Submitted: 01-13-2009 by kayakcouple 
We have owned 2 Explorers for over a year now. Both are "Elites" which are lighter (6-7 lbs.)for loading and unloading. The lay-up is not what you find in a regular Explorer; but is okay for 90% of paddlers. We found the quality and finish to be excellent.
This boat will not set any speed records, but cannot be beat in what it does well. Excellent stability, turns well, predictable, almost never need the skeg. The opening of hatches are smaller than most boats; requires careful planning when packing for a camping trip. The seat in the LV is nothing more than a pad glued to the bottom of the hull. The regular volume has a comfortable seat. Both of us have replaced the backbands with ones from Snapdragon.
We both love the Explorer and would buy it again. Have not paddled anything that will do everything as well as the Explorer. |