The RRD (Roberto Ricci Design) in the Wood Edition could also be placed in the living room as a decorative item for non-paddlers - provided the room is high enough. However, with a price tag of over 3000 euros, potential buyers may well have this. In any case, the high-gloss finished wood laminate is reminiscent of luxurious Riva motorboats, but without the accompanying noise and odour.
Only an archipelago cruiser can move across the lake with such nobility. The board comes across as somewhat snooty, as if it were aware of its beauty. The pointed bow is clearly raised, yet cuts quietly through the water with a rippling sound, creating an ambience that encourages you to enjoy rather than accelerate. At the same time, the board paddles stably, with a secure footing on the slightly concave deck.
At medium touring speed, it is particularly easy to paddle and runs well in a straight line. The ideal standing position for paddlers weighing a good 80 kilos is just in front of the handle, so that the bow cuts deep through the water. For paddlers under 70 kilos, the stern and bow already float quite high up. The deck pad extends as far as the stern, leaving plenty of room for turns. From the standing position in the centre, it turns very well, when stepping back it is agile but sufficiently stable.
Theoretically, two large luggage nets can be attached to the recessed eyelets, but the board is probably far too good for a wear-and-tear multi-day tour, but is preferably used for a day trip or a Sunday jaunt with small luggage and a picnic basket.
Conclusion on the RRD GT Retrowood 12'6" x 28.5":
A luxury tourer that you have to touch again and again.
Info:
- Price: 3099 Euro >> available here
- Length: 365.0 cm
- Width: 81.3 cm
- Weight: 14.3 kg
- Volume: 290 litres
