wilderness systems fiberglass kayak

I've paddled this boat for about 3 1/2 years and I love it for most of my paddling. The Tempest 170 is a nimble cruiser capable of holding its own at a touring pace. Kevlar was a fluke and purchased only because I got a great deal on it. I intially purchased a Sealution II three years ago. Solid performing boat with an equally solid construction. Although slightly lighter, full-carbon models are also significantly more expensive. The careful design and weight distribution of this paddle mean that it feels light in the water. It is a great first, all purpose boat that handles flat water, some white water, and ocean very well. This is true both above and below the waterline, and it makes the Arctic Hawk one of the best looking boats out there. As waves get larger the boat feels more stable. Kayak Rack. This is a ROYAL PAIN IN THE A _ _!!! 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Still a fast and fun ride, even new kayakers bond with it when they see how fast they can come up to speed even with lousy form. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. Some testers noted that when the paddle is extended, the lever on the shaft can get in the way of the paddler's hands, as it is not as low profile as we would have liked. All trademarks property of their respective owners Plus the handling is superb for day trips. I love this Chaika kayak, She glides effortlessly and is very respo;sieve. It has an great blend of speed, stability, and manuverabilty. I have owned this boat for about 8 years, though I am still pretty much a beginner (it was my first). I bought this Kayak two years ago. You either swear by 'emor swear at 'em! Here are answers to some of the most common online questions about Current Designs kayaks. Read reviews for the Sealution Pro by Wilderness Systems as submitted by your fellow paddlers. When looking at a used kayak, check inside the hatches and cockpit where moisture may have collected. I still love it. A kayak designed for multi-day camping trips on open water will have different features and performance attributes than a recreational kayak intended for beginner paddlers and short tours on sheltered waters. in Kevlar, 42 in glass. GearLab is reader-supported. For my purposes (lazy summer afternoons spent paddling on a placid lake with my wife), it works wonderfully. 4/9 . The newest category to emerge from Current Designs, Danish-style touring kayaks are the brainchild of esteemed Danish kayak designer, Jesper Kromann-Andersen. See what someone else loved about the kayak, and let it guide your decision. $220. My boat has a rudder, but I've only flipped it down a couple times, for a few minutes each, just to "try it". The downside to this is you expend more energy moving through the rough stuff. Their recreational kayaks have stern hatches and bulkheads and roomy cockpits like Old Town's rec boats. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. We work round this problem by storing the kayak out of direct sun, and, when on the top of our pickup, supporting it at three points along its length. It is available, slightly lengthened, as the Northstar Pro in composite, so those with deeper pockets have another way to avoid the softening issue. The Northstar is an excellent kayak for our purpose, i.e. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. $394.99 $ 394. Overall I am quite impressed with it. Sometimes the choice is made for you, and the kayak is only available in a select build. quad cities. I love this boat! The downside is often poor comfort, sometimes less than stellar workmanship and heavy weight. $1,100. The Werner Camano is one of the best kayak paddles on the market. It's extremely stable: we've never even come close to capsizing, even in the rough chop that one encounters off the coast of Maine. Searching for retired demos or rentals is another way to get your hands on a used Current Designs kayak. The page also lists outfitters that offer rentals where you can try before you buy. NADA 3. The Northstar is a kayak brought to you by Wilderness Systems. Redo stock outfitting to improve control (seat, back band, thigh braces, deck), you will like the difference it makes. Wilderness Systems Tarpon Kayak Paddle for Recreation/Touring | Fiberglass or Carbon Fiber Blades | Adjustable Carbon/Fiberglass Shaft (220-240cm) Visit the Wilderness Systems Store 14 ratings -11% $35124 List Price: $394.99 FREE Returns Style: Carbon Fiber Blade Carbon Fiber Blade Fiberglass Blade My Arctic Hawk is a 1993 model that I recently bought used and then rehabbed. The Zephyr 160 Pro from Wilderness Systems adopts the name to suggest that this kayak, while sizeable, provides a light and airy ride for medium- to large-sized paddlers. It is a very fast kayak. This one will do everything the bigger boats will do except carry a lot of gear. The hull doesn't have enough rigidity so it will collapse where the racks contact the boat. I purchased a new Northstar about a month ago. Very fast for a 14ft. If youre looking for an impeccably finished, thoughtfully designed single or tandem touring, recreational or transitional kayak, theres likely a Current Designs thats a great match for you. Search in all categories, rather than specifically recreation, as sometimes kayaks are listed underboats. The rudder was difficult to work and provided minimal steering. Read reviews for the Northstar by Wilderness Systems as submitted by your fellow paddlers. Rotomolded plastic kayaks are less expensive, heavier and generally more durablethey can take a beating, but it is challenging to fix them should you manage to damage the hull. The seats are very comfortable with a cup holder. Oh yes, and it's a great value. The plastic is high quality and has held up to years of sitting under the sun, being dragged and launched and landed on rocky beaches or shores with minimal changes or damage. Wilderness Systems flagship touring kayak, the Tempest, is a British-style kayak, comparable to the Current Designs Sirocco. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Check out a few other kayak recommendations below or explore all kayaks to find the perfect one for you! It is lighter though and I love the hull design! 7 Reasons to Consider Kayaking Events This Year, Best Paddling Destinations For Unforgettable Wildlife Viewing, Kayaking the Mouth of the Columbia River's Tidal Influences. Check out a few other kayak recommendations below or explore all kayaks to find the perfect one for you! Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 Kayak (2) 2 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. Bought a lightly used, plastic Sealution II four years ago, and paddled it everywhere from local ponds and rivers to overnights on the Great Lakes and the Maine coast. What's bad? Handles waves well, floats like a cork. By flipping a simple lever on the center of the shaft, the two pieces of the paddle become adjustable, enabling the paddler to easily alter the length and feather of this paddle. I am 14 in the adult mens division 4th place. I thought my Outer Island was sexybut the hard chines, flat decks, and great lines of this boat blow the OI away in looks!! I've got some lifting issues and this one in Kevlar comes out to 34#, yep 34. I kept up with him fine until the wind picked up and some tight 3' waves made things more interesting. The Norstar kayak moves through the water much better but doesn't have the storage of the Sea Eagle. The comfort level is now 100% perfect for me with about 8 hours of work. I put my nephew in it and he struggled for about 15 minutes, and then get the primary stability under control. for your first email from REI. I'm 5'11" and have a 35" waist. We particularly appreciated this innovative feature when our hands were cold and clumsy. My first test paddle of her was on the Ohio River on a calm afternoon. more-or-less indefinitely. . When we're both paddling this thing, it absolutely hauls ass. I have paddled the Daggers, Perceptions, Necky which make nice boats but I still prefer the poly Sealution over the other Necky poly's. Very stable in my opinion primary and secondary. I'll also walk you through the best kayak paddles for fishing so you'll hit the water ready. This boat makes me a believer in hard chine (I want a Valley Q-boat now). Based in Washington state, Eddyline specializes in recreational, fishing and day touring kayaks made from thermoformed plastica material that has the durability of traditional rotomolded plastic without the heavy weight. Two of those early designs, the Solstice and the Equinox remain popular today. I would like to build One from Chesapeake Lightcraft kit Sean's I am a wood worker got to go check back on these reviews I will tell of my kayaking hurricane Ivan 2004 in my Arctic Hawk. Great boat for smaller paddlers. What the Hawk does not do well is surf. This is an excellent long expedition boat in terms of gear storage and it's big, long and fast enough that even with some weight or cargo on board you can still make good time. If you are hard on your equipment, more delicate Aramid construction may not be the bestchoice. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community! Hobie mirage outback kayak. It doesn't seem to have aged much at all and appears to be nearly indestructible considering how much abuse we put it through. On the other hand, he stated he felt like he might go over a couple times, and I never did. This content was made possible with the support of OntarioCreates. Fast, efficient and straight tracking. A Message to Wildy Fans and Prospective Customers, We are producing kayaks as fast as we safely can and shipping kayaks to dealers daily. Very nice rudder assembly and comfortable adjustable seat. well as ocean -- an incredible all arounder if you can fit. During blind testing, kayakers were unable to tell the Pungo apart from a standard one-piece as it just feels solid. my time was 1 hour 5 min 26 sec for a 6.5 mile course. I must admit I had no extra load in my Hawk other than me, and I am about 195lbs. Our only complaint is that when you tilt the boat, there is some lateral flex and creaking in the seats plastic shell that you dont get in other boats whose seats are made of more rigid materials or glued directly to the hull. and have had to had 9oz glass tape to the undersides of the decks around the cockpit to stiffen it up, but the build is other wise very good. We'll send you a few emails every week. I use it exclusively in winter, photographing seals and ice bergs. The perfect kayak to fit your lifestyle awaits. I took it out on the water today for trials. It's my 4th kayak (you can never have too many?) I have yet to find a wind or water condition that this boat could not handle easily. Great boat. This 14' is faster than any plastic 16' or 17' that I've paddled. We have camped, loading it with all needed camping gear and the decks loaded. And, compared to a single, it's incredibly spacious, with ample room for both seating and gear. Best for Beginners: Pelican Poseidon Angler . Glued foam inserts can easily solve this. As other reviewers have pointd out, 94 pounds is way too heavy for a kayak, especially if one plans to transport it car-top. For a 150-lb paddler like me, the plastic version is Utilizing a carbon blend shaft and fiberglass blades, this paddle is lightweight and transfers a lot of power without being too stiff on the joints. Or any kayak, for that matter? Sometimes edging is not enough to correct this, and you have to use a sweep stroke or, with a really stiff wind at a bad angle, use a stern rudder stroke. This mechanism is common in adjustable SUP paddles, but we have not seen it used in 2-piece kayak paddles. Just for Members: 20% Off Select Bike Racks. Shipping, optional outfitting and construction layup will affect the costs of the kayaks, and it is best to visit your local paddle shop to get the most up-to-dateprices. Reading reviews of Current Designs kayaks helps to understand where these boats excel. This is really the only negative. Thermoform kayaks are not as light as Current Designs Aramid blends, but are still easy to handle. What theyve created is an appealing combination of Brit boat design with the high volume and plush outfitting of the North American tradition. Ours has handled everything from relatively tight rivers and streams to very aggressive open water with equal success, comfort and confidence. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Find manufacturers suggested retail prices (MSRP) of Current Designs kayaks on their website. We use this kayak in true wilderness areas in Alaska. This fiberglass paddle is a super . This is a true touring craft that demands challenging excursions. My only complaint, it is sluggish running downwind, but maybe that's me. The hull is considerably deeper than a Brit boat. And at 18 ft and 42 pounds it is an easy carry. The main difference is that the Polaris is a bit shorter as it lacks the center storage compartment. Wilderness now makes a replacement for the Northstar called the Polaris which is very similar and we bought one as the kids are old enough to paddle now, one parent in back with one kid in front, but still waiting on it. The Kevlar and glass boats will no doubt address almost all of my concerns. The Sealution is likely the most maligned boat on the market. harshly as well. You have entered an incorrect email address! As far as it goes the boat does everything well. While another reviewer has dubbed tandems 'divorce boats', my wife and I have found them very copasetic. My wife and I are moderately-experienced day-kayakers, having paddled singles and tandems on lakes, on Long Island Sound as well as on the lower Hudson. Our advice is to discuss your needs with your local Wilderness Systems dealer. Browse our Paddling Buyers Guide for all the essential details on every Current Designs kayak on the market. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. daytrip, fun, sea kayak that is capable of handling the normal conditions found in the open sea. (Give it a 9, but don't thing that there is a '10' boat). It performs very well from oceans to lakes. While a foot longer than the craft it replaced, it is no faster. It's very seaworthy, certainly more seaworthy than my paddling skills, even in spots when the wind and waves are up and I'm totally pooped. If you find a used Current Designs kayak that needs replacement parts, contact the company. Although we did not feel that it impacted performance, it did impact some testers' comfort levels during extending touring journeys. Once in the water, however, the kayak really comes into its own. Get it with a rudder if your not yet good at edging for course corrections. The comments about it not being for beginners are wrong if the beginners want to paddle for excitement. In true Brit style, the hatch covers are tight-sealing rubber and the three bulkheads are moulded fibreglass. Its quite fast: my wife and I, using wing paddles can maintain a speed of 6.2 m.p.h. Wilderness Systems Pedal driven kayak brands Brooklyn Kayak Company Feelfree Kayaks Hobie Hurricane Kayaks Jackson Adventures Native Watercraft NuCanoe Ocean Kayak Old Town Canoes and Kayaks Pelican Perception Kayaks Santa Cruz Kayaks Vibe Kayaks Viking Kayaks Wilderness Systems Sit-on-top kayak brands 3 Waters Kayaks Advanced Elements Aire We drove cross country and this problem really got worse when the air temperature rose above 80 degrees F. The hull collapsing caused numerous problems because once the hull sags the boat is no longer snug on the rack allowing it to move across the racks in cross winds and when semis pass on the interstate. It sticks. I am 6' 210 lbs. Very fast for a small boat. Aside from the fact that it is a hard shell boat and wide enough for the modern build, it is very like some historical Greenland boats. Pack light and simple, I taken extended trips in my boats. One is the position of the rudder lowering mechanism. At the expense of increased windage, there is a lot of volume, ample cargo space for multi-day trips and no lack of legroom. It was, with camping gear, pretty heavily-laden, but still performed well. I'm 5'9 155# and it's a good fit -- most of the bigger cockpits swallow me and I can't quickly lean If you find a perfect fit, dont hesitate or haggle hard to save a few bucks. traditional touring kayak with two bulk heads and a full sit inside cockpit. Great looks, speed and control. All Impex kayaks are constructed using Kevlar fusion materials, compared to Current Designs range of materials. Wilderness Systems Pungo Kayak Paddle Lightweight And Durable Adjustable Paddle Length Pros Cons 5. I have the fiberglass lay up with deep teal deck, purple seam line, white hull. At 5'2" and 110lbs., the Tschaika fit me with just a bit of adaptation. Rodgers makes several variations on this design. It's ideal for beginners, or anyone looking for more steering capability in conditions. Paddlers with limited dexterity would prefer this accommodating feature over the standard push-button option typically found on two-piece paddles. Ninety-five lbs. I would not recommend it for complete beginners as it is a little tippy and, as it has no rudder, takes a little skill to handle. I LOVE IT. The Sealution is the first sea kayak I have ever owned even though I had and have the use of two Aquaterra Chinooks through our club. To give you an idea, on my agenda over the next six months is a paddle over to Todos Santos in Baja California, exploration of Monterey Bay and the Elkhorn Slough and an eight day exploration of the islands off of Belize. We have not experienced any heat related warping of the plastic hull, and based on other reviewers comments have taken great care to ensure our Northstar is well supported in transit & storage. I keep it washed and waxed. I'm 5'1" not over 145 lbs. no speedster, but I'll bet the composite version improves performance. At this point, it's a low vol., ! How can we improve GearLab? They can keep you informed on lead times for boats and have insight on what is coming down the pipeline. It doesn't quite make it into the ultralight category, unlike the full-carbon version that is also available from Wilderness Systems. If I had to guess this boat is probably 50% faster or more than a shorter single in the 12-14 feet range. But, I adjusted my stroke to a lower silhouette and quickly dried. A second drawback is the heavy spray my wife receives in the front seat when punching into chop. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. I have also taken it to Nova Scotia where I've been out in the open ocean. The purchase of two new Northstars on different continents is a tangible indication of our respect for this craft. I like this boat so much that I built my skin boat to the same measurements! The blades of the Pungo Glass are fiberglass, and the shaft is 50% carbon, 50% fiberglass, giving it an overall lightweight feel. Likewise, the shallow V hulls and rounded chines (where the sides of the kayak meet the bottom) provide stability in rough waters but will feel less stable than North American-style or Transitional kayaks for beginner paddlers. It can be ordered from its designer, Mark Rodgers of Superior Kayaks, in mahogany plywood and epoxy. However, this is preferable to the solid water that we have experienced in other designs. This rigidity makes the kayak faster and more responsive. Sea kayaks are a niche item, and looking on special-interest pages or Facebook groups, such as a regional paddling club, may quicken the search. Understanding what kind of kayaking you want to do, and where you want to do it, will help you choose the best kayak for your paddling aspirations. I would recommend this boat only for strong paddlers. Intermediate and advanced paddlers will find it has plenty of initial stability and tracks will on an even keel. Wilderness Systems Quality Pungo Fiberglass 2 pc Kayak Paddle $295.00 Free shipping 12 watching Pungo Dashboard | Kayak Dashboard with Dry Storage| Console for Pungo Kayaks, Gr $125.74 Free shipping 2 watching Wilderness Systems Pungo 125 Performance Recreational Kayak $1,219.00 $350.00 shipping I have a very well-practiced ritual for getting it atop my van, which uses some custom-made guide ropes, but still the process is never easy. White over white with black rigging Wilderness Sealution in Kevlar w/ rudder. (Sorry Harry I am sure I misspelled your name). Fiberglass kayaks cannot handle as much abuse as a rotomolded plastic kayak, but they are far from fragile, especially Current Designs heavy water reinforced layup. It's meant to take weight. Under other brands, these may be categorized as Ocean Play kayaks, great for surfing, rolling and rough water. This boat has been the source of such enrichment to my life, it is surely one of the few best things that has ever happened to me. I recently paddled with a friend (admittedly in better shape then I) in a heavy soft chine boat (Epic with rudder). If stored correctly and well-cared for, a kayak will hold much of its value (this is especially true of hard-to-find, discontinued models). Instead of obsessing about danger, focus on stacking the odds in your favor. Other times, youll have to weigh the options. This beginner-level series covers everything you need to know for your first time kayaking. I find the seat kinda uncomfy, and as a result I sit with a paddle float under my knees.The initial stability when the boat is empty is pretty low, so it's not great for photography, or fishing, or playing yahtzee on deck, or whatever. If a button could be pressed and it folded up for transport I'd give it an 11, since it can't 10/10. We are producing kayaks as fast as we safely can and shipping kayaks to dealers daily. I use Thule racks and pads. As boats go this one is fine. Check out a few other kayak recommendations below or explore all kayaks to find the perfect one for you! The lever ferule system provided an infallible joint for this 2-piece paddle. An adult paddler and an enthusiastic child can keep up with most solo boats. It will rotate toward the wind when you're sitting there, but if you keep it moving you'll be fine. I also use a standard two-wheeled kayak dolly for moving it to the water. Our combined weight with day paddling equipment is about 320 pounds. The inner layer is made of meshed polyester while the two outer layers are made from PVC. The hull is scratched as expected but of no concern; it is poly, tracks fine; I use the rudder, runs well in all weather. [ Plan your next adventure with the Paddling Trip Guide ]. IT does have a small cupholder or "day storage" compartment behind but pretty much handles and paddles very much like the Northstar. Far more heavy than is necessary. A rudder is perfect for paddlers who want extra boat control and the ability to steer using their feet. I paddled in open ocean, bays, lakes and calm rivers. It's classified 'Light Touring' due to storage, (just a back hatch). They now exclusively make polyethylene boats, although some discontinued fiberglass touring kayaks can be found used. Garage or indoor storage is best, ideally climate-controlled to negate seasonal temperature fluctuations and prevent moisture. You can unsubscribe at any time. Over all this is the top boat in my top five list, and it makes any instructor look good in front of their students. The hatches are plastic and the nylon bands securing them have suffered some fatigue but at least you don't have to worry about rubber. Hang on when it broaches while on a surf. So fret not, even though the Northstar is no longer in production and may be hard to find, you can still buy one anew with more modern fittings, 10lbs less, minus 5 inches of length and the center storage compartment in the Polaris. Current Designs selection of rotomolded plastic and composite kayaks make for a more comprehensive price range, with some boats more expensive than Eddyline kayaks and some cheaper. That event is a tribute to Harry Teikens design. The kayak tracks nicely and turns on a dime. It is very fast and has exiptional tracking. You could call it a Romany for the West Coast., [ Paddling Buyers Guide: See all Wilderness Systems boats ]. The Sealution Pro is a kayak brought to you by Wilderness Systems. Its a great choice for intermediate to advanced paddlers looking for a playful British design that performs well in surf and rough water but also has a comfortable cockpit and expedition-capacity volume. Now produced by Canadian kayak and canoe manufacturer Abitibi & Co., Impex sea kayaks are high-end, high-performance composite boats. My wife and I came to kayaking with over twenty five years of two-up motorcycle touring experience. I have never felt safer nor more in tune with a boat than I do with my Sealution! It outperforms any other plastic boat I have ever tried. This is a decision that should come when one is committed to kayaking beyond occassional bay paddles. Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival, Best Kayak Brands For Fishing, Sea Kayaking, Touring & More, Boat Review: Solstice GT Titan by Current Designs, Boat Review: Current Designs Ignite Kayak, Boat Review: Current Designs Squall GTS Kayak, Touring Kayak Review: Current Designs Equinox GT, Expedition Kayak Review: Current Designs Infinity, Touring Kayak Review: Current Designs Stratus 18, 10 Reasons Kushiro Shitsugen National Park Is The Best Place To Canoe Trip In Japan, 7 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying A Kayak On Ebay. )It is my favorite and most used boat. Kudos also to my faithful Lightning brand paddle. 2. As to the outfitting and seat, I cut the entire seat out, built a "very nice" foam seat and back, did knee, thigh, hip braces in foam, took out the footpegs and put in fitted foam bulkhead and put in a vertical pillar of foam behind the seat to stiffen the rear deck. Join the Wilderness Systems Email Community. Granted I was paddling with a person that had minimal experience paddling and ran out of gas leaving me to do most of the work. The boat always feels very stable and seaworthy, and although it tracks very well (I rarely use the rudder except in crosswinds and following seas) it also turns easily, much better than a lot of 16-17 ft boats I've tried. Tracks poorly, has good speed. The Current Designs lineup is divided into five categories: Recreational, Transitional, North American-style touring, British-style touring and Danish-style touring. Great double at a great price. They are judged Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. One of the reasons is it has a keel running down the length of the boat, reinforcing it along the length of the boat. With such a long history in the sea kayak world, many Current Designs models are no longer in production. Werner Skagit Fiberglass Touring Sea Kayak Paddle Highly Durable Secure Locking Mechanism Pros Cons 7. Finally, if you are ordering replacement parts, please review our Shipping Notice. Also, the extra weight makes it necessary to add an extra weight in the bow for proper balance. The backrest is pulled back out of the way when I am in it. I positively live in it, and that includes teaching some pretty strenuous rescue classes. Durability and robustness were important considerations given the granite islands and shoals that I slide on and off. Our boat's rotomolded plastic construction can get pretty soft while being transported in the hot sun. 53 and not as strong as I used to be , I find it impossible to load alone on my Montero as I cant manage the 14 ft length without hearing Danger. She quick in the water. After our initial struggles.we purchased a Thule 897XT Hullvator which effortlessly loads the boat on top of my 3-dr Geo Metro and a NRS boat cart.thus problem solved !!! I am 6 240lbs, my girlfriend is 52 and (well lets not go there) but needless to say we both love the speed & stability that the Northstar provides and we can both easily slide in & out of the 20 inch wide cockpit. [ Read more: Pimp Your RideKayak Personalization ]. Top picks: Best Current Designs kayaks for 2023. Kayaking is a great escape anytime, and especially now. Her hull is lower than any of the other 9 kayak we've owned over the past 15 years. It carries a rudder (as I did on my first kayak) but I use it only for strong wind and current conditions. The third drawback is, as previously mentioned in a review, the manner in which the plastic softens when on land in direct sunlight approaching 90 degrees. When looking for a Current Designs kayak, Kijiji searches will be most effective if you try various terms. One of them, the somewhat smaller Sparrow Hawk, is also licensed to Wilderness Systems and would be a better choice for a smaller paddler. It VERY GOOD, but rather too heavy. This is an SUV of Kayaks, don't get it if you want a roadster. The flagship Vision series is available in five different sizes and a tandem model to suit paddlers of every size. Follow the links below to filter the kayaks by type. Current Designs focuses on sit-inside touring kayaks.

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