I am a very pleased owner, the only two times I've been wet have been my doing, both on the beach, broad side, one landing one launch. The maneuverability is dependent on paddle skill, draws and sweeps let me explore BC's upper sunshine coast with confidence, sea caves barnacle beaches, sunkers and all!
The 8 rating is because there is no 10, and I'm not 100% on the back rest. As for speed, it's not a sprinter, but comes to hull speed well, and is easy to maintain, my Inukshuks will stay in my quiver, I really can't see a reason to ever part with the part until I part with all.
Just purchased a used Inukshuk, and so far performance has been better than expected. I am 6'1", 220 lbs. and the boat is surprisingly comfortable and roomy compared to how sleek it looks in the water. I recently tested a bunch of plastic and composite boats at an open water event, and while I loved the speed of some of the lighter boats like the (Eddie Line) they were a LOT more tippy. I have never rolled a kayak accidentally, and because I kayak in CT 12 months a year (weather permitting) really don't want to.
The Inukshuk seems a LOT more stable than any of the high-end boats tested... and once under way seemed to glide along at a pretty good pace. It also handles white-cap waves on the CT river with ease while keeping me dry (something my 13' Dagger didn't do).
I agree with previous comments that the design, fit and finish are a step above common plastic boats. And because I beach the thing and drag it in sand gravel, sticks, etc, the forgiving plastic just makes more sense. It also turns pretty well with the rudder (which I didn't think I would like but now love) One caveat - the delrin block on my rudder broke, so I wrote to the company with hopes of getting a replacement (epoxy didn't do the trick). Other than that glitch, I think the boat is hard to beat for the price. A sensible, roomy, safe boat that gets a lot of compliments.
I've been paddling for close to 10 years now, and while I agree with many of the reviewers when they say that the Inukshuk has great secondary stability, I don't think the initial stability is there. Even after two months of paddling in it, I wasn't comfortable with the "tippiness" of it -- it takes some getting used to. Then again, I'm used to the stability of a Necky Kyook.
Also, I found that at 6'1 and 215 lbs., I didn't have the comfort I would have liked. A wider cockpit and maybe an added inch to the overall width of this boat would be great assets.
A very fast boat with great tracking and lots of room for gear. The upswept bow is a great feature for cutting through the waves, as well.
This is the third year I've paddled my I-Boat and am still in love with it. It has taken me places most folks would not dare go - such as oyster beds, limestone beaches and (quite by accident) in 40 KT winds and 6 FT swells. It has always tracked well and been very responsive to my commands. For camping or extended trips you can put everything you'll need in the two hatch areas - including a small kitchen sink.
It is a sturdy product backed by outstanding service. Just last week the Delrin Block on the rudder cracked and I had FREE replacement in the mail before the week was out.
My next 'yak will be another Boreal.
I am an experienced paddler, but in touring canoes, on all kinds of waters. I wanted to go to a kayak for coastal paddling , singlehanded. Test paddled an Inukshuk last year, and loved it! Was amazed by the initial stability...the only kayak I had paddled previously was a Perception Eclipse, which had felt very tender at first. I have to admit I wasn't in the Inukshuk all that long, and only in a quiet canal, so performance was not thoroughly tested. But what I DID see was this: The boat had great secondary stability, too. It did not accelerate quickly but seemed to be fast once it got going. It required a deal of space to turn...probably because of the lack of rocke that I like so much for efficiency purposes. It carried well between stokes and handled easily.The cockpit was easy to enter and exit...significant as I am 6'2" and 240lbs! It was VERY comfortable...seat, bracing, foot pegs, everything! The pegs are easy to adjust while underway, something I haven't seen in another boat, before or since. The rudder operated smoothly and easily...again not all that common.
Fit and finish are good, with a lot of features you wouldn't expect of an inexpensive boat. I can't tell you how dry she may be, but I suspect that won't be a problem. But I didn't care for her looks...she just didn't have that sleek, seagoing appearance...mt impression only. Yours may be different. And she didn't feel lively to me. A solid, dependable boat, but not exciting. I may have made a mistake, but I passed her up in favor of the more lively Eclipse. Just a matter of personal priorities. I may just get back to her someday...