Submitted: 06-10-2002 by Paul Jones
This is a fast, responsive boat. Paddled it for 150- 200 miles now in everything from glass to small craft advisories on lake michigan(5-6 footers breaking). I would highly recommend installation of foam hip clips(I velcroed mine to the seat pillar) and some thigh braces. Without these items you will never know the true steering and tracking ability of the boat and will probably have to use the rudder when it is actually unnecessary(they also contribute to initial and 2nd stability). Unusual bow design seems superior for flotation over typical needle nosed kayaks, it is a very dry ride in big waves. No problems with any leaks, hatches are bone dry. Sealine rudder is cool looking but I found the boat leans easy and steers fine without the rudder, even in high winds on flatter water(rudder will also slow you down). Overall, the boat feels more like a sleek sailboat than your traditional kayak, seems to have great performance if you have the know-how and stones to ake it to the limit. I think you'd have to be insane to purchase a similarly designed British boat (VCP or Nigel Dennis) and spend the extra $1000.00, get crappy rubber hatches and bad cust service. |