Okay, I have posted this thread on p-net before. But If you are a member you know I am OBSESSED with touring kayaks. Just a warning, I obbsess about kayaks alot. I am intersted in what kind of boats people have because I want to see what people prefer. I'm just curious. Anyways, What kayak(s) do you paddle?? If you have a fleet, what is your fav in the fleet??

Mine:

Pamlico 140.

I have a Perception Eco Bezhig my wife a Prijon Seayak

Hope this keeps your jitters at ease for a few hours

Cheers

Bill

Cool Boat, wierd name.

A Sevylor Eskimo, Old Town 138 Loon and Current Designs Sirocco.

Two Necky Lookshas (purple & green), Old Town Dirigo 120, Dirigo 140

We have two PWS Otters that we've been paddling for 20 years along with two doubles from the days we were involved with a tour company. The doubles were great when our kids were an appropriate age to ride in the front cockpit for camping trips as we paddled the boat as a single. Our favorite for kid in a front cockpit was our Seascape.

Current fleet (oldest to newest)
Old Towne Adventure XL
Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 Pro
Perception Carolina 14.5 (was on sale! bought for guests)
Impex Force Cat 5

Up until last month the WS Tempest was my favorite. Now, the Impex will be my personal boat, with the rest of the fleet for guests.

Prijon Seayak - my first boat, and got me addicted to this sport.

P & H Expedition Quest

Liquid Logic Scooter - for surfing beach break

Soon to acquite NDK Romany standard sized.

Guess I am obsessed too!

Steve

Well, a Nordkapp obviously. I wish I could find a better kayak. I've tried many, but few come close to making me feel like part of the water - in other words, the fact I'm in a kayak seems less obvious, connecting me more with the environment. Perhaps it is the low foredeck - I don't know. It is not a fast boat as some of the waterline is above the surface, but heavily loaded in a big sea, I can paddle at 3 to 4 knots and never tire.

My wife has an out-of-production McNulty Huntsman. She wanted a responsive British boat that didn't feel tippy despite its width. The hull cross section is a little flatter than modern designs, with flared out sides, translating to nice secondary stability (whatever that is, depending upon your understanding of hull dynamics).

I'm hoping to make a SOF this year for day trips and rolling tricks. I need to get both my teenage daughters some boats too.

Just about all my hardcore friends paddle NDK Romany kayaks, with WS Tempests and Necky Chathams next in the row

I paddle a Current Designs Solstice

Thanks for posting the McNulty Huntsman meeting the designer encounter. A nice little piece of paddling "history." Didn't McNulty make those troublesome, screw-on 7" hatches years ago? I replaced my wife's with Kajak Sport units.

While the Huntsman is not in the same class as modern kayaks - even a lot of the Eddyline kayaks are faster and more manouverable, the price was right and my wife loves it. We bought a used one made in North America I assume. Not sure if it was an authorized reproduction or not, as I don't know the history of the boat but have been told there was a time when thay were made near Vancouver BC.

I should correct my last post that stated the Nordkapp looses potential hull speed as some of its waterline is above the surface. Of course, I should have said that some of the kayak's length is above the waterline. Many boats are that way. I know someone who reproduced a Nordkapp (I'm talking pre-Jubilee model)with permission in a strip boat and added more waterline length under the bow.

Speaking of mini "historical" meetings, I was out paddling my Nordkapp in the early 80's along Vancouver Island's east coast. I bumped into Doug Simpson, test paddling his new Feathercraft on a very long multi-day trip. Still is a beautiful folder and sells well. Those were the days, when paddlers raced toward each other to say hi, and waved or honked at each other passing by in their kayak-loaded cars.

Hi everyone, new to this forum and this is my first post.

Today I paddled my new kayak for the first time a Valley Nordkapp. Before that I had an North Shore Buccaneer for ten years. Started paddling in an Caribou CXH.

Never heard of a "huntsman". I actually got my pamlico 140 because of its style. I was looking for a poly touring kayak, and the Pamlico 140 was the nicest looking one I saw. For some reason, The boat stood out in the store, It was just so stylish, and at that moment, I knew I had to have it. This store was packed with kayaks. And I looked at the whole inventory, then I looked at the other retailers, And I chose the Pamlico 140. I thought it was the nicest kayak ever, And I still do. Has anyone here ever seen one in real life or paddled one??

Old Town 14'6" Egret (in 'can you see me now?' bright yellow!)

Wilderness Systems Cape Pro 14’5”
Wilderness Systems Cape Pro 15’5”
For the kids and wife. These are nice wide stable kayaks with rudders for those who just like to go out once in a while and putz around.

My Kayak is a P&H Capella 163.
A very nice mid-size (16’5”) kayak for tooling around on local lakes, weekend camping, or even a week up on Superior. Easy to roll, easy to maneuver, fast and nice looking. What else can you ask for???

Mike

You might see me in my OT 138 Loon, my CD Sirocco, or maybe my Eskimo inflatable. And one of these days you might see me in a new NC Expedition.

Wilderness Systems Tempest 170
Aquaterra Spectrum (older 14 foot boat)
Necky Jive (whitewater)

I've had the Spectrum for years and it is a great all around boat. Stable, yet pretty quick. I got the Tempest last year and love it. Using my Werner Corryvrecken paddle, I can move.

Dirigo 17 (freighter)
Wilderness System Pungo 14
Old Town Guide 17 (canoe)
2 other canoes, 12'+ 16'
16' jonboat (down river rowing\fishing)
Love the Dirigo 17, looking for new kayak similar to.
Bill

I've got 4 boats ,all for different purposes.I have a 4.2 mtr Spirit crosstrainer ,a type of sit on top kayak that is fantastic fun in the surf. I have also a dagger 3mtr whitewater boat ,a 4.8 mtr Q kayaks Shearwater sea kayak which is great when it's really rough or when paddling near reefs or surf and have just bought a 5.5 mtr Point 65 north X.P. a fast expedition boat for longer paddles.

I've got 4 boats ,all for different purposes.I have a 4.2 mtr Spirit crosstrainer ,a type of sit on top kayak that is fantastic fun in the surf. I have also a dagger 3mtr whitewater boat ,a 4.8 mtr Q kayaks Shearwater sea kayak which is great when it's really rough or when paddling near reefs or surf and have just bought a 5.5 mtr Point 65 north X.P. a fast expedition boat for longer paddles.

Just 2 boats: Primary boat is modified (their hull design, my deck and cockpit) CLC Patuxent 17, stitch-and-glue plywood, built from plans in 1995. Winter boat is the old 1984 Dirigo 17, glass. Very beamy and stable for icy winter water conditions. Both models are long extinct, but they continue to suit me just fine.

We have two Perception Carolina rotomolded single boats and a Northwest Kayaks Seascape Expedition double.
Kathleen in her red Perception Carolina

John and Doug in the double

Just this past Sunday we took the boats through the Ballard Locks, which was quite the fun experience - especially for the three-year old!

A great thing about kayaking along the Lake Washington Ship Canal is the opportunity to see the celebrity fishing boats featured on the Discovery Channel's show "Deadliest Catch".

We always see the Northwestern and the Wizard in the Ship Canal, and often see others featured on the show as well.

Close-up view of the Wizard

The Northwestern

Under the Northwestern's stern

My wife and I each have a Perception Eclipse. I also have a Dagger creek boat for some white water fun.

Hi,

I'm new here and just wanted to say hello.

I have two boats purchased this year. The first is a Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125 and the second is a Hurricane Aquasports Tracer 165. Both boats are totally different animals but give me a nice range in paddling choices.I'm still learning each boats pros and cons so you might say I've been challenged a bit. It's definately been fun and I look forward to gaining more experience with my new obsession.

Gary

I picked up a Wilderness Systems Tsunami 120 just over a month ago. So far I love it. When I went on a guided tour a week ago she asked the length of my kayak. 12 feet I said. I started to wonder if I should have picked up something slightly longer but after some discussion I felt like I had made the correct choice. Anyway, I love it. I feel comfortable. I feel like I can explore a wide range of possibilities with this kayak.

Eddyline Fathom

VALLEY AQUANAUT carbon kevlar white deck clear coat hull!
Looks too good to scratch!

im new here also. I paddle an Impex Mystic which is a little too small for me.Its a nice boat otherwise.

I've now upgraded to an Eddyline Nighthawk 16. What an amazing boat! The Hurricane Tracer was nice but this one just feels better. The improved tracking and speed really sets it apart. The construction and attention to detail is far better but you pay more for that. I'm thrilled with my NH in every way.

Gary

Okay, I just added to my little fleet. I ordered a new NC Expedition last month and it is now sitting in my shop. If you've never seen an NC kayak, you really should. They don't just build kayaks, they build, or create works of art. Their website (nckayaks.com) does a pretty good job of describing what they are about, but the pictures and descriptions can't begin to do justice to their gorgeous products.

I can't wait until the weather allows me to put this beauty on the water.

I sold our two well-loved Perception Carolina 15.5's (our first boats). In October we bought my wife a rotomolded Necky Eliza (15.3) and for myself a thermoformed Delta 18.5 Sport, both new and at incredible prices. I paddled it a few times in October in Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. It is thermoformed plastic and weighs under 60 lbs. It feels very light in the water and seems faster than the Carolinas. It turns easily with a moderate rocker and the rudder is not needed. It is beautifully equipped and finished. I'm waiting for a rolling class on 1/31 and we can't wait for spring.

As of a few hours ago, i'm the proud new owner of a mango Current Designs Storm. I can't wait to paddle her and give a report.

I also have an Ocean Kayak Scrambler (Angler XT) and my wife paddles a Necky Manitou 13.

Im getting a Atlantis Titan 18,upgrading from a Wilderness systems Tsunami 125 pro.

I have a Les Cheneaux from Great Lakes Kayak. It's a 1989 model that was unseaworthy when I purchased it. There were three holes in the hull caused by transportation damage by the PO. Hull is now fixed and I've paddled it a few times. It's around 16.5' long.

Good on you, Roy. Looks like a craft worthy of rescue.

I got my red C.D. Caribou last night. I was in a pool session last night and took it home. Now lets get rid of the snow. As much as I love to X-country ski I wanna paddle my new boat.

I know what you mean; I've had my new boat out about a half dozen times and each time is better than the last.

My fleet consists of five boats:
- WS Tempest Pro 170 in kevlar (my favorite)
- Hurricane Tracer in thermoform plastic
- CD Soltice GTS in fiberglass (wife's boat)
- Dagger Animas, plastic (an older "river runner" whitewater boat)
- Aire Lynx inflatable

Mind you, it's taken me a number of years to aquire that many kayaks. Building the fleet takes time, and the doing of it occasionally strains matrimonial harmony. It also leaves your $20,000 car outside the garage in rain and snow so you can protect your $2,000 boats. But building one's fleet is a worthy task. Besides, anyone afflicted with the paddling disease cannot be content with just one craft.

P&H Iona - very old composite sea kayak, about 15' long with 2 valley round hatches and a chimp pump where most modern kayaks have the day hatch. Bought second hand very cheaply and has done me proud. However, would love a P&H Cetus!

I HAVE PADDLED;
1.NORDKAPP HM
2.NORDKAPP HS
3.P+H ICEFLOE
4.P+H ORION
5.P+H BAIDARKA
6.P+H QUEST
7.P+H CETUS
8.NDK EXPLORER
9.NDK GREENLANDER
10.INUK
11.CD GULFSTREAM
12.NORDKAPP JUBILEE
13. MARINER II

NONE REALLY IS MY FAVORITE, THEY ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL KAYAKS AND GOT ME OUT ON THE WATER, AND THAT MY FRIEND IS A FAVORITE PLACE OF MINE.
NOW GO SIT DOWN, HAVE A CUP OF COFFEE AND DIGEST THAT ONE!

I just bought a Perception Essence 16.5.

Below is a pic from my first time out in the yak. I just upgraded my paddle to a Werner Corryvrecken and am looking forward to getting out and paddling with it.

I also paddle an Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Edition (fishing), a Perception Swifty 9.5 (river floats), and a Wilderness Pamlico 100 (fishing and river).

I paddle a QCC 600X in kevlar/carbon layup with skeg. I started with a plastic Wildy Tsunami 140. Then I became obsessed with being on the water, improved my skills a bit, and wanted to be able to go faster and longer. The 600X feels like it was designed personally for me.

Old Towne made a colossal mistake when they stopped making the Egret. What a great intermediate boat - 14'6 and every inch of it in the water. Bought a second one three years ago (used), just so I would always have one!

I'm a Boreal Design Ellsmere guy, but I keep the Egrets around for fishing, river running, and guests.

Old Town Millenium 160, my first kayak purchased used but in excellent condition (boat was from last year of production).

I've been out in my new boat (C.D. Caribou) maybe 15 times. It rolls like a dream (it must if it is me rolling it). Carves a turn and goes like a rocket.
This boat is above my skill level, but I am working hard to catch up. I love reading about you folks that know your boats.... debating the different styles and attributes. I live to get in this boat. With the grand recession I am on work share on half time and the new yak is the ticket for an escape. Paddle on dudes!!!!

My wife and I each have a rotomolded Current Design Storm. She always uses her rudder but I only use it when the wind is fairly strong from the rear and I use it more like a skeg. They are roomy enough for extended camping but heavy for portageing when we have gone to Boundry Waters Canoe Area.

venture skye 17 and perception carolina 14 and for fishing a native manta ray 14.5

Started with Folbot Greenland II double. Then supplemented with Folbot Cooper for a sportier kayak. Then an old ocean-cockpited Nordkapp HS (1987) dropped from the sky and recently purchased a playboat VCP Avocet.

I like:
- Nordkapp for long-distance travel,
- Avocet for playing,
- Cooper for bringing on trips away from home and on planes,
- Greenland II for taking the entire house along with you on camping trips that don't require long-distance paddling and for sailing.

I share your passion for touring boats...for me touring is the best sea kayaking has to offer. I paddle a fiberglass Enetai, Seaworthy´s most capable touring boat. Off the top of my head, the waterline is 17 feet and it has a beam of 22 inches. I paddle the high volume model which gives me plenty of space for gear, as well as room to wiggle in the cockpit. Excellent hatch designs, though the front one is small, everything stays dry even when you bury the bow in the back of a wave. It rides great when loaded and the long waterline gives it great speed for its volume. Actually, great speed for any boat. It is nimble, but its secondary stability is excellent. Tom Wilkinson hand builds each boat, and the craftsmanship is excellent. Great lines as well. My only complaint has less to do with the boat and more to do with my skills: It is difficult to role compared to lower volume boats. That´s the nature of a high volume boat though. I have been a sea kayak guide in Southeast Alaska for nearly ten years now and have paddled dozens of hulls and thousands of miles. The Enetai is the finest boat I have ever paddled.
Alec Dickinson
Ketchikan, Alaska.

I'm pretty much brand new to Kayaking. I have a Delta Expedition 17 with tons of space for gear. I did a solo 5 night 6 day trip on Georgian Bay south of Parry Sound, Ontario this summer.

Here is a link to some pics of the trip.
http://s203.photobucket.com/albums/aa170/Funkyadventure/Misc/Kayak%20Trip/?albumview=slideshow

My 1st and only: Hurricane Tracer 165

Currently paddle a P&H Capella 163. Thinking of adding a NDK Explorer or maybe a Sterling Kayaks Illusion, although I don`t like buying a boat without an extensive test paddle. The Illusion gets great reviews.

Owning a small fleet of 13 Seayaks - my favorite is the Azul Sultan which you no longer can buy unfortunately. After owning and paddling the QCC700 my Azul, Sultan out preforms quality and I can paddle just as fast with out trying against the QCC700X. I'm a 60 yr old female 5'5" weighing in at 125 lbs, both boats are considered to big for me - lol, I've had no problem with boats being too big for me. You can be bigger built and not have the strength to paddle either.
Noticed Riot Kayak makes a boat very simular to the Sultan, if I'm not mistaken Azul had some interface with Riot prior to going out of buisness, maybe the new Riot, Sea Kayak is the same boat - still checking that one out. If anyone has the facts on this please inform me as I really love the Azul, Sultan. If they went out of buisness I feel it had to because they made to much of a good boat for the money, they lost out. Only my opinion as to the quality and handling of the boat I own and paddle, my FAVORITE over all. The Azul Sultan :-)

Old Town Cayuga 146. Love this kayak. I am 200 pounds, 5'9" and this thing can handle some pretty bad conditions. It also keeps up with alot of the faster 17-18 foot kayaks. Oh, and it turns on a dime and holds alot of cargo.
Thanks,
Patrick

I previously owned a capella 163, beautiful orange on orange boat. I currently paddle a Talon (Peregrine Kayaks). I've loved both and would recommend either.

Thanks for the pictures !! Very nice :-> Beginner ? You've got way more gear than me !!

NYCmitch25,
Great boat, gear and pics! What a beautiful destination for not only your first year or so, but to go there on a solo... NICE!
Paddle Safe,
Patrick

My first boats:
Started with a Prijon Seayak - a great, bombproof all-rounder.
Feathercraft Khatsalano S - beautiful Greenland style boat and fast. Unfortunately got annoyed by having to maintain it so recently sold it after 8 years.

My current boats:
Paddling Perfection Euro-X - fast boat and well behaved in the rough stuff (non-Kiwis can check out www.paddlingperfection.com to see what I'm talking about)
Fenn XT surfski - even faster boat, great fun for catching runs.
Cleaver-X K1 - very fast, but only for flatwater!

I'm currently lusting after a Chatham 16 in plastic. Would be a great fun play boat and a secure boat for my wife who's an occasional paddler.

Current Designs Suka in kevlar/fg
North Shore Shoreline Fuego (1997) fg
Hurricane Aquasports Tampico 135S Trylon ABS
Dagger Blast ww boat

The Fuego and Blast are no longer made so I consider them
very lucky finds.
The Suka was custom ordered by a CD rep & purchased from him
last season... another stroke of luck.

These boats are all quite different but all make me smile....

The most recent in a very long line of kayaks is a Perception Essence 16.5. It follows a Chatham 17 and a poly Avocet. I wouldn't have seriously considered the Essence based on specifications, but my local dealer had one so I tried it. It fits like a glove, and so far, I'm extremely pleased. I've only had her since 2008 and I never judge too quickly

Sock Puppet on behalf of a friend searching for his first full on seakayak, I'd be much obliged if you'd compare the Essence to the Avocet.

Currently in the mix are a very lightly used fglass Avocet, private party sale, a used Essence on consignment, good condition, and a minty Essence last one on the floor (never wet) at a local paddle shop. All are affordable and yes the Avocet will be the highest priced as it is composite, but the price for condition and extras on the Avocet (skirt, compass, cockpit cover, upgraded backband) is very appealing. Neither Essence comes w. any extras.

My friend is an excellent outdoorsman (skier, cyclist, ice skater, climber) and has paddled canoes and rec boats for a number of years. He's a lean 175 lbs, 6'0. He wants a longer boat for better performance, better speed (he has the engine) mainly for daytouring with the option to carry gear for 3-4 nights. He packs like a backpacker so having a big tripper is not a necessity.

I'm also encouraging him to consider a gorgeous used CD Caribou but that is my bias as I have a Suka '-)


thanks much

If you're looking for the best of the best at the best price, take a look www.nckayaks.com.

Lord love ya magooch, how many times have you posted that link.

No, they are not "the best of the best"... to you maybe -and that's great!

Other people have their own ideas about what is "best" and what are the "best" kayaks for their intended purpose(s).

In this case, a person is doing his own demo'ing and buying locally, in Michigan, where the used seakayak market is plentiful and deep. Wise move IMO.

I recently bought a DAG Miwok because it was all I could afford. It's a plastic boat but seems quite capable (compared to my old Geoff Barker estuary kayak which I would not take out into open ocean) except that the rudder pedals seem uncomfortable and flimsy and are mounted to the side of the hull, which being plastic does not feel rigid enough. The hatches aslo are not very water tight using a neoprene cover with loose fitting plastic covers and straps to hold them down. I think the design is good, paddles and tracks well but probably a little flimsy around the rudder pedal/hatch areas. It's very popular with tour guides because it's generally robust, easy to paddle and cheap. My first choice would have been a locally made Pittarak composite kayak.

When I offer my opinion about NC Kayaks I'm well aware that there will be different opinions, but I feel like I would be remiss if I failed to at least bring these super boats to the attention of those who are looking. They don't advertise a lot and depend almost exclusively on word-of-mouth.

I certainly don't have a problem with other people's opinions and in fact I appreciate them. I wish someone had told me about these boats when I first got into kayaking. I do realize though that it generally takes a while before a new paddler can evaluate all the traits of a given boat. I would even say that a very experienced kayaker would need a good deal of time in a boat to properly assess it. From my own experience, my first impression of the NCs--other than their remarkable good looks was that the handling was more difficult than I expected and I even questioned their speed. I was wrong on both counts. I will give this warning: If you are one who has multiple boats, an NC will cause your other boats to spend a lot of time collecting dust.

One of the reasons I offer the link is because they have sales from time to time and the only way you can find out about it is to go to their website. I do it with the best of intentions; only because I know that for anyone looking for a great boat at a great price, it would be at least worth a look. I have no financial interest in Novus Composites whatsoever. All I can say is that they are an all American company and deserve our business.

you seem a great guy, take this as meant

My friend was looking at USED kayaks in MICHIGAN.

If he wanted/could afford a new boat, we have MANY fine dealers & paddleshops out here carrying over a dozen or more fine lines in seakayaks alone - American, British, Canadian, Finnish and even Estonian (Tahe).

As to American kayaks - I have two, plus a Brit boat bought used from an American in S.F... so in that respect 2/3rd of me is, I guess, a redmeat patriot. Course my Brit boat was bought used, for $1200, from an American in S.F. with a dayboat design that was very close to a decade ahead of VCP, NDK & P&H...but I told my friend to get the boat that best suited his body, his uses, & his wallet...not to worry about its passport.

Gee, in this economy there are even sales and discounts where you can SEE the boat, TRY it out, and TAKE it home...

As it turns out-

my friend got an excellent well cared for used 2004 17' Valley Skerray RMX (that's the rotomould version) for a very affordable price - under $700. Valley's plastic stands among the best of the best (Prijon, P&H)

If that had fallen thru there were a couple very nice rotomoulded Chatham 16 and Perception Essences 17 for slightly more.

w. that kind of reference point & budget my friend wasn't gonna go for a NEW boat, not a plastic one, much less a new glass boat... Jaysus man....what did your suggestion have to do w. anything...do you get referral $$ LMAO

No Katabalic, as I stated, the only connection I have to Novus Composits is that I own one of their boats. And I will happily continue to suggest to those who are interested that they at least take a look at these great boats.

I'm glad your friend found a boat that satisfies his desire.

At the risk of starting an argument, I would opine that Valley's roto-molds are no better, nor worse than any of the other polyethylene boats that come from the better known manufacturers. Don't take that to mean that I have anything against poly boats. I have two and I love both of them.

Again, I do not mean to be overly critical of Valley's poly boats, but what is it about the plastic they use that makes them any better than any other builder. One of the tests I use to evaluate a design and the material used is to place the boat on the floor and very slowly lift the boat from the stern while observing the the deck and hull. On all of the Valley boats I have tested, the hull and deck very clearly bend when lifted in this manner.

I showed this to a very prominent Valley dealer and his reaction was, "well, ya get what ya pay for." He also mentioned to me that they had a real problem with those same boats and some others during a very hot period last summer. The boats they had stored in racks wilted like wet noodles. Neither one of my poly boats had any problem at all during that same heat wave.

My intention is not to get into a peeing match over this, but I do think that potential buyers should do some real testing on any boat they might be interested in and not just take for granted that a brand name (not just Valley) is an automatic guarantee of anything. Rigidity to me is an important element and is one thing that will get a boat crossed off my list. But that's just me.

Okay Katabalic, I reread you last post and I concur that your friend certainly did the prudent thing. I hurried through your post and focused on only a couple of things.

I really didn't mean to be overly critical of Valley's plastic boats, but I do think that the test I described is valid for any boat of interest. To tell you the truth, I haven't found any longer poly sea kayak that doesn't flex a little. It's just that I was surprised at how much the Valley boats flex.

I also didn't mean to say that being American made should necessarily give any boat preference over boats made in other countries. However, when a realy great boat is built in this country I can't help giving it some extra points. In the case of Novus Composite, they don't need any bonus points to compete with any manufacturer no matter where it is.

Before buying my Expedition, I looked at, demoed, or at least sat in as many sea kayaks as I could find and I spent more than two years in the process. As it turned out, I was able to winnow down the choices to a very small handful. None of the boats I saw, tried, or sat in was perfect and that included the NC. Price was not a high priority, because--well because I have been very fortunate, but that's not the point. I wanted what for me was the best I could find.

In the end, I decided to overlook what I thought might be a couple of weak points on the NC--namely maneuverability and speed issues. I thought I was being objective at the time and that the build quality and ravishing looks of the boat made up for handling. I couldn't have been more wrong. The handling and speed of the boat are more than a match for any other strong asset. I guess this is just me rambling, but I wish that all paddlers could find the boat that satisfies them as much as I have.

Happy paddling.

professionally i use fg7m double rosco's(can be a bit tippy if i have larger clients),also use double perception swings ep (don't start me on how much of a wind trap these very basic craft are,that allmost being said they are good for begginers or nervous nellies who fear a cockpit kayak),personally i recentally purchased a 4.6m seabird tourer ep i find it great for overnite or extended tours to coral islands or coral cays(pretty robust in it can take medium level missue)(i.e coral beach landings),also a 4.5m geoff barker tourer fg mainly used for training and speed work-outs(it is great for rolling practice, considering it's over 10 years old it's a great little craft),also have a dagger blast which only comes out to play when there is a cyclone close enough to our coast to produce swell over 3-4 metres with 30-40 knot winds {flamin great barrier reef stops all the good swell)(allways have a smile on the dial when in the dagger),also have a varity of wind-surfer boards used for stand-u p paddling,putting crab pots out,or skurfing behind boats...

I paddle a 20yr old Norski Puysegur (made in Blenheim New Zealand, they no longer make sea kayaks so it's a rare breed now)She's British greenland style fibreglass boat, hard chined with a deep v hull, no skeg no rudder ( the way a sea kayak should be . I love it! There aren't many boats like this found in NZ we are a nation of paddlers that love rudders!

Hard chines, soft chines, rudders, skegs--whatever works and it's very good to hear from you New Zealanders.

I have activated the "allow images" option in this forum. If you go to the FAQ section of this forum there is a good set of directions. I tried to post them here but the code behaved as code and turned invisible in the post.

I did find that each picture has to have a unique URL or you will see a link rather than the photo in your post.

Looking forward to seeing some great boat photos
Michael

The three:
Necky Chatham 18
Feathercraft Whisper
Sterling Ice Cap (the fiancée’s but she lets me take it out on occasion)

Hello all! New to the Forums...

I just picked up a brand new P&H Scorpio LV.... loving it!


Ivan
8^)

I have a Riot "Brittany " it's a 16'6" sea kayak made in Canada ( now all new ones come from China ) ....
I love it ...
Have been on several extended trips already

My wife has a P&H "Capella" the real fancy red /white ...and of wourse the carbon bent shaft paddle must go along with it
( she likes it like a form fitting glove )

These were our 2nd kayaks, originally we started with a Perception Carolina 14 and a Current Design Vision 150 a few years ago.

I always have a eye for newer models ...especially for touring
like some of from Necky and Wilderness Systems

I just purchased two Wilderness Systems Cape Horns one is 17ft. and the other for my wife is a 15ft. These are my first kayaks and I can hardly wait to get on the waters of Georgian Bay. I was looking to buy new Elies Strait XEs but I purchased the Cape Horns which are used but in excellent condition.

I have 2 Wilderness Systems Tsunami 140's.
I just bought a Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 and pick it up tommorrow. It is January and won't be able to try it out for a few months. But I can't wait. All my kayaks are rotomolds because I plan on spending alot of time on Georgian bay. I don't want to worry about damaging a composite kayak on rocks. There is a big price difference.

Actually the Puysegur is made by Sisson Kayaks, now in Methven and you have a Sea King. Norski also made the Seaward F which is my design and a double, the Gemini II. There are a couple (or one if he sold one of them) of the Sea Kings down here in Christchurch.



Due to it being windy so often.

Personally I paddle a Mac50L and my partner built the first Mac50 over a decade ago. S&G, wood is the way to go.

Alex

I paddle an Epic 18X performance, Easy Rider ESKIMO 17 CRX 3G 3-Piece T-A-P Kevlar©/Graphite, Jackson 4Fun Whitewater, AIRE Tomcat II whitewater, and a Pyrana Large karnoli creek boat whitewater.

Impex Assateague,CD Gulfstream and just sold P&H Quest (beautiful boat)but required a certian ammount of concentration to remain upright. My son has a CD Cypress hanging in the garage as well. I really enjoy the Assateague and Gulfstream as they both are very similar to paddle. Assateague is longer, more narrow and seems better in following seas.Somehow they both feel the same in flat water...

1984 Nordkapp HM. Ocean cockpit, chimp on right rear deck. A better boat than I am a paddler...

I've been paddling a Hurricane Tampico 140S for the past two seasons and love it on all counts. It holds a line without skeg or rudder in 4-6 foot ocean swell, has a profile that is shallow enough to avoid weather cocking, looks great and weighs in at only 42 lbs. By far my favorite boat to date.

I started paddling a (Cloud Blue) Old Town Loon 120 it really is a decent watercraft. My biggest complaints about it are: the hard rim of the cockpit make it a real pain to shoulder carry. The seat straping has plastic clips to adjust for thighs which are flimsy and broke quickly. Around the same time my best friend bought an Old Town Otter Its versatile but honestly IMO a bit of a tugboat. My siter bought a store brand tupperware Kayak. My next boat is a (red) Wilderness Systems Pamlico 110 its purely a recreation kayak and I had to add the bulkhead to give it dry storage but it has a nice smooth cockpit opening with thigh pads. Its good enough to fish out of and is maneuverable in fast water but I wouldnt call it a fast boat. My dad loves it so I gave it to him. My current Kayak is a (Mango) Wilderness Systems Tempest. Its really a great kayak breaking waves out on Lake Erie and yet doesnt leave me feeling guilty when I scrape logs and stuff on the Grand River behind my house.

i am a brand new kayaker this year. my very first timeout was in my friends nordkapp. An incredible experience. Since then i have been looking at getting my own boat. Tried the impex outer island and the assateague. both were alright but neither compared to the feeling i get in the nordkapp. Was planning on buying a force cat 4 until tonight after work when my friend called me and offered the nordkapp for me to buy. So as of right now i am the proud owner of a 1990 nordkapp. He also gave me a custom made greenland paddle. 4 days till the weekend when i hit the water. happy paddling everyone

I paddle three Prijon's, a Combi, a Cruiser 430 and a Marlin Prilite. All have there differences for various waters. I'm happy with the quality, comfort and handling of all three.

I currently have 3 kayaks:
I have a Riot Brittany w/rudder. It was my first kayak and is almost never used anymore. A good kayak, but I like the 2 other kayaks better.
I have a NDK Romany which is superb and playful in rough water and play. This is the kayak i use most of the times, because I like to play in the rock gardens and tidewater .
And last but not least is a P&H Quest LV, which is a beautiful and incredibly good boat in all conditions. Not as playful as the Romany, but a lot faster and with more comfort than the Romany. All these tests claiming this boat to be unstable are wrong . This is the original boat (from 2007) with the original seat, and it is a pleasure to paddle unloaded as well .

Boreal Designs Baffin P2
Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145

THE CURRENT FLEET:
Seaworthy Designs - Enetai (17')
Evolution - Diversion 16-3 (16'-parabolic)
Prijon - Touryak (15')
Delta - Fourteen5 (14')
Old Town - Loon 100
Old Town - Loon 120
Old Town - Castine (13')
+ many others over the years

I put together a web showcase w/photos & specs:
My Kayak Fleet

Well, I have a folding kayak and I usually like to paddle it. I have paddled it in a river just 2 days ago. The paddling of kayak makes me too happy and I feel quite refresh after paddling my boat.
____________

New member here thought i'd say hi and make this my first post

Our current fleet:

2-Old Town Camden 120 angler's

1-Necky Kyook 15'

1-Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 pro (my wife's current ride)

1-Wilderness Systems Pungo 100

And i just ordered for myself a yesterday a Wilderness Systems Tempest 170

Can't wait to get that Tempest and get out!

My first sea kayak was the Cayuga 146. Love, love, love this sea kayak. Plenty of storage and it handles everything that is thrown at it. Also, for a 14 1/2 foot boat, it is fast. Down side is the seating;not the best seat for re-entry.
Two years ago, I bought a used glass Betsie Bay Manitou. 18 foot, fast, handles everythig quite well and fantastic for rolling. Down side is the storage. This boast is 22", so the storage hatches are small. Luckly I travel with my bud who has a Current Design with more than enough storage. The plus with the storage is that it is 99% water tight.

New guy here. Got bitten by the kayaking bug by way of fishing. I have a SOT Pelican Eclipse 130 as a loaner yak and a Hobie Revolution pedal craft as my personal fishing platform. I just acquired my first true sea kayak, a glass 18' Northwest Kayaks Discover. I can't wait to take it out for her inaugural paddle. Really excited to put in miles of coastline touring this summer and fall. Totally stoked!!!

I am buying my 1st kayak and I have tested a few out. I like the Solstice GT by Current Designs - feels awesome, but I noticed a used glass Equinox by Current Designs in my area for only $1000. Can anyone tell me the difference between these two? Thank you.

Well, if Current Designs used to build a model called Equinox, I don't think they do anymore. Eddyline builds a boat called Equinox. It might be that the ad is wrong--if that's where you got this from.

Newbie to the forum...very happy with my Seaward Southwind.

I own 4 kayaks:

2 Wilderness Systems Tsunami 140's
and
2 Wilderness Systems Tempest 170's

I absolutely love the Tempest 170. I keep the 140's for the kids and friends to use.

My wife and I each have an Eddyline Nighthawk. Have had these since we got into kayaking in 2001 and I can't say enough good things about these boats.


In the family we also have the now discontinued Perception Carolina 15.5 and Perception Catalina. Both solid yaks for flatwater and perform well within reason on the big lakes.


A WS Rascal, a fun little boat for lakes and rivers.


And a couple of Perception ARCs I picked up used to run the rivers.


The last two pics I just grabbed of the net, though look the same as ours except for the colors of the ARCs.

I paddle Triena Charon Sea Kayak with 7 layers composite under me. Tough one.

In past I have had:

Tahe Lifestyle
Easky 17 by Venture
Perception by Essence
Necky Chatham
Prijon Protheus Kevlar

I paddle a Wilderness Tsunami poly 14'. I've had it for 4 years and love it. However, I am ready for a composite 16', but not sure which one. Plan on demoing a few.