddled one and I don't think another 25# would have mattered.

This is a twitchy boat for anyone at any weight. It will take patience and attention to boat response to body movements to get comfortable. But it is fun!! And a good paddling experience!!

Go for it.
P.S. I fyou are serious about entering races note that it doesn't meet specs for sanctioned amateur races.

"WoolShirt: "I like the black a lot, but it is going to scratch white. The boat looks like it has been in the water once or twice. The seat looks to be unmodified as far as I can tell. I'll post a few more pics once I figure out how I did it the first time. "

Turtle Wax has/had a colored car wax product. I have used it on my black Kevlar canoe many times and the white scratches disappear like magic.

Turtle Wax Jet Black