Submitted: 04-28-2005 by c2g
This is easily the best all-around boat I have ever paddled. It is a very pleasant boat to paddle in calm conditions, but really shines when the wind and waves pick up. Compared to other boats, the Sea Wind asks very little of a paddler. Initial and secondary stability are both excellent. The seat is very comfortable and adjusts vertically to any one of three different positions. In addition, there is a well-designed portage yoke built into the front of the seat. The boat can be paddled without the rudder, although there is no particular reason to do so. The rudder is extremely well designed and, in conjunction with the maneuverable hull design, brings the boat around quickly regardless of the paddling conditions. The Sea Wind was designed as a no holds barred expedition boat, and consequently has an incredibly strong layup. It is equally comfortable being paddled empty or with a heavy load of gear. One thing that really sets the Sea Wind apart from the rest of the pack is the easy, almost armchair-comfortable ride, that it provides in rough conditions. The fact that it asks so little of the paddler, in comparison to other boats, means that you spend minimal energy coping with the movement of the boat, and consequently have more to spend on getting where you are going. The Sea Wind commands a premium price, but if you want a superb boat that will handle an incredibly wide range of conditions, it deserves serious consideration. |