View Full Version : Canoes..
Im thinking of gettin a Canoe (in fact ive been thinking about it for years now.. and im not sure it will come along anytime soon...) Im a Kayaker (but im talking Canadian Style here not cockpit!) and have very limited experience in an open boat.. but i really want a boat in to which i can load my gear, and i disslike sea kayaks!
so i would like the option to have two people paddle it but would also like the option to go solo..
So what boat do you have?
Do you like it?
How much was it?
Why did you chose it?
Where did you get it?
TheViking
20-12-2004, 22:13
It can be cheaper to buy a canoe if one is living close to a good river. Renting one can be somewhat expensive. When we're in Sweden, we rent them for a steep price and paddle a good 90-100 km. With practice a canoe can be paddled single man. Front man is the 'engine' and the man in the back is the navigator.
yup i have paddled solo in an open boat, great skill to have!!
qweeg500
20-12-2004, 22:24
I'm with you on this tomtom.
I'm hoping to be in the market for one myself, maybe in the summer.
I've been looking at the Coleman Explorer Canadian type canoes.
If the Coleman name is anything to go by I expect they're a good option although I'm sure there are more than few here who can recommend other ideas.
I've seen them for sale on the net for around £300 second hand and £400-£500 new.
Matt
Second hand Canoes tend to be snapped up in about 10 seconds flat!
I have heard mixed Reports on Coleman boats.. some say they are heavy..
but unlike kayaks i don't really know what to look for in an open boat hence i started the thread! :1244:
i remember hoodoo showing us an amazing looking Kevlar one a few months ago! i have a feeling it was one of those you might need a second mortgage for though! and i don't know if you could get it in the UK!
Carcajou Garou
20-12-2004, 23:15
I presently have a Langford 17' kevlar in the prospector style with a v keel, Our others were fibreglass 17' trippers but they were crushed under 7' of ice and snow 2 years ago on our racks so we now store the new one inside our tent garage. Always carry a spare (3rd) paddle in case you or someone drops theirs. You can have a water shedding cover fitted to the canoe with holes where you sit and it will aid in any white water experience. Enjoy!!! :wave: :o):
just a thought
I presently have a Langford 17' kevlar in the prospector style with a v keel, Our others were fibreglass 17' trippers but they were crushed under 7' of ice and snow 2 years ago on our racks so we now store the new one inside our tent garage. Always carry a spare (3rd) paddle in case you or someone drops theirs. You can have a water shedding cover fitted to the canoe with holes where you sit and it will aid in any white water experience. Enjoy!!! :wave: :o):
just a thought
Have you got a pic? I might be in the market for something like that myself.
MagiKelly
20-12-2004, 23:52
I got a Coleman Journey this year. At 15 foot 6 inches it is perfect for solo or tandem trips. It is robust and not at all heavy. Easy to put on the car roof. I have added "D" rings round the internal edges and oar locks so when solo I can row if required in heavy weather, when solo paddling would be difficult.
I have just posted some pictures from this weekends trip in my Gallery. Have a look if you want.
Abbe Osram
21-12-2004, 00:11
I paddled solo a "OldTown" Canoe. The company makes very good canoes. I very much liked it.
cheers
Abbe
:chill:
do you know which model.. there are a few?
wow!! Carcajou Garou i just checked out Langford (http://www.langfordcanoe.com/index.html), Their Cedar ones look AMAZING!!
One thing I recommend before you buy just any ol' canoe, is to read up on canoe design. There is a LOT of variation in canoe design and which one you should get depends a lot on how you plan to use it. Some canoes are designed for fast water and rapids, some are designed for lakes and open water. Get a solo fastwater canoe out on the lake and you will be lucky to paddle across it in a heavy wind. Probably the best book I've ever read that explains the elements of canoe design is Bill Mason's Song of the Paddle. Besides containing some great yarns, there is just some excellent information in it as well.
So what boat do you have?
I've got a Coleman Journey 15 1/2ft.
Do you like it?
Yes, very much.
How much was it?
About £500.
Why did you chose it?
I was told it is a good boat for a beginner and it is.
Where did you get it?
I bought it from Avoncraft (http://www.avoncraft.co.uk/)
thats the information i am looking for really (would have been helpful if i had specified wouldnt it :roll: ) im looking for a boat for flat water mainly!
My solo canoe is a big lake canoe. It's a Bell Merlin II.
Here is a link to the specs. (http://www.bellcanoe.com/products/canoes/merlin2.html)
There's about 2.5" of rocker in the bow and 1.5" in the stern so it cuts across a lake well in some pretty heavy winds. The more rocker, the more the bow and stern stick up. This is great if you want to turn your boat in fast water but the higher your stern or bow, the more the wind will catch it and toss you around. There is no perfect canoe for both. The Merlin II maneuvers well though.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images7/merlinii1b.jpg
Kevlar is the way to go if you are looking to go light. Roylex is cheaper, tougher (more abrasion resistant) around rocks, but heavier. If weight is not a problem, Roylex is great.
tom tom - I'd echo hoodoo, read up as much as you can before you choose.
If you're serious about getting in to paddling then you want something that will do what you want it to - not just a tub that floats, I wouldn't touch a coleman with a proverbial bargepole!
Look at mad river, wenona and old town. pyrana (sp?) prospectors are good too.
George
Sorry - I should have pointed out this thread http://www.bushcraftuk.net/community/showthread.php?t=1989&highlight=canoe
George
bambodoggy
21-12-2004, 11:16
As some of you may know you can have a great effect on how your canoe handles in the wind simply by moving where you paddle from...
It is traditional to paddle a boat solo from roughly the middle of the boat and this works very well for light wind conditions and should also be adopted for river trips and cross winds on lakes.
If the wind is behind you then you should move and paddle from the back of the boat, your weight in the back helps to lift the front of the boat and it then acts like a weather vain and the wind itself keeps you pointing in the right direction.
If the wind is head on, then clearly you need to move to the front of the boat for the same reasons as above but the other way round.
Don't be affraid to move about in your boat...those that have tried this will know and those yet to try will find out that this can save you lots of energy and frustration when paddling in open areas.
Having waffled on for a bit (hope that's helpful to a coule of you) this is my boat:
http://www.hbcanoekayak.co.uk/3Canoe_Fishing.html (Mine is the Predator C133 at the top of the page....well, it would be wouldn't it).
I bought it from this canoe shop and paid aprrox £650 for it. It's made by "Old Town" who make very good boats!
I used to paddle a coleman and it was great but a little heavy for me on my own to lift it on and off the roof of the car (it was fine to paddle solo). My new one is perfect.....even if the colour does upset a few people! lol
I noticed today on evil-bay a Mad-River canoe, it's got 9 days left to run and is bid for at £200ish right now (I'm sure it'll go up).... Mad-River make very good boats! Might be worth a nose at...just do a search for "open canoe".
I bought my first canoe last spring, its a 16 ft Novacraft Prospector fabricated in Royalex. Its a fantastic boat and came well recommended. Its worth checking out reviews of any boat you're think of buying. Check out this site:
http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/
The prospector design is a high volume river tripping boat, and in Royalex is virtually bombproof - I would have destroyed a PE boat during a trip during the summer, as it was I've got some character scars on the hull and nothing more. The only downside to the prospector design is wind - its a nightmare to paddle solo in the wind. The design is such that when you heel the boat over, the waterline shortens from the 16ft to about 12 - 13 ft, this makes it great to play in solo (assuming its not windy). Lots of companies make prospector designs or similar. My view is that this design is a compromise but a good compromise for most things. Royalex is heavy but we don't do a lot of portaging in Scotland, and I live a stones through from the River Dee so I wasn't too bothered about that.
Biggest downside is cost - £1000 (I was tempted to sell a kidney but . . .)
I bought mine from Carlisle Canoes. Jim was very helpful , and went out of his way to deliver the canoe to a mutually suitable point (they can be prone to damage if shipped so I'm told).
Good luck with your choice.
Perhaps we shold hold a bushcraft UK canoe trip. The Lake District is pretty central (UK speaking). Anyboby think there would be interest??
bambodoggy
21-12-2004, 13:16
Typical....my new boat must be about the only one not on that review page!!!!! lol
I'd be up for a bcuk canoe meet up...the lakes sounds good. Most of my time has been spent in Rivers up to now and most recentlty in very quiet canals and backwaters..... I have perfected my indian j-stoke and can now paddle my predator at just under running pace but totally silently and am enjoying sneaking up on the various wildlife along the waterways. The alore of whitewater has never been that strong for me although I do it and enjoy it but for me the real joy of an open boat is being all alone with my dog and in a very quiet stretch of water where I can stalk the locals and see all those things that we humans usually miss (I'm talking wildlife here before anyone gets the wrong idea of me!).
jdlenton
21-12-2004, 14:45
My Brother inlaw is a Pro paddler with lots of sponsorship lots of his friends are too they will be retiring all there '04 boats in the new year if you decide what you want let me know if not i'll keep my eye out for any boat going and let you know
J*
:o):
tenbears10
21-12-2004, 15:07
J, do they have open canoes or kayaks?
jdlenton
21-12-2004, 16:41
Both Why you want ?:naughty:
Abbe Osram
21-12-2004, 18:59
do you know which model.. there are a few?
I think it was called tripper. I used it working as a tour guide for a safari company in Finland. They are heavy but you cant break them therefore
adventure companies buy them a lot.
cheers
Abbe
......
So what boat do you have?
Do you like it?
How much was it?
Why did you chose it?
Where did you get it?
Ally 16,5' Down River (DR) model ! (have used Klepper's in the army, they are good too).
I love Ally (don't tell me wife !!)
Was sponsored with the canoe and additional equipment, so I don't know how much. Looking at prices I'd say about 14.000,- Norwegian kroner for canoe, splashcover and all the rest.
Chose it on personal experience with loaned Ally canoes and recommendations from several expedition padlers (a couple of whom have used the same Ally canoe on 6 trips down Albany River, Thalon River etc in North America / Canada). Have seen Ally canoes surviving rapids which completely flattened Gruman and Incas aluminum canoes.
Got it directly from the manufacturer.
bambodoggy
31-12-2004, 11:37
Hey Tomtom.....just saw this while nosing around Ebay....thought you might be interested at the price....
Phil.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=36123&item=7124455546&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW#ebayphotohosti ng
Hi Bam.. Thanks for the link :biggthump
bambodoggy
31-12-2004, 13:17
No worries Matey.....and if it all goes wrong then you can always make your own....... might need to head up my way to collect the birch bark though! lol
Have a good new year Mate...
http://www.squeedunk.com/building.htm
Brainflex
31-12-2004, 16:28
Anyone used the inflateable canoes ? Do you know where I can get one ?
I used one regularly in Oz but have not seen them in the UK.Space issues prevent a full size canadian.
Kayaks and Paddles (http://www.kayaksandpaddles.co.uk/canoe/kayak/uk/shop/inflatables.htm) jus up the road from me
Brainflex
01-01-2005, 16:52
Just picked up a copy of Paddles canoe/kayak magazine I found in the newsagent and there are loads of ads in it.
Also available is a SEASAFETY DVD available free from seasafety@rnli.org.uk.
Just mention Paddles mag.
Paddles is a good mag... Canoe/KayakUK is a good one too!!
Okay, I admit it we're a bit over the top in our family but 4 of us paddle ( 3 of us more than the youngest son)
As a result we own 3 Open boats in the family :shock:
We've got a Pyranha Prospector in Royalex
An Old Town Discovery 158
A Mad River explorer 14ft (Owned and paid for by my son!!)
The two bigger boats all paddle well solo or doubles, but our experience of paddling the Explorer double is limited coz our son never gets out of it!
The Disco is a very solid boat - I did my 3* and Canoe Safety test in one, but the prospector is a joy - light and responsive.
We bought the Prospector 2nd Hand for around £500, but the Disco and Explorer were new, both around the 500 mark.
The trouble with buying second hand is that Open Boats are a bit like hens teeth... Just look out and be lucky.
I like the idea of a meet - trouble is we're always so busy but if the time is right we'll try to get there.
Graham.
CanRanger
20-01-2005, 04:32
Sorry I didn't catch this post earlier I use to sell new and used canoes I have been paddling for over 22 years now the first thing I use to do when dealing with a customer was ask what water they were paddling. The next bit of information I use to get was duration of trips and loads in the canoe.
As Hoodoo said each design has a purpose my boat is a combo boat it is a Swift Domine made for river tripping. River Trippers deal well with white water but keep in mind that there might be lake to cross on the journey. My boat is asymmetrical in design with a kneeling thwart it is a rounded VA hull and as no bilge pockets because it is made from Royalex. It is a heavy lay up weighing 65 lbs for durability and has no keel but does have a keel line. On the rocker end it would be considered moderate to high with a 3" bow rocker and a 2" stern. It also has a mid measure meant of of 37" and a depth of 15" making it a good tripper for load carrying. Overall length is 16'4" it is a heavy boat to some but because of its weight and the fact it has a low bow and stern profile it can cross big windy water with moderate loads. The lower bow profile is compensated for in white water with 2 features first it is a flared front end and secondly it is asymmetrical giving it a good pivot point to avoid squalling which you British sailors should know about.
All these features are in the boat to make it usable for it intended use so that why I always ask details about the water to be paddled.
Abe
bloodline
17-04-2005, 10:16
get a prospector the design is ideal for us bushcraft types there s loads of different manufacturers the more you pay the lighter they are . they can all be paddled singlehanded or why not make one you can get plans from selway fisher design you can make a good one in about a week
Just bought a canadian canoe, pick it up next weekend, and then get it on the river by us. It's a slow running river that looks quite nice from what I've seen of it, the weather is good for it at the moment, so that's that!!
I'm really excited!!! :D
Spamel
sounds great mate had a good paddle yesturday with hobbit the tide was slack so water was smooth did about 4 miles we have sit on top sea kayaks well good fun and if hobbit can handle one they most be easy she is only ten :)
anthonyyy
20-04-2005, 19:43
Might I suggest a Folding Kayak? These are readily available second hand from Germany (do a search for "faltboot" on ebay.de).
I got one for 400 euros including postage from the old East Germany.
A good cheap model is the Pouch RZ85.
I find assembly and disassembly a pain but they claim that with experience 2 people can assemble one in a half hour.
If anyone needs any help with translations give me a shout.
Motorbike Man
22-04-2005, 18:06
I've wanted to get ino paddling for a while now but I've always been held back because of transporting a canoe on a motorbike :eek: Over the last couple of days, I've been looking at inflatables and realised that they're not always the beach toys I'd assumed they would be. Does anyone have any experiances with inflatables? Are they worth the dosh? I'm certainly not looking at them because they're cheap (some of them are around the two grand mark!!) but for transportability and I's be interested in your comments
MBM
I believe there is a good canoe shop in Bournemouth itself which sells an inflatable canoe by Stearns for around £ 350. It weighs around 20 kg though so I don't know if biking it around would be feasible?! I too would be keen to hear peoples' opinions as I have been tempted to get one myself.
Regards
Bob :)
Motorbike Man
22-04-2005, 20:31
MBM
I believe there is a good canoe shop in Bournemouth itself which sells an inflatable canoe by Stearns for around £ 350. It weighs around 20 kg though so I don't know if biking it around would be feasible?! I too would be keen to hear peoples' opinions as I have been tempted to get one myself.
Regards
Bob :)
20k would be no problem on the bike at all and the price seems very reasonable, what shop is it? PM me if you like.
The other thing I have been wondering about is the legality of paddling. What permits and licences do you need if any? anyone got any ideas?
anthonyyy
22-04-2005, 22:25
I've been looking at inflatables and realised that they're not always the beach toys I'd assumed they would be. Does anyone have any experiances with inflatables? Are they worth the dosh?
Personally I wouldent go for inflatables. They are very difficult to control in windy conditions and can be downright dangerous.
i would also stear clear of the inflatables if you can avoid them.. i understand that its going to be difficult to get anything else on you bike.. but i wouldnt take one of those things near moving water or the sea!
anthonyyy
23-04-2005, 10:11
A folding kayak is yer only man. Some German chap crossed the atlantic in one in 1928. They weigh no more than an inflatable and you dont need to carry a pump around.
Fallow Way
06-05-2005, 17:34
hey all,
what do you all think..?
I`ve found a Mad River Explorer 14ft TT for £600.
I`ve paddled Mad River canoes, although not this model, and really liked them. This one is comparable with an Old Town of the same size at this price.
if i had the chash that would be the model i would go for! its worth what your willing to pay!
Fallow Way
06-05-2005, 17:50
cheers, its always nice to have a little confirmation although i know how good the make is when its a serious amount of cash i`m parting with.
now tom tom, how do i get the gf thinking this is a good idea? :-)
now tom tom, how do i get the gf thinking this is a good idea? :-)
huum.. :rolleyes:
I've just got back from a trip out in the canoe, bloody rained on and off all day, and now it's sunny!! Typical. I shared the lake with a few swans and a bunch of ducks, and I had an enjoyable day.
Spacemonkey
09-05-2005, 18:40
http://www.pakboats.com/ do a folding canoe and kayak at a very reasonable price compared to everyone else, and with good dollar exchange rates at the mo' I'm tempted myself! As usual, any retailer in Rip Off Britain charges more in Sterling than the Americans charge in Dollars. Bit of a no brainer there then... I was looking at the Puffin series which is a kayak, but can be used without the top cover and can be used like a canoe in this respect. Obviously it is a compromise, but I'm sure that if the compromise is acceptable, then it should fit the bill! Packs into a small pack, so could easily be carried by bike. Trips to Poole harbour, or my old favourite-Mudeford harbour would be easy. You can go up the Avon to Bridge Street (not far really) or the Stour only as far as Iford Bridge, but it's a nice way to spend a few hours. I would launch out of Mudeford Quay and paddle up stream and then return with the flow all in an evening. In fact the more i think about it, then the more I think I'll get one of these, as it's the only way to get a canoe in an MX5 that I can think of, and I can also take it on a plane.
hi guys i have just re-read this thread.. MBM i guess there is only one canoe shop in bornmouth... its the sister shop of kayaksandpaddles in plymouth.. the web address is http://www.bournemouthcanoes.co.uk/ and they offer a mail order/internet service (sorry if you know this already but it may be of use!)
Bob Hurley
10-05-2005, 01:51
Probably not suitable for your needs but I have a Copperhead pirogue by Ron Chapman. They're kinda scary for new canoeists, but the whitewater guides that have tried mine love it - even though whitewater is the last place you'd want to take it.
http://www.pirogue.com/
I'd like to have one of his Evangeline canoes for larger loads, the little Copperhead isn't really big enough for two people.
I dont know if this is of interest to anyone but I found a web site to the canoe camping club of GB.
www.canoecampingclub.co.uk/
:)
[QUOTE=Motorbike Man]I've wanted to get ino paddling for a while now but I've always been held back because of transporting a canoe on a motorbike :eek:
To give Motorbike man a bit of hope, I was talking to an Outdoor Activity Instructor the other day who remembered that he had seen a Kayak on a motorbike before - he had a bracket made to strap on the side. It must have been hell leaning into the corners :eek:
Also, Fallow Way quote;
I`ve found a Mad River Explorer 14ft TT for £600.
My 18 year old son paddles one of these and loves it - very light and responsive, and he can easily lay it over on its edge. He has the 14ft Plastic (not Royalex) and he paid around the same amount of money.
He bought his boat from Woods Mill in Southampton, and they had a demo boat for him to try.
Good luck, and let us know how you get on.
Graham.
I dont know if this is of interest to anyone but I found a web site to the canoe camping club of GB.
www.canoecampingclub.co.uk/
:)
Crikey, I'm spending my evening replying to Quotes all night.
I am a member of the CCC and they are a good bunch. In the South East of England they run a Coaching weekend on the Thames for members in June, and they are having a come and try this weekend on the Thames again, but you have to be a member of the parent club, Camping & Caravanning Club to take part (I think).
We've done lots of our training with the CCC - 1 & 2* Canoe, and the best week of the year for us is a family week on the River Wye, held over the Whitsun week where you can go out with organised groups every day if you want to. That's why I won't be at the BCUK gathering.
Graham.
Fallow Way
20-05-2005, 23:18
bit of an update, not been offered the same boat for 500 and 200 worth of kit for a 100, think i impressed the guy with my knowledge of the history of the canoe :-)
bothyman
21-05-2005, 14:49
Ulitimate Bushcrafters Watercraft.
>> http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=98955&item=7157834112&rd=1
Motorbike Man
22-05-2005, 22:45
Thanks for the info and links guys, I'm definately goig to have a look at the CCC, that looks just like the place I need :D
a real cool sit on top kayak, i am buying in a few weeks, called ocean prowler 13 angler. brilliant for camping
also a weird but good one is the 'ambush' excellent alrounder, but sadly discontinued
Thanks for the info and links guys, I'm definately goig to have a look at the CCC, that looks just like the place I need :D
has that thing got knee straps.. you would have a hell-of-a job to role it :eek:
Motorbike Man
23-05-2005, 00:13
has that thing got knee straps.. you would have a hell-of-a job to role it :eek:
Huh?? :confused:
Probably not suitable for your needs but I have a Copperhead pirogue by Ron Chapman. They're kinda scary for new canoeists, but the whitewater guides that have tried mine love it - even though whitewater is the last place you'd want to take it.
http://www.pirogue.com/
I'd like to have one of his Evangeline canoes for larger loads, the little Copperhead isn't really big enough for two people.
Bob...I got the King pirogue from Ron Chapman...a bit bigger than yours but still a great way to slide thru the swamp...I agree that it isnt for whitewater with the flat bottom but it'll float on a heavy dew...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v722/kingfish711/pirogue1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v722/kingfish711/pirogue1R.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v722/kingfish711/Cypress.jpg
what wonderful pictures it looks like you really have the place to use your boat eh! :D
thanks for showing us
Lovely pics. Great spot to paddle and relax. Keep the pics coming.
can anyone recommend an inflatable canoe for semi serious use. I have some space issues.
MartiniDave
23-05-2005, 13:47
I saw one (boxed) in Reeds Of Cambridge on saturday. I think it was by Old Town, about £270 plus paddles and pump, looked pretty good judging by the piccy on the box. Link below.
http://www.reedsofcambridge.co.uk/
All these piccies make my pottering about the cam in an old dancer look pretty boring I must say!
Dave
Ive just bought an Old Town Guide 147 - it should be delivered in the next couple of days.
I did a lot of research before I made my decision and the Guide seemed right for me - to be honest cost was the major limiting factor for me.
The following site gave me some good info.
http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/
I also wanted a boat that I could paddle solo but occasionally have someone else along. I only plan to use it on lakes and very slow flowing rivers - if you plan on white water then I dont think the Guide would do the job, not as well as some others anyway.
WARNING - Rant ahead :eek:
What really gets my goat is that a boat that sells for £600 plus in the UK sells for about $530 (£290) in the US. Someone is taking the p*** here.
monkey_pork
29-05-2005, 09:04
ok ... I admit that these are probably of no use whatsoever towards the original question, but as there are already a couple of pictures, I guess a few more won't hurt from various trips...
http://www.geocities.com/monkey_pork/media/15022004/0.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/monkey_pork/media/26042004/22.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/monkey_pork/media/20092003/20092003_7.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/monkey_pork/media/20092003/20092003_11.jpg
Both boats are Old Town Disco's, and they have more than proved their worth over the last few years - They are very capable, trustworthy and adaptable boats in my experience. Yeah, so maybe they are bit heavy, and catch the wind more than *some* boats, but the payoff is in shelter and stability, (just get fitter !).
sandbender
29-05-2005, 09:15
I know what you mean...
Just about to splash out on a Mad River Explorer 15 RX with Wooden gunwales,
Best UK Price - £1199
Average US Price £450 - ish
PS
Nice pics
Good piccies, and you're right the Disco's are bomb proof - we've just sold one because we bought a Dagger Reflection 15 in Royalex, second hand, and really didn't need 4 Open boats :eek:
Graham.
trying to get into paddling myself, found one in Trail mag ,it's infatable but looks bombproof may have to purchase one. the site is www.nauticalia.com it's called a infatable kayak but it has a open top and can be paddled solo and heres the clincher £179 sounds quite good to me. :cool:
anthonyyy
09-07-2005, 00:14
trying to get into paddling myself, found one in Trail mag ,it's infatable but looks bombproof may have to purchase one. the site is www.nauticalia.com it's called a infatable kayak but it has a open top and can be paddled solo and heres the clincher £179 sounds quite good to me. :cool:
This type of inflatable kayak (tahiti) is really only a beach toy. Fine for having fun a few yards from shore on a windless day or if theres an onshore wind.
They are very difficult to paddle in a straight line and if theres an offshore wind you could find yourself being blown out to sea faster than you can paddle back.
However, given its limitations you can get on the water and have fun for a low price.
Grooveski
09-08-2005, 20:59
I've been using a Sevylor Tahiti Ranger for the last couple of months and would rate it as more than a beach toy.
http://store1.yimg.com/I/sportsmerchants2_1857_14913326
Last weekend a friend and I(he has one too) were on Loch Fyne(sea loch). On the way out there was a fair breeze(about 10knots max) blowing offshore and slightly from behind. The wind did catch the kayaks but would have had to be much stronger before there would have been any danger of not being able to paddle back to shore.(on Loch Lomond a few weeks before we were able to cross the loch at it's widest against a far stronger wind - coming back was a laugh:))
At Loch Fyne we ended up moving about 300m offshore to get out into steady wind. In at the coast the wind was unpredictable, gusting down valleys and round headlands and generaly just being a bit irritating.
On the way back the breeze had dropped to about about 3-5knots and travelling straight into it was plain sailing at an effortless 3mph(for 2 hours). Had the wind not dropped we planned to come out with it to a pick-up point round on the Mull of Kintyre but as it was getting back to the truck was a doddle.
The wee things were quite heavily loaded with 2 large rucksacks, a tent and assorted gubbins in each. There were other pals with us who were able to walk along the(very rugged) shore because we were transporting their gear for them. With a rucksack on traversing that stretch of shoreline is quite dangerous and exhausting.
Even with all that load the inflatables still felt stable.
As for rivers, we haven't got round to attacking any yet but it's on the cards. Sevylor inflatables are quite popular in whitewater circles, many adventure centres use them and I have no doubt that this one will give hours of mild whitewater frolicks.
The Ranger model has a protective cover made of heavy duty gortex-like material and I must admit I'd feel a little wary of running over rocks without it, but the "orange torpedo"(the standard one-man tahiti) has been shooting rapids around the world for decades so maybe they're tougher than I'm giving them credit for.
Another plus for the Ranger model are the two tracking fins built into the cover. Without them the kayak wants to wander around aimlessly and I believe a rudder is essential for open water use with the normal Tahitis.
Packed up the whole affair(including paddles and footpump) fits into a 70litre rucksack. There's no way I could carry it on my bike as I have a single seat unit which limits me to a 45litre pack. Without the cover it would probably fit and the orange torpedo would easily be transportable. The piccies I've seen of it packed up looked like about a 30litre pack. The poles for the paddle could maybe be tricky to as they'd be bouncing off your helmet unless positioned far enough back or bungied onto the bike.
The plasticwork for the paddle, the pump and repair kit would all fit into a tank bag no problem.
Weight would be fine. I've carried about climbing gear that weighed more.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to make out that inflatables are as proficient as solid-hulled kayaks, they're not, not by a long shot - but for £180 and considering that I don't have any storage for a real canoe I'm well chuffed with the Ranger.
Josh