The Conecpt

C1 race boat / training / fitness / hauling

The world’s first purpose built C1 race boat

Organized competition among one-person canoes began its modern history in the mid-1970s. In order to standardize competitive designs, measurements were transferred directly from two-person canoes or C-2s to the new one-person or C-1 competition classes. These specifications called for both C-1 and C-2 boats to measure 32” wide at the 4” waterline - better known as the “4 by 32” rule. Over time, as competitive canoeing became more popular, boat designers and builders began developing more efficient C-1 canoes, but were constrained by the 4x32 specification.

The new concept is a simple one, a boat design driven by function rather than by artificial specifications. The classic hull speed formula or speed-length ratio for displacement boats like canoes, is 1.34√LWL, the square root of the waterline length (LWL) in feet multiplied by 1.34. By this calculation, an 18’6” boat has a theoretical hull speed of 5.76 knots or 6.63 miles per hour. It has been demonstrated that a lightweight boat with a relatively narrow width and sharp wave-piercing bow can exceed theoretical hull speed without planing. Thus light weight, narrow width boats with sharp entry bows are faster.

The Newman Pro C-1 is the result of five years development following these concepts. After six prototypes and hundreds of hours of on-water testing, the result is a competition canoe that is faster, smoother handling and more efficient to paddle, in addition to being more economical to build and own. The efficiency and simplicity of the design reduces production costs for a most affordable, light and tough carbon-fiber boat that demonstrates unmatched speed and handling. The Newman Pro C-1 measures 18’ 6” in length, 24” wide at the waist and ranges from 13” to 11” to 9” deep in the stern. Check it out.

C1 race and training boat for lighter paddlers, adolescents, and children

Little Bug

Before the Concept, there was the Little Bug…

Designed and built by Gene Newman for his daughter, it turned out to be a quick, responsive, and stable little racer and became the basis for the 18’ 6” version. The Little Bug is for paddlers in the 75 to 135 pound range looking for a boat of their own that makes no sacrifices in performance. And when they’re ready, the full-size Concept will be there waiting for them. A seamless line up of C1 race boats.

We believe this Little Bug will serve as the foundation for future generations of racers and will keep marathon canoe racing vibrant, competitive, and growing.

(Pictures of Max’s daughter, 10, in the woodstrip prototype. Available only in carbon.)

Length 15-1

Width - 23” at 3” WL (3x23)

Depth - 12/10/9

Weight - 18 lbs

Price - 2595

Length 25-11

Width - 32

Depth - 17/12.5/13/5

Weight - 50

Price - 6100 bare hull / 6900 outfitted

The Mach 4

C4 Unlimited race boat / adventure racer / fastest canoe on the water

The ultimate team canoe

If you have a need for speed, the Mach 4 is the boat for you.

The Mach 4 sets the standard for speed and manueverability and meets the C-4 Unlimited Class specifications for the Adirondack Classic 90-Miler. The boat distributes four paddlers over its 25' 11" length, accelerates rapidly and turns on command. The Mach 4 is 32" wide, gunwale to gunwale, at its widest point and the depth ranges from 17" in the bow to 12 1/2" in the center to 13 1/2" in the stern. The design eliminates the need for sliding seats, thereby saving time and speed on changes. If your team is ready to go faster, try Mach 4.