Submitted: 05-31-2007 by jz
Great Compromise boat. It is what it is. It's just about the only Rec. Boat I'd consider, next step up is to small tourers (like OT Castine).
As other posters have listed: Extremely light weight (my wife can lift/carry by herself) reasonably fast, excellent secondary/ultimate stability (yes, I've rolled it), footbraces can be adjusted while seated in boat, good price, recyclable (I wanna see one put through a chipper).
Drawbacks: Seat needs to be padded (easy to do yourself), plastic not as rigid or as durable as Old Town's (but it is way lighter) Compared to Old Town Castine/Castaway doesn't track as well also slower, less stowage space (though plenty for daytrips/overnights...pack light), & the soft chine (rounded) hull shape means you can't steer the boat just by rocking your hips. Also the boat can feel a little unsettled in waves, but can be surfed and responds well to a low skimming brace. |