| Kayaking the Calms |
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| Written by Rick Hill |
| Saturday, 01 July 2000 05:48 |
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It may have already occurred to you that specifying a particular group of kayaks as "recreational" implies others are not. Thus—are you now wondering if boats exist specifically for tasks such as hauling wood (work kayaks) or, maybe, just paddling to and from one's job (commuter kayaks)? I certainly don't know of any. Let us concede, then, that unless you've hired on as an Eco-tourism guide or are subsisting on seal meat somewhere, most any kayak you paddle is a recreational kayak. Nonetheless, the paddlesports industry needed some way to categorize all those large-cockpit kayaks accessorizing the roofs of SUVs in television ads which, also, just happen to be emerging as the biggest sellers in most manufacturers' inventories. This may be because a vast majority of the populace does not envision themselves crashing down Class V rapids or paddling 150 miles of wilderness coastline when saying to themselves, "I think I'd like to try a kayak." Where they do see themselves is coasting down lazy rivers, poking around a pond with their pooch, or dropping a line over the side in front of the summer cabin. They do not see themselves rolling—and they worry about drowning. Subsequently, the recreational kayak has emerged as the ultimate "starter" boat for those wanting to just try it out or who simply need a small and stable platform for enjoying the outdoors. The recreational boat meets such needs by incorporating the five following basic design characteristics: relative shortness (easy to get off the SUV); rotomolded construction (inexpensive); large cockpits (don't want to drown); very high initial stability (don't want to roll); and built-in cup holders (want to relax). But are they any fun to paddle? We sampled just a few to find out—there are many more out there—and were pleasantly surprised. Sierra by Perception Length: 11'1"; Width: 28.25"; Wt.: 43 lbs; MSRP: $479; Info.: (800) 59-KAYAK, www.kayaker.com Standard features: recessed deck fittings, carry toggles, adjustable back, padded seat, drain plugs, adjustable foot braces, beverage holder. Options: child's seat, rear hatch and bulkhead. This is an attractive looking boat with recessed channels on the underside to assist with tracking and, I assume, provide additional stiffness to the hull. The cockpit is huge (47 inches long) and provides enough room for an optional child, dog or assorted gear. A shallow V hull configuration allowed a bit of lively feel with my 200 lbs. of cargo, yet the initial and secondary stability is very good—at least to the point where water starts coming over the cockpit. Top speed is about what you would expect for an 11-foot boat, though I wish it took a little less effort to keep it there. The Sierra tracked well, however, which is exactly what one worries about in a kayak of this length. This is also a deep boat without a lot of deck next to the coaming so you can take a higher stroke angle without banging the knuckles. Overall, a nice platform with plenty of volume for wiggly paddlers and passengers while still maintaining a sporty feel. A top feature? The cup holder provides a slot for a handle. Scout by Walden Kayak (see intro photo) Length: 12'; Width: 30"; Wt.: 50 lbs.; MSRP: $599; Info.: (978) 456-9200, www.waldenkayak.com Standard features: recessed deck fittings, front and rear deck rigging, carry toggles, adjustable back, padded seat, drain plugs, adjustable foot braces, beverage holder, built-in storage/cooler. Walden should probably get partial credit for starting this trend. It was Walden, some years ago, who began aggressively marketing a short, inexpensive kayak made of recycled materials called The Naturalist and within a year or so everybody was following suit. Though a bit longer than the original, the Scout maintains the same characteristics including a large 54" cockpit that will accommodate a small child or dog in front of the paddler. Hull characteristics include a pronounced keel at the rear with rounded sides and a generally flat bottom resulting in rock solid stability and good tracking. The top speed and acceleration falls in the average range with other boats in this review and though you can lean it—it would rather not. However, this kayak is really designed as the quintessential flatwater platform and to that end Walden has built-in a small "cooler" under the rear hatch—basically a molded rectangular compartment sans insulation. Other "recreational" features include recessed grooves on either side of the cockpit for securing the paddle when your hands are otherwise occupied and, of course, the obligatory cup holder. Another good choice for poking around quiet lakes and streams—and you can keep the fish on ice. Bayou by Dagger Length: 10'8"; Width: 28"; Wt.: 45 lbs.; MSRP: $529; Info.: (865) 882-0404, www.dagger.com Standard features: recessed deck fittings, front and rear deck rigging, carry toggles, adjustable back, padded seat, drain plugs, adjustable foot braces, beverage holder. This is a shorter and less sleek-looking kayak than some of the other boats reviewed, but it doesn't paddle that way. Though the top speed isn't any better than the rest it is the best at maintaining that speed. A more rounded hull shape and flatter bottom also contributes to excellent stability, and the boat stiffens almost to a stop when leaned. The cockpit, however, is smaller than most other models (36 inches) and is more reminiscent of many entry level sea kayaks now on the market. This means you can get some knee under the front deck for bracing while still leaving enough room to fall out during a capsize. Being shallower and shorter than most of the boats in the review, I assumed it would also be stiffer. So I was surprised to find some subtle oil canning. Still, the shorter length made it fun to put on edge for quick turns and the bottom flex was not pronounced. As for the all-important beverage holder, its was the shallowest, but one which will easily hold a big cup with a handle—letting you take along your favorite ceramic coffee mug. Loon 138 by Old Town Length: 13' 8"; Width: 29.5"; Wt.: 54 lbs.; MSRP: $539; Info.: (800) 595-4400, www.otccanoe.com Standard features: recessed deck fittings, front deck rigging, carry toggles, adjustable back, padded seat, drain plugs, adjustable foot braces, beverage holder, sliding seat. Options: rudder, rear hatch. Old Town manufactures many kayaks that fall within the "recreational" designation and one of their shorter kayaks may have been more appropriate for comparison with the rest of these boats. Still, the Loon 138 is a fair representation of many of the recreational boats out there as long as you keep in mind that it is up to three feet longer than the other boats in this review. Having said that, it is not surprising that the Loon 138 had the best top speed though it was not the most efficient. Again, the cockpit is monstrous and will accommodate small pets or a child. Old Town has also gotten innovative with an adjustable seat that allows the paddler's position to change relative to the center of the boat. Thus, with the seat slid all the way back this is a good tracking kayak while a more forward position increases its maneuverability. Like the Walden, paddle storage is provided on the side deck though I occasionally caught a knuckle on one of the fittings. This is a very stable and roomy platform and the adjustable seat allows a variety of applications. My only complaint is that Old Town does not provide tie-down fittings on the rear deck and there is no way to rig for a paddle float rescue. The exceptional initial stability of the boat might argue for never needing to do that and it does not beckon one to push the envelope, but the larger volume also suggests some will venture into rougher conditions and any craft can be capsized. Otherwise, a fine cup holder complements a well thought-out cruiser for most recreating endeavors or even light touring. Cruz by Necky Length: 12'6"; Width 29"; Wt.: 44 lbs.; MSRP: $540; Info.: (604) 850-1206, www.necky.com Standard features: deck fittings, front and rear deck rigging, carry toggles, adjustable back, adjustable foot braces, drop skeg. Options: rear hatch, bulkhead, padded seat. With no cup holder and deck fittings attached with hardware, Necky's Santa Cruz doesn't project much flash. But a multi-chine hull configuration coupled with a bit of rocker places it among the top for paddling responsiveness. Top speed and acceleration is in the average range but turning responsiveness, especially when heeled, is better than most. This would be the other boat I would take for an outing in the waves. Stability is good and a smaller cockpit (36 inches) makes it easier to grab hold with the knees. Yet, as with the Bayou, there is still plenty of space for getting in and out. The rocker results in a little less tracking integrity than some other models so Necky has compensated with a drop skeg mounted on the stern. Basically a non-turning rudder, you just lower it down when needed. This kayak definitely will hold its own if you desire a boat that will do double duty as a stable platform yet get the adrenaline pumping if you want to get fancy. Just don't lean too far with your coffee cup because it is going to slide all over the place. Santa Pungo by Wilderness System Length: 12'1"; Width: 29.5"; Wt.: 50 lbs.; MSRP: $549; Info.: (336) 434-7470, www.youcanpaddle.com Standard features: recessed deck fittings, front and rear deck rigging, carry toggles, adjustable back, padded seat, drain plugs, adjustable foot braces, extra flotation, beverage holder, day hatch. Once again Wilderness Systems has come up with a unique looking boat with the name to match. Although its shape in front is similar to that of the Sierra, the Pungo's narrow and sloping back is reminiscent of the speed boats on Miami Vice. This was the only boat in the review that did not sit flat on the grass prior to launch, due in part to a unique design incorporating multi chines, a pronounced keel line, and what can best be described as tumblehome. The top speed is equal to or slightly better than the rest of the pack and the acceleration is noticeably better. There is also a very responsive feel to the boat, and it may be one to grab if you are inclined to play in small surf. Still, it tracks well, without the need for complicated correction strokes. The cockpit is similar in size to the Sierra, as is the depth. But the hull design helps it get on edge a little easier, and once there the turns come more quickly. Stability, subsequently, is a little looser, but still well within the acceptable range of a "recreational" kayak. In short, it's a very nice combination of recreational platform with enough pizzazz to get a little adventurous. As a bonus, it comes with a small waterproof bag sealed under a rear hatch for day items. It's also clearly the winner with regards to the deepest beverage holder of the lot. Originally Published, Paddler July-August 2000 |
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