Gillies

Manufactured By:

Designed By:

Specs

From the Manufacturer

John Gillies via USCA Canoe News (March 2004, Volume 37, Issue 1), "Which Pro Boat?" article by Gareth Stevens

"The Gillies is a lower volume boat and is ideally suited to teams weighing about 320-340 lbs combined.  380 lbs would be just too heavy.  [T]he boat can be run stern heavy quite successfully.  In contrast to the V-1, the Newman Pro, and the new Diller pro boat [JD Pro], the widest point is very close to the mid-point instead of set back well towards if not all the way at the maximum allowed.  [My] theory is that it is very nearly as important to control the replacement of the water behind the boat as it is to split the water in the first place, to keep turbulence to a minimum and reduce drag."

Feedback & Testimonials

Bruce Barton via USCA Canoe News (March 2004, Volume 37, Issue 1), "Which Pro Boat?" article by Gareth Stevens

"The Gillies is the most unstable of all the pro boats.  It is very fast for a light team.  The Gillies glides easily at a cruising speed, making it good for long races.  It is similar to the Hassel, making it hard to mount the rear seat further back because of the narrow gunnels.  This boat is best for experienced teams."


Al Rudquist via USCA Canoe News (March 2004, Volume 37, Issue 1), "Which Pro Boat?" article by Gareth Stevens

"The Gillies is supposedly (I didn’t think so) a very, very fast canoe.  It is, however, very tippy.  Good teams can deal with that, but I think inexperienced teams should look at this canoe skeptically."


Gord Cole via USCA Canoe News (March 2004, Volume 37, Issue 1), "Which Pro Boat?" article by Gareth Stevens

"The Gillies has a reputation of being less stable than the V-1, but we haven’t noticed.  It runs well stern heavy, so is good boat where a light person is less skilled and should be in the bow, for example, a kid.  Corners well, runs shallows well.  Seems to get best speed with a slightly modified stroke, shorter and quicker, almost a poke.  Handling is similar to the V-1."


Gareth Stevens via USCA Canoe News (March 2004, Volume 37, Issue 1), "Which Pro Boat?" article

"If you have very good balance, are not tall with a high center of gravity, and don’t weigh over about 175 lbs., then the Gillies may be the boat for you."


Edith MacHattie

"Great boat for a smaller team (250 - 340 lbs) with good skills.  It has narrow ends which some find constricting but it allows you to control the boat with your body through lots of contact points.  The boat crosses waves easily and carves well.   It holds a line (tracks) making it energy efficient to paddle if paddlers are competent.  The Gillies can feel twitchy and unstable with heavier or less balanced paddlers.  It doesn’t pop in shallows as dramatically as other boats, it’s more of a subtle feeling but it goes up quickly and is easy to keep popped.  It wants to be trimmed flat or slightly stern heavy, and is quite responsive to trim adjustments.  I find the Gillies has an easy fast cruise."