sea kayak 5.4 - Rapid Ascent
Transcription
sea kayak 5.4 - Rapid Ascent
5.4 sea kayak Introduction by John Jacoby This category is self explanatory and can include any enclosed craft deemed to be suitable to paddle in the ocean i.e. it contains bulkheads and at least 2 sealed compartments. There are a huge range of these type of crafts and several types we did not test such as foldable sea kayaks, canvas lined boats, timber boats etc. These craft are multi-functional but largely used for open water trips ranging from one day trips to long distance expeditions. Some of the craft have been developed specifically for racing events such as the Hawkesbury Classic. The sea kayak’s main changes over the years has not been so much in design or hull shape but in features and materials used in the boats. The advent of plastics has had a big impact on the sea kayak market and has done a huge amount to improve the durability and toughness of sea kayaks. A plastic boat is fantastic for landing on rock shelves, boulder strewn beaches or for just hauling your craft single-handedly over any type of rock (not recommended for a glass boat!). Having said that, the plastic models still have drawbacks such as generally being heavier, sealing of compartments continues to be problematic due to the flexibility of the plastics and a lot of the finishing features such as rudder systems, foot rests, cockpit combings etc. could be significantly improved for very little effort or cost. As a general rule the longer the boat and the narrower the boat the faster it goes and this is pretty consistent in our testing. In sea kayaks however, the stability of a boat is very important in rough conditions and the comfort of the boat can have a big impact on its speed in rough conditions. There were no really surprising results in this category and the boat a buyer would select would tend to be quite specific to the purpose intended. Personally, I am generally not a big fan of plastic but for sea kayaking I feel the Eco-Bezhig or the Dagger Cortez are both excellent boats and I would be quite happy to have them in my “stable” of boats as a result of their durability, features offered and general comfort. Their speed is also quite acceptable when married up against the fact you can confidently bang them into rocks! Sea kayaks tested include: - Marauder 550 - Q Kayaks Maximus - Point 65N XP - Greenlander Pro - Prijon Millenium - Dagger Cortez 16.5 - Meridian Cygnet - Perception Ecobezhig - Prijon Seayak !)3 5.)6%23)49 /& #!."%22! 5.40 marauder 550 Name Marauder 550 Time hh:mm:ss Type Sea Kayak SPEED K1 Nelo (benchmark) 1:00:00 12.63 Summary of Marauder 550 (fastest in class) 1:06:51 11.34 Question Subjective Comments Time is straight-line speed extrapolated to the benchmark of one hour for Length (metres) 5.46 Beam (cm) 56.5 Name Marauder 550 Weight as tested 14.5kg Distance paddled in 1 hour (km) thedesign fastest K1 kayak tested. furtherseat details on speed, refer Are there any OpenFor cockpit, comfortable, highto section 7. elements or features you front nose and deck, light, secondary Summary of particularly liked? stability Type Sea Kayak Length (metres) 5.46 Question Beam (cm) 56.5 Subjective Comments Do you have any suggestions Make seat adjustable for length, seat Manufacturer/distributor notes Race Seakayak/Multi sporter, for improving anything? curve to relieve pressure at high Are there any design needs more Open cockpit, seat comfortable, including purpose for which boat very quick, light weight coccyx, widen pedals, decksecondary entry elements or features you front nose andlonger deck, light, Weight as tested 14.5kg was designed & stable - Great on open for longerstability legs, more comfortable seat, particularly liked? add full deck rigging estuaries/small rapids. Do you have any suggestions Make seat adjustable for length, seat Manufacturer/distributor notes RaceRec Seakayak/Multi sporter, Complies to Med for improving anything? needs more moves curve tonicely, relieve pressure at What did you most like about Fast and responsive, including purpose for which boat very quick, light weight this boat? Construction method/material was Kevlar Hull. Cloth deck designed & stable - Great on open estuaries/small rapids. Complies to Med Rec State/Country of manufacture NSW, Australia Construction method/material Kevlar Hull. Cloth deck RRP 2495 this boat? hatches, light weight, stability and What did you least like about this boat? Cockpit too small nice for large paddler, control, fit, super comfy, thigh front deckbraces lines, positioned steering pedals, not nose design well, good retractable rudder, way webbing is for water shedding held in and holds rear bungee over rear What did you least like about Cockpit too small for large paddler, hatch, seat, high front deck makes knee this boat? front deck lines, steering pedals, not bracing more difficult, widthway at paddle retractable rudder, webbing is entry point easy to hit paddle held in and holds rear bungee over rear State/Country of manufacture NSW, Australia Contact Ron Elliott RRP 2495 Phone 02 4996 4200Ron Elliott Contact coccyx, widenstability pedals, longer hatches, light weight, and deck entry for longer legs, more thigh comfortable seat, control, nice fit, super comfy, add full deck rigging braces positioned well, good nose design What did you most likefor about and responsive, moves nicely, water Fast shedding seat, high front deck makes knee Takes timehatch, to respond to rudder bracing width at paddle adjustment, turnsmore well,difficult, light weight entry point easy to hit paddle boat good for sea kayak class racing, for Anything that a beginner Takes time toand respond rudder a confident beginner one to serious should be aware of in about multisport adjustment, turns well, light weight Anything that a beginner should be aware of in considering this boat? Website www.elliottkayaks.com.au 02 4996 Volume (inner storage) Small Phone front area, large4200 rear areaWebsite www.elliottkayaks.com.au considering this boat? boat good for sea kayak class racing, for IdealVolume Weight(inner storage) Small front area, large rear What type of paddler do you Beginner atoconfident intermediate, seaand kayaker beginner one serious think this craft would be most looking for speed, protected ocean about multisport suitable for? racing and multisport, touring, not What type of paddler do you Beginner to intermediate, sea kayaker suitable for long expeditions think this craft would be most looking for speed, protected ocean area Features & Options Lighter version available Weight (options denoted by O) Ideal (carbon 12kg) Features & Options Lighter version available for? If you had a suitable choice of 6 boats (options denoted by O) (carbon 12kg) you’d like to own would this racing and multisport, touring, not 3 Yes, 0 Maybe, 1 1 No suitable for long expeditions boat be in your top 6?a choice of 6 boats If you had 3 Yes, 0 Maybe, 1 1 No you’d like to own would this boat be in your top 6? Rate the looks 6.8 (ignoring colour) on a scale of Rate the looks 1 to 10, 10 being drop dead (ignoring colour) on a scale of gorgeous and 1 fugly. 6.8 1 to 10, 10 being drop dead gorgeous and 1 fugly. Sea Kayaks Tested (in order of fastest to slowest) Marauder 550 Q Kayaks Maximus Point 65N XP Greenlander Pro Prijon Millenium Dagger Cortez 16.5 Meridian Cygnet Perception Ecobezhig Prijon Seayak Summary of scores on a 5 point scale 1. Primary stability 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 2. Secondary stability 4 3 4 4 5 2 4 3 4 5 5 5 5 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 2 3 3 2 4 3 2 1 1 2 4 2 3 4 4 2 4 4 4 4 5 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 10. How much did you have to adjust your natural paddling technique in this boat? 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 3 11. How wet did you get? 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 4 5 3. How easy is the boat to enter (and exit)? 4. How comfortable is the seat? 5. How supportive is the seat position? 6. How did the boat affect your body position? 7. Is the footbar and steering/pedal system effective? 8. Is the steering effective? 9. How responsive did the kayak feel to your input? * Refer to Section 10 for the detailed questionnaire and scoring notes provided to testers. Scores shown above are the mode not the mean. Marauder 550 Photography: Andrew Connolly sea kayak Hydrostatic Measurements Marauder 550 Length (LOA) Length(WL) Beam (max) Beam (WL) Length/beam ratio Water plane coefficient (Cw) Water plane area (m2) Draft 84kg (mean) Weight (Kg) Material (kevlar/plastic) Cockpit size LxWxH Sea Kayak 5460mm 5302mm 565mm 445mm 11.91 0.60 1.48m2 98mm 14.5kg Kevlar/Carbon 746x404x330mm Refer to section 8 for definition of these measurements and a general explanation of how Hydrostatic Measurements were taken and what it means. 61 !)3 5.)6%23)49 /& #!."%22! 5.41 q kayaks maximus SPEED Name Q Kayaks Maximus Name Q Kayaks Maximus Type Sea Kayak Type Sea Kayak Length (metres) 6.43 Length (metres) 6.43 Beam (cm) 51.0 Beam (cm) 51.0 Time hh:mm:ss Distance paddled in 1 hour (km) K1 Nelo (benchmark) 1:00:00 12.63 Marauder 550 (fastest in class) 1:06:51 11.34 Q Kayaks Maximus 1:07:44 11.19 Summary of Summary of Subjective Subjective Comments Comments Light, carry handles, padded seat, high Light, carry handles, padded seat, high deck, foot pedal set-up deck, foot pedal set-up Question Question Weight as tested 16.4kg Weight as tested 16.4kg Are there any design Areorthere any you design elements features elements particularly liked?or features you particularly liked? Do you have any suggestions for Easier to adjust feet, remove hump in Do you have any suggestionsthe formiddle Easier adjust feet, remove hump in improving anything? of to seat, full decklines, a bit improving anything? the middle seat, deck full decklines, more room for feet,ofmore rigging, a bit room fortofeet, deck rigging, steeringmore system hard use,more enlarge steering system hard to use, enlarge the cockpit slightly to maybe a keyhole State/Country of manufacture NZ slightly to maybe a keyhole State/Country of manufacture NZ design,the addcockpit thigh braces design, add thigh braces What did you most like about Turning , runs well, felt light for its size, RRP From $3300 What did you most like aboutgood fast Turning , runs felt light for its size, this boat? touring sea well, kayak, stable, RRP From $3300 this boat? good fast touring sea kayak, stable, light weight light weight Contact Steve Cooper What did you least like about Seat uncomfortable, footplate Contact Steve Cooper What did you least like aboutadjustment, Seat uncomfortable, footplate this boat? seat moved, could not this boat? seat moved, get full adjustment, drive into pedals, hard to could not E-mail qkayaks@optusnet.com.au get fulla drive intosmall pedals, hard to turn without rudder, cockpit, E-mail qkayaks@optusnet.com.au turndifficulty, without nose a rudder, smallout cockpit, entry/ exit ran high Website www.qkayaks.co.nz entry/ exit difficulty, ran high out Website www.qkayaks.co.nz of water, no knee braces, nonose useful of water, no knee braces, no useful Volume (inner storage) N/A decklines Volume (inner storage) N/A decklines Ideal Weight N/A Anything that a beginner should Length hard to handle, hard to get Ideal Weight N/A Anything that a beginner should Length hard to hard be aware of in considering this in and out of, could behandle, a bit tippy forto get Features & Options Front and rear hatches, and be aware of in considering this in and out of, could be agood bit tippy for boat? beginners, very good tracking, Featuresby& O) Options and rear hatches, and (options denoted choiceFront of seating options boat? beginners, very good tracking, speed, very comfortable steering set upgood (options denoted by O) choice of seating options speed, very comfortable steering set up What type of paddler do you Intermediate to advanced racing, day What of paddler Intermediate advanced racing, day think this crafttype would be mostdo youtrippers/ marathon/ to epics, open water trippers/ marathon/ epics, open water suitablethink for? this craft would be most multiday sea tourer suitable for? multiday sea tourer If you had a choice of 6 boats 2 Yes, 1 Maybe, 11 No If you had a choice of 6 boats 2 Yes, 1 Maybe, 11 No you’d like to own would this liketop to own boat beyou’d in your 6? would this boat be in your top 6? Manufacturer/distributor notes Racing sea-kayak suited to Racing sea-kayak suited to includingManufacturer/distributor purpose for which boat notes Adventure Racing including purpose for which boat Adventure Racing was designed was designed Construction method/material Glass or Carbon/Kevlar Construction method/material Glass or Carbon/Kevlar Rate the looks 6.9 Rate the looks (ignoring colour) on a scale of on a scale of 1 to 10,(ignoring 10 beingcolour) drop dead 1 toand 10,110 being drop dead gorgeous fugly. gorgeous and 1 fugly. 6.9 Sea Kayaks Tested (in order of fastest to slowest) Marauder 550 Q Kayaks Maximus Point 65N XP Greenlander Pro Prijon Millenium Dagger Cortez 16.5 Meridian Cygnet Perception Ecobezhig Prijon Seayak Summary of scores on a 5 point scale 1. Primary stability 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 2. Secondary stability 4 3 4 4 5 2 4 3 4 5 5 5 5 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 2 3 3 2 4 3 2 1 1 2 4 2 3 4 4 2 4 4 4 4 5 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 10. How much did you have to adjust your natural paddling technique in this boat? 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 3 11. How wet did you get? 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 4 5 3. How easy is the boat to enter (and exit)? 4. How comfortable is the seat? 5. How supportive is the seat position? 6. How did the boat affect your body position? 7. Is the footbar and steering/pedal system effective? 8. Is the steering effective? 9. How responsive did the kayak feel to your input? * Refer to Section 10 for the detailed questionnaire and scoring notes provided to testers. Scores shown above are the mode not the mean. sea kayak Photography: Andrew Connolly Q Kayaks Maximus !)3 5.)6%23)49 /& #!."%22! 63 5.42 point 65n xp Time hh:mm:ss Distance paddled in 1 hour (km) K1 Nelo (benchmark) 1:00:00 12.63 Marauder 550 (fastest in class) 1:06:51 11.34 Name Point 65N XP Sea Kayak SPEED Type Length (metres) 5.50 Beam (cm) Name Point 65N XP 53.2 Type Question Sea Kayak the fastest K1 kayak tested. For further details on speed, refer to section 7. Weight as tested Length20.4kg (metres) 5.50 Beam (cm) Point 65N XPSummary of 1:08:46 11.02 Subjective Time is straight-line speed extrapolated to the benchmark of one hour for Comments 53.2 Are there any design elements or features you Question particularly liked? Ease of footplate adjustment, great knee Summary brace, well made,of nice entry to cockpit, skeg Subjective & rudder about this boat? skeg deployment could get knocked and lightweight flip up or down when you don’t want it to Manufacturer/distributor notes The XP is of a long and narrow Comments including purpose for which design but is also surprisingly stable Weight as tested 20.4kg Do you have any Cockpit too small for larger paddler, boat was designed and manouverable, which makes Are there any design ofat footplate adjustment, suggestions for improving removeEase ridge rear of seat, better great skegsknee elements or features you brace, well made, nice entry to cockpit, skeg good in rough waters and surf. With anything? deployment and lifting, lift deck near knees Manufacturer/distributor notes The XP is ofcapacity a long and particularly liked? & rudder its very large carrying thenarrow including purpose XP for is which design but is also surprisingly stable designed to handle extended Do you have any Cockpit too small for larger paddler, boat was tours, designed and and manouverable, which day trips expeditions. Themakes suggestions for improving remove ridge at rear of seat, better skegs good in rough waters and surf. With anything? deployment and lifting, lift deck near knees XP´s construction is based on design its very large carrying capacity theWhat did you most like Stability, solid/stiff boat, back rest, hatches principles: low, sleek lines with a XP is designed to handle extendedabout this boat? and knee braces, full decklines, skeg and shallow V-shaped hulltrips andand flared tours, day expeditions. The rudder, well fitted, looks good, weight, good sides, minimizes yaw even when XP´s construction is based on design speed and comfort, foot pedal adjustment, What did you most like Stability, solid/stiff boat, back rest, hatches rudder or skeg isn´t deployed. principles: low, sleek The lines with a legs comfortable position, reasonably fast, about this boat? and knee braces, full decklines, skeg and well definedshallow chinesV-shaped allow forhull easier and flared lightweight rudder, well fitted, looks good, weight, good turning andsides, a strong secondary minimizes yaw even when speed andseat comfort, adjustment, Seat discomfort, back foot and pedal rudder pedals, stability. rudder or skeg isn´t deployed. TheWhat did you least like legs comfortable position, reasonably fast, Construction method/material well defined chines allow for easier Vacuum-bagged Kevlar/Carbon turning and a strong secondary stability. What did you least like about this boat? State/Country of manufacture Sweden Construction method/material Vacuum-bagged Kevlar/Carbon Anything that a beginner should be aware of in considering this boat? $4695 Kevlar State/CountryRRP of manufacture Sweden $3450 Fibreglass Contact Peter RRP Clark $4695 Kevlar Contact Peter Clark peter@kayakingworld.com.au Website www.kayakingworld.com.au Steering not responsive, good all round sea What type of paddler do Beginner to advanced, large bottom, would this boat be in your top 6? Features & Options Skeg Ideal Weight (options denoted by O) Day hatch Features & Options Skeg Backrest (options denoted by O) Anything that a beginner think this kayaker/tourer If you hadyou a choice of 6craft would 5 Yes, 0traveller, Maybe, sea 6 No be most boats you’d like tosuitable own for? would this boathad be ainchoice your of 6 If you 5 Yes, 0 Maybe, 6 No top 6? boats you’d like to own Email peter@kayakingworld.com.au Website www.kayakingworld.com.au Ideal Weight Steering not responsive, good all round sea kayak, small cockpit, exit and entry not easy What type of paddler do of in Beginner to advanced, large bottom, should be aware kayak, small cockpit, exit and entry not easy you thinkconsidering this craft would this boat? traveller, sea kayaker/tourer be most suitable for? $3450 Fibreglass Email Seat discomfort, seat back and rudder pedals, skeg deployment could get knocked and flip up or down when you don’t want it to Rate the looks 7.7 (ignoring colour) on a scale the looks of 1 to 10,Rate 10 being drop (ignoring colour) on a scale dead gorgeous and 1 fugly. Day hatch Backrest 7.7 of 1 to 10, 10 being drop dead gorgeous and 1 fugly. Sea Kayaks Tested (in order of fastest to slowest) Marauder 550 Q Kayaks Maximus Point 65N XP Greenlander Pro Prijon Millenium Dagger Cortez 16.5 Meridian Cygnet Perception Ecobezhig Prijon Seayak Summary of scores on a 5 point scale 1. Primary stability 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 2. Secondary stability 4 3 4 4 5 2 4 3 4 5 5 5 5 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 2 3 3 2 4 3 2 1 1 2 4 2 3 4 4 2 4 4 4 4 5 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 10. How much did you have to adjust your natural paddling technique in this boat? 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 3 11. How wet did you get? 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 4 5 3. How easy is the boat to enter (and exit)? 4. How comfortable is the seat? 5. How supportive is the seat position? 6. How did the boat affect your body position? 7. Is the footbar and steering/pedal system effective? 8. Is the steering effective? 9. How responsive did the kayak feel to your input? * Refer to Section 10 for the detailed questionnaire and scoring notes provided to testers. Scores shown above are the mode not the mean. sea kayak Photography: Andrew Connolly Point 65N XP Hydrostatic Measurements Point 65N XP Sea Kayak Length (LOA) 5500mm Length(WL) 4950mm Beam (max) 532mm Beam (WL) 497mm Length/beam ratio 9.96 Water plane coefficient (Cw) 0.58 Water plane area (m2) 1.49m2 Draft 84kg (mean) 120mm Weight (Kg) 20.4kg Material (kevlar/plastic) Kevlar/Carbon Cockpit size LxWxH(mm) 772x406x313 Refer to section 8 for definition of these measurements and a general explanation of how Hydrostatic Measurements were taken and what it means. 65 !)3 5.)6%23)49 /& #!."%22! 5.43 greenlander pro SPEED Name Greenlander Pro Type Sea Kayak Length (metres) 5.50 Time hh:mm:ss Distance paddled in 1 hour (km) K1 Nelo (benchmark) 1:00:00 12.63 Marauder 550 (fastest in class) 1:06:51 11.34 Greenlander Pro 1:10:46 10.71 Time is straight-line speed extrapolated to the benchmark of one hour for the fastest K1 kayak tested. For further details on speed, refer to section 7. Beam (cm) 59.0 Weight as tested 27.4kg Manufacturer/distributor notes including purpose for which boat was designed A well known expedition kayak capable of big loads. Low windage. Low cockpit excellent for re-entry. Custom orders. Question Summary of Subjective Comments Are there any design elements or features you particularly liked? Foam seat/support, knee braces, pump, storage area between legs, sail, hatches, low deck, deck strapping Do you have any suggestions for improving anything? Better steering, better stronger pedals, higher deck, higher cockpit, lighter, more deck rigging, design cockpit with thigh braces integral not add on, deck lines away for paddle technique, bigger cockpit for ease of entry/ exit, stiffer pedals, some flex in seat back What did you most like about this boat? High seat position, stability, good boat run into wind, locked into seating position which is good for open water, comfort and fit, pedal system - easy to steer, robust/ easy to adjust, extremely stable, easy to tilt turn, innovative and effective rudder system What did you least like about this boat? Steering, not suited to a higher paddler, seating position, weight, jam cleats on sides of cockpit, deck line placement, hard to lift rudder with pull cords, narrow cockpit, no room for legs Anything that a beginner should be aware of in considering this boat? Very heavy, hard to control in very choppy weather, a touring boat, not for racing, good island hopper, bigger bums won’t fit What type of paddler do you think this craft would be most suitable for? Recreational to beginner/ intermediate, sea kayaker, sea tourer, rough water touring- open sea If you had a choice of 6 boats you’d like to own would this boat be in your top 6? 1 Yes, 0 Maybe, 11 No Rate the looks (ignoring colour) on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being drop dead gorgeous and 1 fugly. 5.6 Construction method/ Composite glass fabrics and coremat material State/Country of Tasmania, Australia manufacture RRP $2650 Contact John Van Der Woude E-mail sales@penguincomposites.com.au Website www.penguincomposites.com.au Volume (inner storage) 170 L Features & options Decklines, retractable rudder, (options denoted by O) bulkheads, colour options (O), maststep, extra bulkhead (O), day hatch (O), kevlar (O), sails (O), pumps (O), thigh braces (O), foam seat (O) Sea Kayaks Tested (in order of fastest to slowest) Marauder 550 Q Kayaks Maximus Point 65N XP Greenlander Pro Prijon Millenium Dagger Cortez 16.5 Meridian Cygnet Perception Ecobezhig Prijon Seayak Summary of scores on a 5 point scale 1. Primary stability 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 2. Secondary stability 4 3 4 4 5 2 4 3 4 5 5 5 5 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 2 3 3 2 4 3 2 1 1 2 4 2 3 4 4 2 4 4 4 4 5 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 10. How much did you have to adjust your natural paddling technique in this boat? 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 3 11. How wet did you get? 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 4 5 3. How easy is the boat to enter (and exit)? 4. How comfortable is the seat? 5. How supportive is the seat position? 6. How did the boat affect your body position? 7. Is the footbar and steering/pedal system effective? 8. Is the steering effective? 9. How responsive did the kayak feel to your input? * Refer to Section 10 for the detailed questionnaire and scoring notes provided to testers. Scores shown above are the mode not the mean. Greenlander Pro Photography: Andrew Connolly sea kayak !)3 5.)6%23)49 /& #!."%22! 67 5.44 prijon millenium Time hh:mm:ss Distance paddled in 1 hour (km) K1 Nelo (benchmark) 1:00:00 12.63 Marauder 550 (fastest in class) 1:06:51 11.34 Prijon Millenium 1:12:28 10.46 Name Prijon Millenium SPEED Type Sea Kayak Name Prijon Millenium Length (metres) 5.05 Type Sea Kayak Beam (cm) 59.0 Length (metres) 5.05 Beam 23.3kg (cm) 59.0 Weight as tested Question Time is straight-line speed extrapolated Summary of to the benchmark of one hour for the fastest K1 kayak tested. For further details on speed, refer to section 7. Subjective Comments Summary of Question Are there any design Weight as tested 23.3kg Manufacturer/distributor notes Versatile Sea Kayak for elements or features you including purpose for which boat the Ocean & Estuaries. particularly liked? Are there any design Manufacturer/distributor Versatile Sea Kayak for was designed notes Comfortable Seating & good elements or features you including purpose for which boat the Ocean & Estuaries. storage compartments. The particularly liked? was designed Seating & good Do you have any boat isComfortable of Glass construction. suggestions for improving storage compartments. The Construction method/material GFK Laminated Glass Fibres anything? Do you have any boat is of Glass construction. ExtraSubjective padding on seat and back, storage, easy Comments access to hatches and webbing, carryExtra toggles, foredeck dayand hatch easy padding on seat back, storage, access, comfortable knee braces easy access to hatches and webbing, carry toggles, foredeck hatch easy Larger cockpit opening for day a larger access, comfortable knee braces paddler, lighter, better steering, deck linesLarger highercockpit up at paddle entry use opening for aand larger bungees straight suggestions for improving criss-cross paddler, lighter,rather better than steering, deck Construction method/material GFK Laminated Glass Fibres anything? higher at paddle entry and use lines,lines better seat up design State/Country of manufacture Germany criss-cross bungees rather than straight What did you most like Stability, turning, comfort, runs well, day lines, better seat design State/Country of manufacture Germany about this boat? hatch at front easily accessible, smooth RRP $2895 What did you most like turning, comfort, runssea well, day ride, Stability, stable long distance cruising about this boat? hatch at front easily kayak, reasonably fast accessible, smooth RRP $2895 ride, stable long distance cruising sea Contact Peter McIntyre What did you least like Cockpit opening, somefast deck lines get in kayak, reasonably about this boat? the way of your paddle stroke, feels really Contact Peter McIntyre What did you least like some deck lines wide,Cockpit heavy,opening, hard to get a good seat get in E-mail pskayaks@ozemail.com.au about this boat? the way your paddle stroke, feels really position/ leanofforward wide, heavy, hard to get a good seat Website E-mail www.pskayaks.com.au pskayaks@ozemail.com.au Anything that a beginner Steering not overly responsive, made of position/ lean forward should be aware of in fibreglass so don’t knock it, drop it, bang Volume (inner storage) 16L www.pskayaks.com.au Website Anything that a beginner Steering not overly responsive, made of considering this boat? it etc, slower, stable boat that would be Ideal(inner Weight N/A 16L should be aware of in fibreglass so don’t knock it, drop it, bang Volume storage) well suited to beginners considering this boat? it etc, slower, stable boat that would be Ideal Weight N/A (48 Litres), Rear Features & Options Front Hatch What type of paddler do Beginner sea kayaker, big people would well suited to beginners (options denoted by&O) Hatch Front (119 Litres), adjustable Features Options Hatch (48 Litres), Rear you think craft would be tosea fit small people too, sea Whatthis type of paddler do fit, adjusted Beginner kayaker, big people would footrests, retractable rudder, tourer, (options denoted by O) Hatch (119 Litres), adjustablemost suitable you thinkfor? this craft would be fit, expeditions adjusted to fit small people too, sea Front waterproof deckbox,rudder, If youmost footrests, retractable had asuitable choicefor? of 6 Deck Netting front & back. Front waterproof deckbox, boats Ifyou’d like atochoice own of 6 you had Deck Netting front & back. wouldboats this boat into your you’dbe like own tourer, expeditions 2 Yes, 0 Maybe, 8 No 2 Yes, 0 Maybe, 8 No top 6?would this boat be in your top 6? Rate the looks 7.2 (ignoring on a scale Ratecolour) the looks 7.2 of 1 to(ignoring 10, 10 being drop colour) on a scale dead of gorgeous 1 fugly. 1 to 10, and 10 being drop dead gorgeous and 1 fugly. Sea Kayaks Tested (in order of fastest to slowest) Marauder 550 Q Kayaks Maximus Point 65N XP Greenlander Pro Prijon Millenium Dagger Cortez 16.5 Meridian Cygnet Perception Ecobezhig Prijon Seayak Summary of scores on a 5 point scale 1. Primary stability 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 2. Secondary stability 4 3 4 4 5 2 4 3 4 5 5 5 5 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 2 3 3 2 4 3 2 1 1 2 4 2 3 4 4 2 4 4 4 4 5 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 10. How much did you have to adjust your natural paddling technique in this boat? 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 3 11. How wet did you get? 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 4 5 3. How easy is the boat to enter (and exit)? 4. How comfortable is the seat? 5. How supportive is the seat position? 6. How did the boat affect your body position? 7. Is the footbar and steering/pedal system effective? 8. Is the steering effective? 9. How responsive did the kayak feel to your input? * Refer to Section 10 for the detailed questionnaire and scoring notes provided to testers. Scores shown above are the mode not the mean. Prijon Millenium Photography: Andrew Connolly sea kayak !)3 5.)6%23)49 /& #!."%22! 69 5.45 dagger cortez 16.5 Name Dagger Cortez K1 Nelo (benchmark) Time hh:mm:ss Distance paddled in 1 hour (km) 1:00:00 12.63 Summary of Marauder 550 (fastestSubjective in class) 1:06:51 Question Comments SPEED Type Sea Kayak Length (metres) 5.00 Name Beam (cm) 56.0 Dagger Cortez Dagger Cortez Are there any design elements or features you particularly liked? Question Type Sea Kayak Weight as tested 29.6kg Length (metres) 5.00 11.34 1:13:05 10.37 Nice seat, back support, long rudder, seat adjustment, adjustable thigh Summary of bracesSubjective Do you have any OpenComments up cockpit, widen steering suggestions for any design pedals, option paddle with long legs rudder, Are there Nice seat,to back support, improving anything? together of apart, pedal thigh elements or features you seatinstead adjustment, adjustable system turns boat with each leg particularly liked? braces drive, fit solid foot pegs, better rudder Do you have any Open up cockpit, widen steering system Construction method/material Polyethylene suggestions for pedals, option to paddle with legs Manufacturer/distributor notes For racing, workouts, longWhatimproving did you most like Stability, seat, full deck of lines, carry anything? together instead apart, pedal including purpose for which boat distance touring and cruising about this boat? toggles, length of boat, easy each set upleg system turns boat with State/Country of manufacture UK of pedals, run,foot comfort, was designed drive,boat fit solid pegs,knee better rudder bracing snug fit, turns well, not too system Construction method/material Polyethylene slow RRP $2295 What did you most like Stability, seat, full deck lines, carry Whatabout did you least like Cockpit, weight, sliding steering this boat? toggles, length of boat, easy set up State/Country of manufacture UK about this boat? pedalsof- pedals, can’t get anyrun, leg comfort, drive, legsknee boat Contact Roy Farrance too far apart, thick braces, bracing snug thigh fit, turns well, not too flexible plastic pedals, stiff steering slow RRP $2295 Beam (cm) 56.0 Manufacturer/distributor notes For racing, workouts, longincluding purpose for which boat distance touring and cruising Weight as tested 29.6kg was designed E-mail info@dagger.com.au Website www.dagger.com.au Contact Roy Farrance Volume (inner storage) N/A Ideal Weight N/A info@dagger.com.au E-mail Features & Options Adjustable footrests/backrest Website www.dagger.com.au (options denoted by O) fully retractable rudder. Volume (inner storage) N/A bulkheads,hatchcovers. Ideal Weight N/A Anything beginner beginner boat, steering takes Whatthat didayou least likeGoodCockpit, weight, sliding steering should be aware of in time to respond, great about this boat? pedals - can’t get plastic any legsea drive, legs considering this boat? kayak,too very sizebraces, farheavy, apart, medium thick thigh cockpit flexible plastic pedals, stiff steering WhatAnything type of paddler do Beginner tobeginner intermediate, that a beginner Good boat,sea steering takes you think thisbe craft would river, touring, should aware of in kayaker, timeocean/ to respond, great plastic sea be most suitable for? notvery interested in top speed, considering this boat? someone kayak, heavy, medium size any conditions cockpit If youWhat had atype choice of 6 3 Yes,Beginner 2 Maybe,to 9 intermediate, No of paddler do sea you’d likethis to own Features & Options Adjustable footrests/backrest boatsyou think craft would kayaker, ocean/ river, touring, wouldbethis boat be in for? most suitable someone not interested in top speed, (options denoted by O) fully retractable rudder. your top 6? any conditions bulkheads,hatchcovers. If you had a choice of 6 Rate the looks (ignoring 6.1 boats you’d like to own colour) on a scale of 1 to would this boat be in 10,10 being drop dead your top 6? gorgeous and 1 fugly. Rate the looks (ignoring colour) on a scale of 1 to 10,10 being drop dead gorgeous and 1 fugly. 3 Yes, 2 Maybe, 9 No 6.1 Sea Kayaks Tested (in order of fastest to slowest) Marauder 550 Q Kayaks Maximus Point 65N XP Greenlander Pro Prijon Millenium Dagger Cortez 16.5 Meridian Cygnet Perception Ecobezhig Prijon Seayak Summary of scores on a 5 point scale 1. Primary stability 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 2. Secondary stability 4 3 4 4 5 2 4 3 4 5 5 5 5 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 2 3 3 2 4 3 2 1 1 2 4 2 3 4 4 2 4 4 4 4 5 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 10. How much did you have to adjust your natural paddling technique in this boat? 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 3 11. How wet did you get? 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 4 5 3. How easy is the boat to enter (and exit)? 4. How comfortable is the seat? 5. How supportive is the seat position? 6. How did the boat affect your body position? 7. Is the footbar and steering/pedal system effective? 8. Is the steering effective? 9. How responsive did the kayak feel to your input? * Refer to Section 10 for the detailed questionnaire and scoring notes provided to testers. Scores shown above are the mode not the mean. sea kayak Photography: Andrew Connolly Dagger Cortez 16.5 !)3 5.)6%23)49 /& #!."%22! 71 5.46 meridian cygnet Time hh:mm:ss Distance paddled in 1 hour (km) K1 Nelo (benchmark) 1:00:00 12.63 Marauder 550 (fastest in class) 1:06:51 11.34 Name Meridian Cygnet SPEED Type Sea Kayak Length (metres) 5.20 Summary of Subjective 1:13:17 Comments Question Meridian Cygnet Name Meridian Cygnet Beam (cm) 57.0 Type Sea Kayak Are there any design elements or features you Question particularly liked? Length25.6kg (metres) 5.20 Weight as tested Beam (cm) 57.0 Manufacturer/distributor notes Recreational paddlers Are there any design including purpose for whichWeight boat from novices to advanced. as tested 25.6kg elements or features you Do you have any suggestions was designed Excellent tracking and stability particularly liked? for improving anything? make it perfect for long Manufacturer/distributor notes Recreational paddlers distances including purpose for which boat and fromchoppy novices seas. to advanced. 10.34 Fwd Valley Rubber hatch. Summarywith of splash cover Rear neoprene Subjective All round deck lines Comments Deck bungies Storage, upswept Fwd Valley Rubber bow, hatch.basic Integrated rudder neoprene with splash cover -Rear nothing to break Lighter, opening, Alllarger roundcockpit deck lines different rudder system, seat position Deck bungies very low, seat screws to be on sides Integrated rudder not on top of deck, add thigh braces Do you have any suggestions Lighter, larger cockpit opening, was designed tracking Construction method/material Fibreglass Excellent composite Kevlar,and stability improving different rudder clean, system, seat position What didfor you most likeanything? about Stability, looks good/ make it perfect for long Carbon fibre very low, seat screws to be on sides this boat? responsive steering distances and choppy seas. not on top of deck, add thigh braces What did you least like about Lack of knee room in cockpit, wide Construction method/material Fibreglass composite Kevlar, What did you most like about Stability, looksposition good/ clean, this boat? deck, poor paddle for Carbon fibre this boat? responsive steeringof deck lines water entry, placement RRP $2650 State/Country of manufacture Victoria, Australia What did you least like about Lack kneelines), room seat/ in cockpit, wide (paddle hitsofdeck cockpit this boat? poorcoaming paddle position for forces deck, legs low, too close water entry, placement of deck lines Contact Ian Ribbons to deck, no backrest, bum hotspot RRP $2650 (paddle hitslow, deckimprove lines), seat/ cockpit at coccyx, sit too thigh forces legs low, coaming too close support for rolling, weight E-mail ian@meridiankayak.com.au Contact Ian Ribbons to deck, no backrest, bum hotspot Anything that a beginner Largeratpaddler struggle to be thigh coccyx,will sit too low, improve Website www.meridiankayak.com.au should be aware of in comfortable, poor supportencourages for rolling, weight E-mail ian@meridiankayak.com.au considering this boat? goodpaddler beginner kayaktobut Volume (inner storage) 190L Anything that a beginner stroke,Larger willsea struggle be Website www.meridiankayak.com.au try it first and several others topoor see should be aware of in comfortable, encourages Ideal Weight N/A what fits you good beginner sea kayak but considering this boat? stroke, Volume (inner storage) 190L Features & Options Fwd Valley Rubber hatch. try firstkayaker, and several others to see What type of paddler do you Beginner itsea tourer Ideal Weight N/A what fits you (options denoted by O) Rear neoprene with splash think this craft would be most Features &cover Options Fwd Valley Rubber hatch. suitable for? What type of paddler do you Beginner sea kayaker, tourer (options denoted by O) deck Rear neoprene with splash think this craft would be most All round lines If you had a choice of 6 boats 0 Yes, 0 Maybe, 11 No cover suitable for? Deck bungies you’d like to own would this All round deck lines If you choice of 6 boats 0 Yes, 0 Maybe, 11 No Integrated rudder boat be in yourhad topa 6? Deck bungies State/Country of manufacture Victoria, Australia you’d like to own would this boat be in your top 6? Integrated rudder Rate the looks 6.3 (ignoringRate colour) on a scale of the looks 1 to 10, 10 being drop dead (ignoring colour) on a scale of gorgeous1 and 1 10 fugly. to 10, being drop dead 6.3 gorgeous and 1 fugly. Sea Kayaks Tested (in order of fastest to slowest) Marauder 550 Q Kayaks Maximus Point 65N XP Greenlander Pro Prijon Millenium Dagger Cortez 16.5 Meridian Cygnet Perception Ecobezhig Prijon Seayak Summary of scores on a 5 point scale 1. Primary stability 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 2. Secondary stability 4 3 4 4 5 2 4 3 4 5 5 5 5 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 2 3 3 2 4 3 2 1 1 2 4 2 3 4 4 2 4 4 4 4 5 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 10. How much did you have to adjust your natural paddling technique in this boat? 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 3 11. How wet did you get? 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 4 5 3. How easy is the boat to enter (and exit)? 4. How comfortable is the seat? 5. How supportive is the seat position? 6. How did the boat affect your body position? 7. Is the footbar and steering/pedal system effective? 8. Is the steering effective? 9. How responsive did the kayak feel to your input? * Refer to Section 10 for the detailed questionnaire and scoring notes provided to testers. Scores shown above are the mode not the mean. Meridian Cygnet Photography: Andrew Connolly sea kayak !)3 5.)6%23)49 /& #!."%22! 73 5.47 perception ecobezhig Time hh:mm:ss Distance paddled in 1 hour (km) K1 Nelo (benchmark) 1:00:00 12.63 Marauder 550 (fastest in class) Summary of Subjective Perception Ecobezhig Comments 1:06:51 11.34 1:13:18 10.34 Name Perception Ecobezhig SPEED Type Sea Kayak Length (metres) 5.40 Question Beam (cm) 59.0 Name Perception Ecobezhig Type Sea Kayak Weight as tested 28.6kg Length (metres) 5.40 (cm) Expedition 59.0 Manufacturer/distributor notes Beam Advanced including purpose for which boat kayak for day and multi-day Weightexpeditions as tested 28.6kg was designed is straight-line speed extrapolated to the of one hour for Are there anyTime design Plenty of room for bigbenchmark people, good carry the fastest K1 kayak tested. For further details on speed, refer to section 7. elements or features you handles & hatches, good seat, foot pedals, particularly liked? rudderSummary easy to put of in and out with the pulls, Question Subjective good map & compass covered recess Comments Do you have any suggestions Are there any design for improving anything? Lighter, more seat support, full decklines, room big people, carry plastic Plenty cover of over dayforhatch easy togood break, elements or features you hand holds handles hatches, good seat,deck foot after pedals, for&scrambling along particularly liked? easyand to put in fittings and outcould with the capsize,rudder steering foot bepulls, good map & compass covered recess stiffer, make foot rest bigger, more pedal Do you have any suggestions Lighter, support, full decklines, adjustment formore shortseat people Construction method/material Rotationally moulded GEN 8 Manufacturer/distributor notes Advanced Expedition Polyethylene including purpose for which boat kayak for day and multi-day State/Country of manufacture wasNZ designed expeditions for improving anything? plastic cover over day hatch easy to break, What did you most like about this boat? Good cruise speed, stable, along lots ofdeck leg after hand holds forvery scrambling room, gear holding, durability, stability capsize, steering and foot fittings could be and control, not asfoot slow asbigger, similarmore plastic stiffer, make rest pedal adjustment foruse short sea kayaks, ease of of people foot pedals and easy toGood adjust without having to reset What did you most like about cruise speed, very stable, lotscord of leg lengthroom, for steering this boat? gear holding, durability, stability Construction method/material Rotationally moulded GEN 8 RRP $2892 Polyethylene State/Country of manufacture NZ Contact Lawrie Shem and control, slowpedals, as similar plastic Weight, very widenot seatasand sea kayaks, ease of use of foot pedals and integrated cockpit, small foot rest, no heel easy to adjust without having to reset cord support, hull too flat, too big for small length for steering people, insufficient thigh support, higher What did you least like about Weight, very widetoseat and pedals, arms than usual, have paddle quite wide, this boat? cockpitintegrated too largecockpit, small foot rest, no heel What did you least like about this boat? RRP $2892 E-mail lshem@perceptionkayaking. Contact Lawrie Shem com Website www.perceptionkayaking. comE-mail lshem@perceptionkayaking. support, hull too flat, too big for small com Anything that a beginner Website www.perceptionkayaking.should be aware of in considering this boat? N/A Heavy,people, great tough plastic boat, largerhigher insufficient thigh support, usual, to paddle quite wide, peoplearms only,than perfect forhave beginners and toosafe largeboat, needs 2 people peoplecockpit cruising, Ideal Weight com Anything that a beginner to carryHeavy, great tough plastic boat, larger Features Volume & Options adjusting footrest system (innerSelf storage) 205L be aware of in only, perfect for beginners and What typeshould of paddler do you Suit bigpeople person, beginner, sea kayaking/ people cruising, safe boat, needs 2 people (options denoted by O)Ideal Rear day hatch Weight N/A think this considering craft wouldthis be boat? most touring, anyone who enjoys paddling and to carry Concealed day hatch suitable for? isn’t in a hurry to get there Features & Options Self adjusting footrest system Volume (inner storage) 205L What type of paddler do you Suit big person, beginner, sea kayaking/ Moulded paddle park If you hadthink a choice of 6would boatsbe most 2 Yes, 2touring, Maybe,anyone 8 No who enjoys paddling and (options denoted by O) inRear day hatch this craft support Concealed day hatch you’d like suitable to ownfor? would this isn’t in a hurry to get there top 6? Moulded soft grip carry Moulded in paddle park boat be inIfyour you had a choice of 6 boats 2 Yes, 2 Maybe, 8 No handles support you’d like to own would this boat be in your top 6? Moulded grip carry Moulded foam seat soft & backrest Rate the looks 6.0 Bungy deckhandles holders bow & (ignoring colour) on a scale of Moulded foam seat & backrest stern being the drop looks dead 6.0 Decklines Bungy deck holders bow 1&to 10, 10Rate gorgeous(ignoring and 1 fugly. colour) on a scale of stern Moulded in tie off points 1 to 10, 10 being drop dead Decklines gorgeous and 1 fugly. Moulded in tie off points Sea Kayaks Tested (in order of fastest to slowest) Marauder 550 Q Kayaks Maximus Point 65N XP Greenlander Pro Prijon Millenium Dagger Cortez 16.5 Meridian Cygnet Perception Ecobezhig Prijon Seayak Summary of scores on a 5 point scale 1. Primary stability 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 2. Secondary stability 4 3 4 4 5 2 4 3 4 5 5 5 5 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 2 3 3 2 4 3 2 1 1 2 4 2 3 4 4 2 4 4 4 4 5 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 10. How much did you have to adjust your natural paddling technique in this boat? 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 3 11. How wet did you get? 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 4 5 3. How easy is the boat to enter (and exit)? 4. How comfortable is the seat? 5. How supportive is the seat position? 6. How did the boat affect your body position? 7. Is the footbar and steering/pedal system effective? 8. Is the steering effective? 9. How responsive did the kayak feel to your input? * Refer to Section 10 for the detailed questionnaire and scoring notes provided to testers. Scores shown above are the mode not the mean. Perception Ecobezhig Photography: Andrew Connolly sea kayak !)3 5.)6%23)49 /& #!."%22! 75 5.48 prijon seayak Name Prijon Seayak Type Sea Kayak SPEED Length (metres) Name 4.90 Prijon Seayak Beam (cm) 58.0 Type Sea Kayak Length (metres) 4.90 Weight as tested 29kg Beam (cm) 58.0 Question Time hh:mm:ss Distance paddled in 1 hour (km) K1 Nelo (benchmark) 1:00:00 12.63 Marauder 550 (fastest in class) 1:06:51 11.34 Summary of Prijon Seayak Subjective Comments 1:14:16 10.21 Summary of Are there any design Footplates comfortable and easy to adjust, day Question elements or features you hatch Subjective in front of paddler, comfortable seat, particularly liked? thigh Comments braces, hatches Manufacturer/distributor notesas Versatile sea kayak for Weight tested 29kg there to adjust, day including purpose for which boat the ocean & estuaries. Do youAre have anyany design Open Footplates up front atcomfortable cockpit for and tallereasy paddler elements or features you(where hatch in frontatoffront), paddler, comfortable seat, was designed Comfortable seating & good suggestions for improving it narrows lighter, pedals flimsy, particularly liked? thigh braces, hatches Manufacturer/distributor notes Versatile sea kayak for anything? criss-cross bungee not just straight decklines, storage compartments including purpose for which boat the ocean & estuaries. Do you have any up front provide at cockpit for taller paddler lower Open the coaming, heel support, coupled with Prijon’s HTP was designed Comfortable seating & good suggestions for improving it narrows at and front), lighter, pedals flimsy, extend(where toggles past bow stern blow moulded make anything? criss-cross bungee not just straight decklines, storage plastic compartments Foot plate tough/durable boat, this a great valuewith for Prijon’s money HTP What did you most like loweradjustment, the coaming, provide heel support, coupled about this boat? very comfortable seat, softbow knee/thigh extend toggles past and sternpadding, life timeblow investment. moulded plastic make fitted short legs, stability, rudder, robust, good What did you most like storage, Foot plate adjustment, boat, adjustable back rest,tough/durable impact resistance, thisMoulded a great value Construction method/material HTP Blow Highfor money about this boat? very seat, soft knee/thigh padding, ease of tilt comfortable turns life time investment. Performance Thermoplastic fitted short legs, stability, rudder, robust, good Narrow well atadjustable front at cockpit, weight, storage, back rest, impact resistance, Construction method/material HTP Blow Moulded High What did you least like State/Country of manufacture Germany pedalsease hardofto tiltadjust, turns red pull out tube got Performance Thermoplasticabout this boat? jammed twice, beam width, seat adjustment, What did you least like Narrow well at front at cockpit, weight, State/Country of manufacture unresponsive, pushes waterred from - biggot RRP $2395 Germany about this boat? pedals hard to adjust, pullfront out tube bow wave on twice, flat water, glide, rear jammed beampoor width, seathigh adjustment, coaming - makes rolling more difficult unresponsive, pushes water from front - big RRP $2395 Contact Peter McIntyre bow wave on flat water, poor glide,means high rear Anything that a beginner Easy to balance, durable, heavy, plastic - makes rolling more difficult should be aware of in toughcoaming and unbreakable, slower than fibreglass Contact Peter McIntyre considering this boat? sea kayaks, sluggish flat water, made for means Anything that a beginner Easy to balance,on durable, heavy, plastic E-mail pskayaks@ozemail.com.au needand 2 people to carryslower than fibreglass should be aware of in ocean,tough unbreakable, Website www.pskayaks.com.au considering this boat? sea kayaks, sluggish on flat water, made for E-mail pskayaks@ozemail.com.au What type of paddler do Recreational to intermediate, for short people ocean, need 2 people to carry Volume (inner storage) Website Front Hatch (42L), Rear Hatch you think this craft would it's a nice fit, sea kayak/tourer, any sort of www.pskayaks.com.au typefor? of paddler doconditions Recreational to intermediate, for short people be mostWhat suitable even very rough (110L) Volume (inner storage) Front Hatch (42L), Rear Hatch you think this craft would it's a nice fit, sea kayak/tourer, any sort of Ideal Weight N/A be most suitable for? conditions even very rough (110L) If you had a choice of 6 2 Yes, 0 Maybe, 10 No Features & Options Adjustable Ideal Weight N/Afootrests, boats you’d like to own If you hadbe a choice 2 Yes, 0 Maybe, 10 No would this boat in yourof 6 (options denoted by O) retractable rudder,footrests, Front Features & Options Adjustable boats you’d like to own top 6? deckbox, DeckFront would this boat be in your (options denotedwaterproof by O) retractable rudder, Netting waterproof front & back. top 6? deckbox, Deck Rate the looks 5.7 Netting front & back. (ignoring colour) on a scale Rate the looks 5.7 of 1 to 10, 10 being dropon a scale (ignoring colour) dead gorgeous and fugly.drop of 1 to 10, 10 1being dead gorgeous and 1 fugly. Sea Kayaks Tested (in order of fastest to slowest) Marauder 550 Q Kayaks Maximus Point 65N XP Greenlander Pro Prijon Millenium Dagger Cortez 16.5 Meridian Cygnet Perception Ecobezhig Prijon Seayak Summary of scores on a 5 point scale 1. Primary stability 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 2. Secondary stability 4 3 4 4 5 2 4 3 4 5 5 5 5 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 2 3 3 2 4 3 2 1 1 2 4 2 3 4 4 2 4 4 4 4 5 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 10. How much did you have to adjust your natural paddling technique in this boat? 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 3 11. How wet did you get? 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 4 5 3. How easy is the boat to enter (and exit)? 4. How comfortable is the seat? 5. How supportive is the seat position? 6. How did the boat affect your body position? 7. Is the footbar and steering/pedal system effective? 8. Is the steering effective? 9. How responsive did the kayak feel to your input? * Refer to Section 10 for the detailed questionnaire and scoring notes provided to testers. Scores shown above are the mode not the mean. sea kayak Photography: Andrew Connolly Prijon Seayak !)3 5.)6%23)49 /& #!."%22! 77