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plastic 14-16 foot kayak

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 11:51 am
by Beanboy
Thinking about adding to the fleet. The GF has taken a liking to the Manitou 13, and would like something other than the Epic V10S or a Discovery 169 to join her paddling on local rivers and lakes, but also want something for me to use in rougher water ocean races and general ocean paddling. Figure 10% of the time racing, 60% of the time on rivers and lakes, 30% genernal ocean paddling.

Looking to buy used with a cost around the $600-$800 range.

What I would like (in order):
--around 16 feet long so it can fit lengthwise in garage easily
--some variation of plastic so I don't have to worry about bashing rocks/stumps/beaver damn hopping
--handle paddler/gear load of 225-275 pounds
--speed (relative to the class of boat and material it is made of), since I will probably do a few ocean races with it

What I don't need:
--stability
--storage space
--latest and greatest design of day hatch/knee hatch/bungee/deck line design

Neutral on because I don't know enough about:
--rudder/skeg
--maneuverability
--seat/rudder control options

Appreciate any suggestions for boats to look out for...thanks!

Re: plastic 14-16 foot kayak

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 1:09 pm
by pat
What's a "knee hatch"?

Re: plastic 14-16 foot kayak

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 1:33 pm
by cgr
Wilderness has a bunch of Tsunami's of varying lengths, you can often find them on craigslist. P+H Capella can be had in plastic in 16'6". P+H also makes the Venture/Easky/orca in 15' or 17', I believe that Norm has one. I'm not sure how competitive a plastic 14 - 16 ft boat will be in races.

If I was looking for a plastic 16 ft boat I would be looking at the Wilderness Zephyr(John Smoke mentioned a demo/rental in your price range at the Hingham EMS) or the P+H Delphin. Being brand new or very recent designs it will be harder to find a used one.

Also - Necky made a Looksha 14 for years. You could get this with skeg/rudder/nothing and with or without bow hatch/bulkhead. Obviously one with hatches front & rear is better if you plan to paddle by yourself or any distance offshore.

Re: plastic 14-16 foot kayak

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 4:09 pm
by Beanboy
Thanks Chris, I've posted on a couple of other forums and will be matching with rental end of season sales.

Knee hatch... Not sure what it is called, but I've seen newer boats with a small access point to a bag that sits right around the knees.

Re: plastic 14-16 foot kayak

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 6:13 pm
by Johnysmoke
The Zephyr is sold. There is a Dagger Alchemy L left that would be a great boat, a Hurricane Category 5 that would be a fast boat, two Tsunami 14s that are barges, a Manitou 14, two Chatham 16s, a Tempest 16.5, and a Chatham 17. I can probably arrange a demo or something if you want.

Re: plastic 14-16 foot kayak

Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2010 11:48 pm
by cgr

Re: plastic 14-16 foot kayak

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 4:13 pm
by Beanboy
Well, you can't beat free, and a good friend of mine is letting me use is Prijon Yukon Expedition. Should give me a little bit more speed than the Necky, and with a forward hatch, let me enjoy AMC and other ocean paddles without having to modify the Necky for more bow flotation.

Ugh, I think I am now almost to a fleet in terms of boats...