| Six Seaworthy Expedition Sit-On-Tops |
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| Written by Dave Collins |
| Monday, 01 July 2002 02:01 |
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The New Wave The words "sit-on-top" don’t inspire much in an expedition paddler, other than guffaws. While most paddlers think of sit-on-top (SOT) kayaks as for the rec crowd only, the new wave of expedition-worthy craft are surprisingly high performance. These craft, complete with advanced hull design, bulkheads, rudders and comfortable seats, fill a previously empty niche. It’s about time. The virtues of SOTs for warm-weather paddling are obvious—paddling a closed-cockpit boat in the tropics is like paddling in a pizza oven. Secondly, intermediate paddlers without a bombproof roll rejoice at the ease of re-entry into a SOT—simply flip the capsized craft back over and wriggle aboard—no more blowing up a paddle float, pumping out gallons of water and fumbling with your skirt. Also, capsizing in the surf-zone without a roll means no longer trying to drag a 1,000-pound plastic tub of water onto the beach before the next set comes in. Lastly, if you plan on combining snorkeling, diving or fishing (both spear and line) with sea kayaking, a sit-on-top allows you full access to these accoutrements without having to beach. In fact, some sit-on-tops are set up especially to accommodate these activities. Free the skirt—here are some winners from which to choose. Tarpon by Wilderness Systems Length: 16’, Width: 28", Wt.: 63 lbs, Max. Capacity: 325 lbs., MSRP: $749, $899 (w/rudder). Info: (800) 311-7245, www.wildernesssystems.com Standard Features: cup holder, foot braces, back support, dry storage bow and stern hatches, and an optional rudder. The first thing I noticed about the Tarpon is how high it floats out of the water. Of all the sit-on-tops I paddled, the Tarpon kept my pants the driest (unfortunately, this remains a problem in sit-on-top technology). The second thing I noticed is its incredible initial and secondary stability, thanks to its substantial width. Hull speed is a bit on the slow side, but not as slow as I expected given the width. If you like to fish this is your SOT (it comes with a full fishing package as the Tarpon Angler). The storage compartments are generous enough to do a weekend tour in comfort and the open cockpit has ample room to bring the dog along. I don’t recommend the Tarpon for lengthier expeditions or paddling in high winds where tracking is compromised due to its exposure above the water. Given its quick turning ability, though, the Tarpon does quite well in exploring mangroves and swamps. If you’re a beginner looking for a stable craft to start out in, or a more experienced paddler who’s serious about catching some fish, reel in the Tarpon. Cobra Expedition Length: 18’, Width: 23.5", Wt.: 48 lbs., Max. Capacity: 425 lbs., MSRP: $990, $1,507 (w/rudder). Info: (310) 327-9216, www.cobrakayaks.com Standard features: self-bailing open cockpit, full perimeter deck lines, adjustable foot braces, grab handles. Options include padded back band, leg straps, hatches and rudder. Cobra only makes sit-on-top kayaks, and the Expedition is just that—their model suitable for expeditions. Like Heritage’s Expedition, Cobra’s model is fast and efficient. At 18’ long, the Expedition can get up a good head of steam. With its V-shaped hull it’s a stable craft, though the low-profile deck allows a lot of splash, so it’s recommended only for warm-water touring, and for intermediate to advanced paddlers. What the low-profile deck allows, though, is less wind resistance, meaning more kudos for long-distance tours. Furthermore, the Cobra Expedition can carry a hefty 425 pounds, and with three dry hatches, this boat is unsurpassed among sit-on-tops for the long expedition. In addition, with its narrow profile and thigh straps, the Expedition rolls and performs heavy hip-snaps with ease. Other nifty features include a high-tech, one-way bilge valve that works better the faster you go, which isn’t a tall order in this speedster. Tandem by Heritage Length: 16’6", Sponson Width: 30", Waterline Width: 26", Wt.: 86 lbs., Max. Capacity: 575 lbs., MSRP: $1,190, $1,375 (w/rudder). Info: (401) 253-3408, www.heritagekayaks.com Standard Features: self-bailing open cockpit, full perimeter deck lines, wide padded back band, adjustable foot braces, bow and stern hatches, grab handles. The Tandem is included because it is simply the best double sit-on-top sea kayak on the market. It doesn’t feel super stable at first but once you get it going stability really picks up, and when you need to edge it, the sponsons are there to reassure any doubts. Hull speed is great for a double. Storage could be a little more generous—as it is there’s enough to do an overnight trip without trouble, but you would have to pack super light and resupply often for a multi-day expedition. If needed, it can be paddled solo with only a little ballast in the front. The Tandem is fitting for beginner to advanced paddlers who are looking for a weekend getaway kayak suitable for exploring a calm lagoon to cruising the open ocean. Just don’t forget the kayak cart for hauling this one to and from the water. Expedition MK II by Heritage Length: 17’4", Sponson Width: 26", Waterline Width: 22", Wt.: 68 lbs., Max. Capacity: 310 lbs., MSRP: $1,120, $1,305 (w/rudder). Info: (401) 253-3408, www.heritagekayaks.com Standard Features: self-bailing open cockpit, full perimeter deck lines, wide padded back band, adjustable foot braces, bow and stern hatches, grab handles, side handles. The first thing you notice about the Expedition MK II is its classic Greenland-style hull and deck. It looks fast and it is. What separates this craft from the rest is a more advanced hull design, which utilizes sponsons to provide secondary stability when needed. When paddling the boat flat, only the 22-inch-wide hull is in the water, leaving the 26-inch-wide sponsons just above. Only when you put the kayak on edge to turn or avoid a broadside wave do the sponsons come into play, providing the needed secondary stability. Thus, good hull speed is available without compromising secondary stability. The sponsons also help block water from splashing into the open cockpit. The tracking ability is superb without the rudder, largely due to the curved chines. It doesn’t turn quickly while flat, but because of the stability the sponsons offer when on edge you are able to compensate by doing big edge turns. The storage compartment design allows for easy accessibility without having to mess with a bunch of straps and buckles. Smaller paddlers may find this 17-foot craft too much boat, but larger paddlers will appreciate it. All in all, the Expedition MK II was the highest performance kayak of the lot. I highly recommend it for intermediate to advanced expeditionary paddlers who demand hull speed, edge control and storage capacity (good deck storage space as well). Its only drawback: Beginners might find it a bit shaky due to the low initial stability. Napali by Perception Length: 15’8", Width: 26.5", Wt.: 65 lbs., ax. Capacity: 375 lbs., MSRP: $799.99, $949.99 (w/rudder). Info: (800) 59-KAYAK, www.perceptionkayaks.com Standard Features: rubber-molded grab handles, dry storage, deck rigging and perimeter safety static lines, bow and stern hatches, Keepers foot braces, drain plug. Hull speed picks up on the Napali and tracking improves a bit over the Tarpon, but it sits lower in the water, making the paddler more susceptible to cockpit-splash. The Napali maintains solid initial and secondary stability. The rudder, which helps increase its turning response significantly, is recommended. Storage space is generous, allowing for longer expeditions and the storage compartments stay fairly dry (I still haven’t found completely dry storage, but continue to search). The safety static lines are a nice addition as well. The Napali is a good boat for beginners to strong intermediates looking for a stable and predictable craft that can handle multi-day trips and various water conditions. It’s not recommended for the surf zone due to its low deck and lack of rocker. Dolphin by Necky Length: 14’, Width: 29", Wt.: 55 lbs., MSRP: $749, $899 (w/rudder). Info: (866) 632-5987, www.necky.com Standard Features: grab handles, side handles, bow and stern hatches, deck plate hatch, recessed scuba tank storage, foot pedals. As its name suggests, the Dolphin is a playful kayak in the sense that you can maneuver it easily and that it surfs better than the rest of the bunch. This is largely because it has an upturned bow to prevent pearling and a flat hull, which allows it to turn easily, not because of its edging ability. This design works for surfing, but the upturned bow hurts hull speed and tracking ability (rudder suggested) and so it can be a bear on long tours. The initial stability is solid, but secondary stability leaves a little to be desired. If you plan to do any scuba diving while paddling, this is the craft. The recessed scuba storage in the back is big enough to fit one tank. I did appreciate the drain holes in the foot area instead of in the center of the cockpit. However, the holes let some water into the seat area when the boat is edged significantly. This is a great kayak for beginners to advanced paddlers who want to play in the surf and do short tours to a diving or snorkeling spot, not for long distances or more than an overnight trip. Originally Published, Paddler July-August 2002 |
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