Hi guys ,lets get this thing started!

Can anyone recommend a fast sea kayak. I'm looking for something long , narrow, and exiting, not the type of boat you would use for touring. I currently paddle an Island Expedition which is a really high volume touring boat, great for camping, but too much windage when it blows, then again the offset skeg dosen't help much. I want something a little bit sportier, something like a Valley Rapier, but better looking.

Well lets see if this gets things started?

Raven,
The Mirage 580 seems to be about the fastest one down in Oz land. Was talking to a bloke paddling one and it looked like it was moving without him dipping a paddle.

Don't know if they're available in your part of the world.
Cheers
Bill

Thanks Bill I'll have a look .

Don’t know if we’re using the same definition of “fast” but I’m REALLY happy with my recently inherited Eddyline Falcon S18. It’s certainly fast to me, rides pretty low in the water and has a very clean deck.

I suppose what I mean by fast is something just short of a race boat, like a surf ski with a closed cockpit, the weather locally rules out an open boat .I,m hoping to try a Valley Rapier soon[20ft long 17 3/4in wide], just wish it wasn't as ugly!

After paddling the Island Expedition what do you think of the offset skeg? I'm curious about them.

Thanks in advance.

I have one of the 2004 models, hull number 25, which has the smaller skeg. The skeg is offset to port to allow more space in the rear compartment, well thats the idea anyway. I feel that the boat suffers as a result of the skeg being shadowed by the hull, the Expedition is quite prone to weathercocking and needs the skeg to maintain its course, the 2005 model has a HUGE skeg, so big that the skeg box on the LV actually penetrates the deck! The 2005 can obviously create more stable tracking due to the bigger skeg, so I would assume it handles better, but I haven't paddled one.

Are we talking KNOTS or? My SVALBARD by www.eian.no have no problem hoding 4.5 - 5 knots. But that depends on the kayaker. The SVAKBARD dont have a skeg, but a rudder. The SVALBARD also have alot of volume, but its set as an expedition kayak...
http://climbing-and-sea-kayaking.blogspot.com/
pics.

The QCC 700X looks fast. Never tried it though.I know that its faster than my pamlico 140.

Current Designs Status 18, or Nomad GTS should do the trick.

you want fast? check out Van Dusen boats they have a cross between surf ski and k1 that's winning everything in sight!

Rockpool Taran

My Nomad GTS or really Current Design Extreme (same boat) I have runs along very fast. Wish I had a GPS to see my speed and distance, may be for Xmas

My boat Eddyline Falcon S18, its really very fast, rides on low water and has clean and big deck.Try it..............

I rented an S-18 and it was a nice fast ride.