Category: Kayak Reviews

• TS 5′ 10″, 165-pound male. Day trips in winds less than 10 knots, small waves, boat and ship wakes for surfing.
• RS 6′ 2″, 185-pound male. Day trip in winds to 35 knots, seas 2 feet, confused chop with 6- to 8-foot ocean swell.
• MH 5′ 10″, 190-pound male. 4-day trip, swell to 5 feet with clapotis and wind waves. Rock gardens and surge channels. 60 pounds of gear.

“The Looksha is one of the cleanest looking plastic boats on the market. Faux-granite plastic mixture seems to ease the ‘Tupperware’ look that many plastic boats suffer from” (TS). Like the Looksha II (SK August 96) it has a double chine.

The Looksha balances well for a solo carry. The 65-pound weight of the Looksha was not too difficult for our reviewers to manage. For a two-person carry the toggle placement is too far in from the ends for easy handling.

The placement of the stern toggle is required by the rudder, but the inboard placement of the bow toggle also causes the bow to “bump into your leg while you carry it” (RS). RS and TS thought placement of the grip at the tip of the bow would be an improvement.

The Looksha’s deck layout is “functional”(TS). Our reviewers especially liked the recessed deck fittings. The cockpit is “a nice size for easy entry and exit” (MH). RS would like a “snugger fit and a slightly lower deck” and both he and TS note the need for some custom padding.

The seat is comfortable and long enough to provide some good thigh support. The back rest was comfortable but is “quite high, sticking well above the cockpit, making laying back for a screw roll impossible” (RS).

There is an option for a lower seat back. The thigh bracing was usable but did not offer a secure grip: “They could stick out farther and offer more purchase” (RS) or be padded out by the owner.

The webbing/ladder lock slider system for the rudder pedals “is infinitely adjustable and works reasonably well though it does require a little patience to get it perfectly trued” (TS).

As with most rudder pedals the system has a “fair bit of give” (TS) when the rudder is retracted. The rudder seems “pretty indestructible” to TS, while RS thinks it could be a bit “beefier.” When deployed it works smoothly and drops back down after riding over obstructions.

On the water the Looksha IV “has a very comfortable stability range. Without being a barge, the initial and secondary stability are good” (TS). “Stable enough to fish from, yet it felt nimble and very responsive”(MH). “Stable enough for most beginners but it turned like a dream when I got it up on edge” (RS).

Although the Looksha has a rudder, our reviewers preferred paddling with it retracted. “Putting this baby up on edge was my favorite thing about the Looksha. It cranks surprisingly quick turns for a 17-foot touring kayak, pivoting like a shorty play boat” (RS).

“It was a blast in the rock gardens. Super maneuverable and fun” (MH). The Looksha also tracked well with the rudder retracted. Its quick response to carved turns makes it easy to hold a course.

Only MH noted the Looksha, without a gear load aboard, had slight tendency to weathercock in moderate winds, easily corrected by edging the boat. In the strong winds RS encountered “it handles as you might suspect: like most kayaks it was a struggle to keep on course in gusts of 30-plus knots.”

The Looksha has a dry ride in moderate conditions as its bow “has a moderate tendency to rise up over small chop. In bigger water the ride got much wetter” (RS). “It was dry until I got crazy in the rocks” (MH).While not exceptionally fast the Looksha “does accelerate and hold its speed well”(TS).

“I was able to sprint and catch swells easily” (MH). The Looksha handles well for surfing wind waves and boat wakes. “The boat’s maneuverability made it easy to [ride] wind waves without falling off into a broach” (RS). “Course correction on shorter steeper boat wakes was a breeze with the rudder in action” (TS). “Bow tends to plunge in large steeper waves. Side surfs smoothly for controlled broaches” (RS).

There is enough room for a week’s worth of gear in the bulkheaded compartments. The hatches consist of an unattached neoprene cover and a tethered plastic lid. None of the reviewers reported any leakage after rolling or rough-water paddling.

The bulkheads are made of foam glued in place. With a load aboard the Looksha IV had additional stability and kept its “excellent” (MH) handling qualities.”A very likable kayak. I would recommend it to anyone who wanted the advantages of cost, recyclability and impact resistance of a plastic boat that doesn’t compromise on greater touring performance” (TS).

“Beginners should be satisfied with its relative stability and solid cruising characteristics. This is a maneuverable and responsive kayak for skilled paddlers to play around in on day trips, and it’ll haul plenty of gear. All things considered, the Looksha is a good all-around touring boat” (RS).

“Often when testing kayaks I find myself wishing I were in something else. I didn’t want to get out of this thing. The best plastic kayak I’ve ever paddled” (MH).

Designer Response

First I would like to thank the anonymous testers for what I consider a very complimentary review. I would like to respond to some of their comments. Ideally we would like to fit a boat perfectly to everybody, but that is impossible, especially for ones designed for high production.

Our concern is that some paddlers, especially new ones, are afraid of being trapped in the boat, hence the loose fit. To get tighter fits it’s relatively easy to glue a layer of foam and shape it for the perfect customized fit Looksha IV was originally produced with a lower back rest, but the majority of our customers preferred a higher one.

The refit is easy, just ask your dealer. The placing of the handles is due to my concern of picking up some loose kelp or sea weed on the bow and not being able to get rid of it. After you use the Looksha a few times you will find that the best way to carry it is by holding it by the bow.

Your hand fits perfectly. When it comes to using a rudder or not, there is no doubt in my mind that it is more fun to play in the boat without the rudder. But what we are making is a touring boat, and sometimes you have to be plugging ahead in nasty conditions hour after hour and using a rudder can make things easier.

Mike Neckar

Options and Pricing (1996 design)

• Standard Construction: Rotomolded, Super Linear Polymer, Metthalocene catalyst technology.
• Standard Features: Hatches, deck lines, bulkheads, seat and back rest.
• Approximate Weight: 65 pounds
• Price: Plastic: $1320 with rudder, 1150 without rudder.
  Fiberglass: $2100. Kevlar: $2495 Kevlar. (MSRP in US dollars)

Manufacturer’s Design Statement:

Performance touring kayaks don’t necessarily have to be high-priced composites. Plastic touring kayaks have gotten an undeserved rap for some time now. With the new EXL plastic to work with, we decided to see just how good a modern plastic touring kayak could be.

The Magellan hull form extends from the Meridian with “next-generation” ideas incorporated. We geared the Magellan for a little more extended touring. It’s slightly longer (6″) and a little stiffer than the Meridian, but still lively and easy to lean and carve a turn.

This boat has speed and efficient glide, but it is the bow-to-stern innovation that says this is a different kind of plastic kayak. The injection-molded deck fittings are recessed, and designed to make it easy for paddlers to customize the lacing patterns. The bow toggle doesn’t flop around annoyingly, but is ready when needed.

The Magellan bulkheads are welded to become one piece with the boat, and take up much less storage space than foam-type bulkheads. The bulkhead’s complex geometry adds rigidity to the hull while still being able to flex under severe stress and retain its water tightness.

The clear material of the bulkhead also lets light into the compartment, a welcome feature when unpacking and hunting for that elusive item you know is in there somewhere.

The seat lets you lock in when you need it, and thigh braces from Dagger’s whitewater boats can be added for the hard core. With EXL polyethylene construction for rigidity and durability to top things off, the Magellan makes a great package.

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Reviews

VS 5’2″, 160-pound female. Day trip in wind to 10 knots, 1-foot chop.

DL 5’10”, 185-pound male. Pool session, day trips winds, to 15 miles per hour with gusts to 25. Waves to two feet. Gear loads from 25 to 85 pounds.

TW 6’1″, 180-pound male. Day trips in calm conditions.

“The appearance of the [Magellan] was excellent. The strength of the deck and hull was exceptional” wrote DL, noting that the hull and deck supported his weight with some flexing, but without buckling. The blended blue and red color drew a little flak: VS thought the color combination was too dark for visibility, and TW just thought it was “ugly.”

The Magellan has a feel of “overall sturdiness” (VS) and strength “to withstand rougher beaches” (TW). The Magellan balanced well for a solo carry, but at 59 3/4 pounds, all of our reviewers thought it heavy. For VS, it was at the “limit of being too heavy for me.”

The carrying toggles are set in from the ends, the stern one placed where it would be if a rudder were present. The toggles have a length of bungie cord that pulls the toggle tight against the deck when not in use. The deck fittings are “excellent” (DL), “great” (VS).

A safety grab line runs the perimeter of the deck. Bungie cords are located forward of the cockpit for charts and aft for paddle-float rescue. The lines and bungies are fixed with recessed deck fittings.

The large cockpit is “roomy and comfortable” (TW) and allows “very easy access and egress” (DL). DL’s spray deck “kept popping off while stretching to scull or roll.”

The rounded edge of the coaming and the slickness of the plastic makes the coaming more sensitive to the fit of the skirt than a fiberglass coaming. When using a neoprene spray deck, it is important to use a spray deck that is cut to fit the Magellan’s coaming shape. Sanding the sides of the coaming provided enough friction on the spray deck to keep it in place.

The seat is equipped with a fabric-covered pad. While it was a comfortable arrangement, it slid around when paddling or bracing.

It also remained wet after sponging it off, a problem if you are expecting to keep your backside dry (DL). The seat back “was comfortable and infinitely adjustable while paddling” (DL).

The back support can fall forward during a reentry but “it is not a problem to grab and put back in its place when necessary” (DL).

The underside of the deck is padded “for comfort and provided more thigh support than many off-the-shelf kayaks” (TW). Dagger also has thigh braces available as an option to provide an even more secure fit.

The foot braces are adjustable by means of a nylon strap. Because the foot braces do not lock in place, they are not as firm as they could be for a rudderless boat.

The pegs can also slide aft, occasionally requiring some fishing around before you can get your footing on them. DL thought the plates on the foot braces were small enough to cause some discomfort on the balls of his feet on a long stint of paddling.

The Magellan’s stern is molded to accommodate a rudder, though none was provided on the kayak we tested.

The Magellan has comfortable stability characteristics. “The boat felt secure to be in and was responsive to leaning” (DL).

“The responsiveness to turning the boat by leaning was directly related to how much I leaned it. Very maneuverable and a joy to turn in tight quarters” (DL). The Magellan is not stiff tracking, but because of its responsiveness to leaned turns, it is “not hard to keep the boat on course” (VS).

The Magellan has a slight tendency to weathercock (for VS only when going across or slightly off the wind), but this was easily corrected by edging the boat.

For VS, “the configuration of the deck and hatches shed water well.” DL found the hatch and deck lines could flip some water up into the paddler’s face in winds over 15 miles per hour.

The reviewers thought the Magellan had average speed. “It accelerated quickly and maintained a touring pace with ease” (TW). VS thought the spongy foot bracing and slippery seat made it difficult to apply her paddling power.

Only DL had surfable waves to test, but he was paddling with a load of gear aboard and wasn’t able to catch long rides. The Magellan has more than enough space for cruising gear for a week. The hatches are large enough to allow easy access to gear.

The neoprene lids were difficult for DL to put in place because of the slick, rounded hatch opening flange. The plastic hatch lids are tethered. DL reported the only leakage-a couple of gallons in the forward compartment during a pool session. The plastic bulkheads are welded in place and watertight.

When carrying a load of cruising gear the “loaded boat felt extremely stable, turning and steering was nearly as good as when unloaded, no problems experienced. Tracking was excellent with no weathercocking experienced” (DL).

DL thought the Magellan wasn’t up to heavy load carrying, but thought it made a “good day and short-trip boat.” VS liked its “stable and responsive feel” and felt it is a “very comfortable boat that should appeal to a wide range of paddlers.”

TW thought the Magellan was “fun to paddle and [it] nicely fills a niche in the market for a smaller, less expensive, maneuverable sea kayak.”

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Designer Response 

Thanks to your intrepid reviewers for getting out there and test paddling the Magellan over the cooler months. Their remarks were interesting, and I appreciate their noticing the performance and quality of the Magellan and its outfitting.

We put a lot of thought into the boat and it shows. I have spent quite some time in a Magellan and agree with the comments on its quick acceleration and the ease off maintaining a touring pace.

Most people will find that they do most of their paddling in day trips or weekend excursions and the boat suits that style perfectly. We’ve put the Magellan through its paces in fairly good conditions with a load similar to DL’s and found it to be more responsive than he seems to have. (This can easily be the case with two good paddlers with differing styles.)

Even with a load we could run out in front of a break on a long surf, though the Magellan takes a bit more coaxing than the Meridian or Apostle in this respect.

I don’t know which version of the seat pad you had, but we have a newer one that pops out for drying and none of us has noticed VS’s slippage problem. Different boaters are sensitive to different things, so we’ll take a look at our seat pad system. (You gotta admit it’s comfy though!)

Sorry about DL’s skirt popping. I’d have loaned him one of ours, since this is probably due to the skirt not matching the cockpit rim. The Magellan cockpit is molded off the same master that the Dagger whitewater boats use and we have excellent spray-skirt retention even in severe conditions.

I agree with the comment on the slightly spongy foot pedals, but they allow you to easily add a rudder to a stock boat if you desire one in the future. The rudder attachment point is molded in, not a possibly leaky “bolt on.”

The deck fittings we designed allow paddlers to re-string shock cord in several different patterns according to preference. As for the color of the reviewed boat, well, we can make them in plain old red or yellow for those who think brown pelicans are a bit gaudy.

Most people order the multicolored patterns and we receive a lot of requests for custom-molded touring kayaks in special colors. Are sea kayakers starting to let loose a bit?

Steve Scarborough

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Options and Pricing Designed: 1996

Standard Layup: EXLª polyethylene

Standard Features: Bow and stern rubber hatch covers, deck lines, inside security loops for gear and flotation, seat with adjustable backrest, padded seat and backrest cover, recessed deck fittings, keyhole cockpit with built-in neoprene padded thigh braces, welded-in rigid plastic bulkheads, adjustable foot braces, carrying toggles, molded-in graphics.

Option: Retractable rudder

Approximate Weight: 60 pounds

Price: $1095

Availability: Worldwide dealer network

Manufacturer’s Address:

Dagger

Harriman, TN 37748

Dagger Kayaks brochure

Fast, graceful and a delight to paddle, Seaward’s Passat K2 is setting new standards in the racing and kayak touring industry. The Passat’s Greenland-style bow, semi-V hull and 26″ beam enable you to paddle quickly and comfortably.

With over 233 litres of storage space, it allows enough room to pack gear for extended trips. The Passat’s performance and great looks are the direct result of Seaward’s design team, encompassing feedback from paddlers across North America who were interested in a double with these exceptional qualities, without the typical drawbacks of most doubles on the market.

Even in solo use, the Passat is truly a remarkable kayak to paddle.

Reviewers:

TE 6′ 1″, 200-pound male. Day trips with 175-pound and 195-pound partners. Winds 10 to 12 miles per hour. Wind waves at 11/2 to 2 feet, ship wake at 4 feet.
GL5′ 11″, 165-pound male. Day trips with 140-pound partner in conditions from calm to winds at 25 knots and wind waves from 1 to 2 feet.
HE 5′ 1″, 105-pound female with 145-pound partner. Day trips in winds at 10 to 15 knots and wind waves to 2 feet.

Passat Kayak Review:

“With its upswept bow, the lines on this narrow-beamed double appear quite sleek” (HE). The Passat has a “long, beautiful profile, clean lines and a solid feel” (GL). The hull-to-deck seam is glassed inside and out and the workmanship was excellent.

“Toggle locations make for a relatively easy tandem carry” (GL), although, “because the toggles are set in from the ends, you can’t switch hands without putting the boat down” (TE).

The deck bungies are “all in useful locations for easy-to-grab paddles, deck gear and chart bags, and for securing a paddle to free your hands for another task”(HE). The bungies are laced through padeyes that are bolted to the deck and “won’t tear or grab if you’re crawling on deck” (HE). Behind the aft cockpit there is a strap-and-buckle system for holding a paddle float outrigger. Two of the bolts securing the strap were slightly long and could snag dry bags stuffed below deck.

The cockpit openings are “long enough for us to get in seat first, but the boat is not too deep or wide-it feels very much like paddling a single”(TE). HE, the smallest of our test paddlers, would need more foam installed to give her a tighter fit in the cockpit. There is “plenty of foot room” (GL) in both cockpits. The distance between the cockpits “works great if the paddling gets out of synch. We rarely clashed paddles and if we did we were sprinting, not paying attention, and out of synch” (GL).

The seats are fabric-covered foam wedges that can double as paddle floats. They were comfortable for GL and HE, but for TE, “the foam begins to feel rather hard after a while. There is not enough support for my legs on the forward edge of the seat.” The back band, a padded sheet of plastic, was “quite comfortable and gave just enough support” (GL) and “didn’t interfere with getting in and out of the boat”(TE).

The thigh braces are flanges molded into the coaming and are padded with foam. TE and GL liked them-“excellent, they worked perfectly for me” (GL)- but HE needed some foam to get a solid fit for her small frame.

The foot braces in the forward cockpit slide in tracks and are held by webbing and buckles that give the pedals a very spongy feel. The aft cockpit has locking foot pedals that provide solid purchase for bracing and pivoting foot pads for steering. A weld on one of the rudder pedals had failed. Seaward promptly replaced the pedal with a new one that had a larger weld in the area that had failed.

“The rudder system is nice looking and compact” (GL). “There are separate lines for raising and lowering, which are easier to operate than a rudder control line that is looped on one side. The lines have large handles that are easy to find and comfortable to pull on. “(TE).

The Passat’s initial stability is “moderate, greater than most singles, but less than other doubles. Secondary stability is good. The kayak can be put up on edge in order to perform a leaned turn” (GL). TE “felt very secure in the Passat taking cresting waves from any direction.”

“With the rudder up, steering the kayak is easily accomplished with a little lean and/or a steering stroke” (GL). GL and TE thought the Passat tracked “great with or without the rudder”(GL), although HE “would not want to paddle too long without the rudder.” “The rudder functions perfectly. It did not seem to slow the boat or need to be set at strong angles to effect a turn” (GL).

With the rudder retracted, TE and GL noted a slight tendency to weathercock; with the rudder deployed, “turning any direction in wind was not difficult” (GL).

HE noted that it was a wet ride for the bow paddler, but TE reported that “the bow parted most of the waves without taking a lot of water on deck. Larger waves coming over the deck didn’t throw spray.”

All of the reviewers gave the Passat high marks for speed: “very fast, impressive upwind speed” (GL). TE and partner “motored into the wind at 5 knots and could sprint at 61/2 knots in choppy water. On the downwind leg we caught some exciting rides at about 9 knots.”

“In waves and swell the boat is quite playful” (HE). “Great fun in a following sea. We were able to catch wind waves easily. Caught some wild rides on a steep, fast-moving ship wake” (TE).

GL and his partner “did seven rolls without a miss and our coordination wasn’t perfect. This kayak would be a blast for perfecting tandem rolling techniques” (GL).

The Passat has three caulked-in fiberglass bulkheads, two creating watertight end compartments and one separating the cockpits. The hatches have neoprene covers and fiberglass lids, both tethered to the deck rigging. Only GL reported water getting into the compartments: a mere teaspoon in the forward compartment after a day of taking waves over the bow. In rescue drills with flooded cockpits, “there was enough flotation in the end compartments to float the kayak with both of us aboard with about two inches of freeboard below the sheer line” (TE).

“The Passat is a rewarding boat to paddle. With a strong partner we could cover a lot of miles at a fast cruising speed. It had none of the bulky feel of many other doubles. It is a very comfortable boat to paddle in rough water and, with the exception of the spongy forward foot braces, a well thought-out and sensibly equipped double”(TE).

“This is a very fun boat to paddle and it would be great for cruising. Overall handling is responsive and fast” (HE). “This is a fast, performance-oriented double that’s easy to pack with enough space for minimalist expeditions. This kayak will kick the pants off of other doubles and tempt a pair of motivated paddlers to perfect tandem rolls, braces and other advanced kayaking skills” (GL).

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Designer Response

Thank-you Sea Kayaker test paddlers, for the impressive review. Seaward Kayaks’ intention is to build strong, aesthetically pleasing kayaks with functional design and innovative features. The viable information we receive from these reviews helps us analyze our stringent quality control and performance standards.

To address some of the finer details while manufacturing kayaks, we at Seaward have an extensive checklist which has to be completed before any kayak leaves the manufacturing plant. Included in the checklist is a procedure to check that bolts do not exceed the bottom surface of the nylock nuts (oops). In the event a component fails or is installed incorrectly, we would promptly send a replacement part. Seat bottom styles have historically created discussion, as nobody fits all seats the same. Because of this, Seaward Kayaks’ seat bottoms are designed so that the padding inside them can be easily accessed and customized (as described in our owners manual). The seat bottom can also be removed and used as a backup paddle float for a self rescue.

Seaward Kayaks prides itself on being able to provide the consumer with exactly what he or she requests. By offering three styles of foot pedals (sliding rudder control foot pedal system, locking foot brace rudder control system and the Yakima locking foot pedal-all the same bolt patterns to install), we can accommodate all paddlers’ preferences. Our philosophy is “Ask and Ye Shall Receive !”

I am personally pleased with the Passat and I am even more pleased with the review. Thanks to Sea Kayaker magazine and all of the test paddlers.

Harpoon TR Design Statement: I well remember how much I enjoyed the easy glide of an Olympic flatwater racing kayak. These memories and the growing popularity of long-distance races triggered the design of the Harpoon TR (T for touring, R for racing).
The design intent for the TR included the following criteria: to provide a kayak for the paddling purist who appreciates the speed and efficiency of a competition-caliber hull; the seaworthiness, stability, and cargo capacity for extended trips; and generous bow and stern cargo hatches for loading bulky gear. And, as with all my other designs, elegant lines and good looks were of equal importance.

The TR shares the same gene pool of all the other Easy Rider CR™ kayaks. It incorporates special deck moldings to take advantage of Easy Rider’s innovative outrigger, catamaran and high-performance airfoil sailing options.
To enhance the open water safety in adverse conditions, the TR can be used with our highly refined paddle-float rescue system or the Instant Outrigger™ Safety System, or it can be paddled with a removable safety outrigger.

Peter Kaupat

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Reviewers:
VS 5′ 2″, 160-pound female. Day trip in light winds.
GL 5′ 11″, 165-pound male. Day trips, paddling in calm conditions. Sailing in winds to 10 knots.
TE 6’1″, 200-pound male. Several day trips in various conditions calm to 4 foot wind waves, winds from 0 to 20 knots.

Harpoon TR Reviews:

The manufacturer provided two Harpoon TRs: a fiberglass version fully outfitted for sailing (the subject of the review), and a light carbon-fiber model equipped to take an outrigger or catamaran with the other boat. The layup had an “excellent appearance” (GL). The outrigger poles are set in grooves in the deck and are secured with fiberglass fittings that bolt into a reinforced area of the deck.

While the grip on the coaming makes it manageable to carry solo, the TR’s 651/2 pound weight and 19-foot length takes some getting used to. Toggles on the end make an easy assisted carry.

The deck fittings include a number of cleats and molded-in features to accommodate the sails and the outrigger. There are bungies forward and aft of the cockpit but no accommodation for a spare paddle nor grab lines forward. On the aft deck the nylon cord rudder lines could be used to hang onto the boat. There is a stainless steel U-bolt for locking the boat.
The cockpit opening is “huge, easy to get in and out of” (GL) and “long enough to get in butt first then feet” (TE).

The “footwell is about at the limit for taking size 12 shoes” (TE). The cockpit is fairly deep, providing freeboard for sailing but making the boat more difficult to roll (GL). The molded fiberglass seat is comfortable and has a series of mounting holes to reposition the seat. The adjustable back rest has a padded cover and is “comfortable and provides good support for the lower back” (TE).

Ordinarily the curved fiberglass thigh braces are glued under the coaming to fit the customer’s leg length. The thigh braces installed at an “average” position worked well for the reviewers and with custom placement and padding would be comfortable and secure.

The foot braces and rudder pedals are molded of a single piece of fiberglass that bolts to a track along the keel line. For VS, whose feet are small enough to set her heel against the base of the pedal unit, the system “wasn’t mushy at all and provides nice support.”

“It doesn’t have as much stretch as I expected although the pedals will twist under high pressure” (TE). “The rudder turns the boat well, rides easily over obstructions, pulls up and deploys easily. My main concern is the vulnerable position it is in when pulled up. The rudder is easily removed for transport or surfing” (GL).

The TR has “very light initial stability but sound secondary stability. The initial feel is a bit tippy and may be disconcerting to a novice” (VS). “The stability was in keeping with the high-performance feel of its speed and turning ability. With an outrigger in place you can stand up in the cockpit with complete confidence” (TE).

The reviewers “preferred paddling without the rudder because the boat responded well to leaning” (GL). “When set on edge the stern swung around smartly, making tight maneuvering possible. Though not a stiff tracker, the TR held a straight course without needing to take corrective strokes” (TE).

Only TE had much wind to paddle in. He noticed a slight tendency to weathercock, but tracking held the boat on course without requiring strong corrective strokes. TE also noted that the high bow gave the TR a very dry ride since the bow climbed over most waves. GL thought the TR’s speed “was exceptional with the rudder up. There was a definite drag with the rudder down.” TE, using a knot meter in the carbon-fiber TR, recorded 47/8 knots at an exercise pace and hit a peak speed of 67/8 knots in a short sprint. With the outrigger on, he could hold 41/2 knots and sprint at 5 1/2 knots. VS agreed that the TR “moves out smartly and holds its speed well.” Only TE had wind waves to surf: “lots of speed to catch and ride waves.”

The TR has fiberglass bulkheads fore and aft, sealing off stowage space “adequate for a long trip” (GL). There is additional stowage space in both ends of the cockpit. Large hatches make loading and unloading easy. The masts and sails can be stowed inside through the hatches. The neoprene covers are protected by tethered fiberglass lids. After a half dozen rolls, GL reported that both compartments remained dry.

The TR was provided with two outrigger poles, two fully battened 24 sq.ft. sails (with zipper reefing) and an outrigger float. The leeboards pivot on the ends of the cross poles. The float is weighted with bags of lead shot to provide more resistance to the pressure of the sails lifting the float. “The sail rig and outrigger are pretty straightforward.

The fittings all seem stoutly made and up to the job” (TE). “The kayak certainly showed a nice turn of speed in light conditions, and it was very fun to sail. Once the leeboards and sails were trimmed for the course I wanted to hold, the kayak would hold the course without having to constantly work the rudder. [When] the wind died it was an easy matter to unrig the boat. [It ] was heavier to paddle with the outrigger in place, but still quite manageable” (VS). “With the float to windward, ballast (bags of lead shot) helps keep the float down. Gusts can bring it out of the water but the rig will roll slowly so a sudden capsize didn’t seem imminent. With the other kayak and partner in place of the float, we roared along, I would guess at in excess of 7 knots. We took on waves to 31/2 feet and winds to 20 miles per hour with ease” (TE).
“The TR is a respectable kayak. It has good speed, tracking and maneuverability.

What makes the Eskimo an extraordinary vessel are the outriggers and various configurations for sailing. As a solo cruiser the outrigger adds the security of great stability and the advantages of sailing, without being too slow to paddle. I’d definitely choose the TR for making distances well beyond my standard kayak paddling range” (TE).

“For a kayaker looking to expand his horizons, the compromises in a dual-purpose craft may well be acceptable, adding new dimensions to the sport” (GL). “Overall, the sail rig is a huge success. I fully expected the boat to be a set of unfortunate compromises, but it is a nice touring kayak and an entertaining, useful sailboat” (VS).

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Designer Response

As a designer who puts all his know-how, talents and passion into every new design, I admittedly was a little skeptical and apprehensive about placing my new touring-tracer, the Harpoon TR, into the hands of Sea Kayaker’s test team. In the past, I viewed Sea Kayaker as a primarily purist kayaking magazine and therefore felt my multiuse approach ingrained in all my designs might not be appreciated. I feel Sea Kayaker did a great job in taking the TR through its paces. I consider their test report fair to the design and unbiased and honest to the readers.

We provided a lightweight all-graphite racing version as well as an expedition grade custom glass TR. This version shines with fast acceleration, rapid turning ability, and easy out-of the water handling, features demanded by performance -oriented racers for whom I designed the TR. By adding an outrigger a paddler can extend his training into water conditions which may be considered extreme for most paddlers.

All Easy Rider kayaks have the same large cockpit opening resulting in optimized cockpit comfort, easy foot rudder adjustment, and easy paddle-float reentry. Optional custom-fitted thigh braces will provide the tight fit desired for Eskimo roll practice.

All my kayaks have enhanced tracking, without losing the sporty rudder response necessary for high-performance sailing. Our rudder system, trimmable and self-centering, makes it easy to maintain directional control—important in turbulent waters, crosswinds and following seas. The small amount of drag introduced by the marine-grade aluminum rudder blade can be minimized by sharpening the leading edge with a file or by only partially submerging the blade.

Keep in mind that fast performance kayaks are only faster that the typical sea kayak in the 4.5 to 6+ knot racing speed range. In reviewing Sea Kayaker back issues, the TR is one of the fastest kayaks ever tested. In comparison with other fast sea kayak designs it stands out with nice initial and great final stability, especially when loaded with 100 pounds of of cargo.

I am very pleased the test report confirms my design goals and that it recognizes how much fun the addition of sailing option can add to the sport of kayaking.

Peter Kaupat

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Options and Pricing

Designed: 1997
Standard Lay-up: Glass, Kevlar/graphite or all graphite with additional reinforcement for outriggers and sailing rigging as necessary.
Standard Features: Hatches, bulkheads, adjustable seat and back rest, rudder, custom installed thigh bracing, paddle park cleats, security eye, compass.
Options: Outrigger poles and floats, trampoline, sails, Instant Outrigger™ paddle-float rescue system, molded foam seat pad.
Approximate Weight: custom glass, 55 lbs.; Kevlar/graphite, 49 lbs.; all graphite, 40 lbs.
Price: custom glass $2800, Kevlar/graphite $3300, and all graphite $4200.

Pursuit Design Statement: In the early 1990’s, Northwest Kayaks began to design kayaks featuring the Greenland-style upswept bow. The beneficial features of this type of design have directly influenced our newest line of kayaks headed by the Pursuit.

This array of kayaks was developed with the intermediate/advanced paddler in mind but comfortable and functional for the advanced beginner. The Pursuit was created with more bow-to-stern rocker providing for exceptional maneuverability and handling in a kayak of this length. The increased rocker and the upswept bow enable confident paddling through the roughest of beach breaks. It comes equipped with an over-the-stern Feathercraft rudder that has been recessed into the deck, reducing the possibility of weathercocking.

At Northwest Kayaks, we pride ourselves on creating designs that are great for day paddles as well as expeditions, and the Pursuit is no exception. It was designed to accommodate enough equipment for an extended expedition and yet maintain excellent performance without a load.

The roomy cockpit and volume of the kayak comfortably fit paddlers between 175 and 250 pounds but may be outfitted with thigh braces to tighten the fit. The molded ABS plastic seat with adjustable backrest creates lasting comfort for the long days in the kayak.

Northwest Kayaks

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Reviewers:

KW 6′ 2″, 200-pound male. Day trips in conditions from calm seas and light wind to 2- to 3-foot seas, 20-knot wind.
GL 5′ 11″, 165-pound male. Day trips (one 18 miles with light cargo load), pool practice. Calm seas to 20-knot winds with 1-foot chop.
TE 6’1″, 200-pound male. Day trips. From calm seas to waves at 11/2 to 2 feet with winds 15 to 20 mph.

Pursuit Kayak Reviews:

Our reviewers liked the lines of the Pursuit and were impressed by the quality of the glass work. The hull-to-deck seam is glassed inside and out. The Pursuit balances well for a shoulder carry but, at 59 pounds, it is “not a light boat. [Its weight] felt about average or slightly above average for a fiberglass kayak in its size range” (GL). Toggles for a tandem carry are attached to heavy-duty U-bolts at the bow and just forward of the rudder.

The deck fittings are padeyes laced with bungies for charts, paddle-float rescue and a spare paddle. Just ahead of the cockpit coaming are a pair of cleats mounted in recesses. “The cockpit is large with plenty of room to sit down in the seat and bring legs in afterward. There is plenty of foot room. This cockpit could accommodate a much larger person” (GL). “I thought the cockpit was especially deep, which gave me some trouble laying back during rolling or sculling. A smaller person might feel engulfed” (KW).

The seat is “slightly contoured with just the right amount of padding…completely comfortable throughout a 4-hour paddle” (GL). The seat was “just right for the width of my hips” (KW), but too wide for both GL and TE. They suggested adding hip padding for more lateral stability. The adjustable seat back “provided plenty of back support” (KW), but reaches about an inch above the coaming height, “limiting the ability to lean backward” (KW).

The thigh bracing consists of a layer of 1/4″ foam glued to the underside of the coaming and foredeck. “There isn’t enough hook in the pads to get a good grip. I’d add some custom shaped padding here” (TE).

The Keepers rudder pedals “slide on a rail, and the slider can be pulled out while seated for foot brace adjustment. You can get a grip if you push down with both feet” (GL), but if you push hard with one foot “the rudder flexes a lot when stowed” (TE) and results in “spongy bracing” (KW). “When deployed, the Feathercraft rudder works great. It is easily retracted into the slot in the aft deck-just wiggle it in” (TE).

The initial stability was rated from “low” (KW) and “adequate” (GL) to “good when on flat water, though it felt a little twitchy while in waves” (TE). TE and GL thought the secondary stability was “very solid, for confidence while edging” (TE). KW liked the Pursuit’s secondary stability while under way-it “really enhances carved turns”- but felt it “engages only after what I consider an extreme lean” when at rest.

The Pursuit is “very responsive to edged turns” (TE). A slight edging initiated a gentle turn, a strong lean produced a sharp turn. “Setting the boat on the opposite edge straightens it out again” (TE). The rudder functions perfectly without the feeling of drag” (GL), “but this boat does not need a rudder, and I rarely used it” (KW).

“This boat tracks extremely well. It went whereever I pointed it, and it did not wander” (KW). TE and GL both found they needed to make slight adjustments with edging or strokes to hold a straight course. For GL, turning downwind and holding a course downwind in quartering seas “took some work” while TE and KW found the Pursuit to be well balanced in wind. The Pursuit has a very dry ride. Its bow is “very buoyant and lifts over the waves” (TE). None of the fittings on the foredeck threw up significant spray.

All of the reviewers thought the Pursuit felt fast. With a knot meter, TE recorded just over five knots at a sustainable exercise pace and just over 61/2 knots in short sprints. On wind waves, KW thought he had enough speed to “easily outrun the waves” though it was slow to accelerate. TE also noted having to “pour on the power” to catch some waves, but had enough speed to get good long rides. While “the bow seemed to wander ” while catching a wave,” he had “better control steering the boat and getting it to respond to leaned turns [when] at speed on the wave’s face.”

In rolling the kayak, KW felt “hindered by the lack of thigh bracing, spongy foot pedals and the high freeboard, which tended to obstruct laying back.” GL also noted the loose fit and the height of the seat back, but still found the boat “very easy to hand roll.”

The Pursuit is “well configured for paddle-float rescue [and] quite stable with the paddle float attached” (KW). “The large cockpit [opening] and relatively low rear deck make it easy to climb back in. Reentry and roll was easy [even] with a cockpit full of water” (GL).

The tethered plastic hatches have dual gaskets. If the webbing straps holding the hatch in place are set up tight, the hatches are watertight. The aluminum lever that tightens the straps has a bend on the end that prevents the closures from releasing accidentally. The hatch openings (133/4 by 81/4 forward, and 183/4 by 123/4 aft) are large enough to make loading and unloading easy. The molded plastic bulkheads are sealed with caulking.

GL thought the Pursuit was “well suited for extended expeditions. Not the most stable for fishing, but certainly adequate for it, and still fast enough to keep up with the big boys. If I could own only one kayak, I would definitely be happy with this one.” “The Pursuit should make a good cruising boat for a larger paddler. There is plenty of room for gear, it responds well for a boat of its size and it’s comfortably dry in a chop” (TE). “An excellent expedition boat,” wrote KW, “it has superior control in rough water and wind, which would be extremely beneficial on long-distance trips in unpredictable conditions.”

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Designer Response

Our thanks to the reviewers and the editorial staff at Sea Kayaker for their time and effort. It is gratifying to hear additional commentary showing that we have hit out target with the Pursuit. Customer response across the board has been positive.

At Northwest Kayaks, we pride ourselves on the strength and durability of our products as attested to by the number of out kayaks still in use today. The reviewers opening comments bring attention to the quality and craftsmanship displayed in our glasswork.

The Pursuit is designed to accommodate paddlers similar to and even larger than the reviewers. As mentioned by the test paddlers, the cockpit is quite roomy thereby enabling medium to large paddlers to truly be comfortable. And, knowing that paddlers come in a variety of sizes, we also have the Pursuit LP, designed for small to medium paddlers, or the Pursuit XL for the large to XL paddler. It is important to note that a thigh brace is available as an option to tighten the fit.

Once again, we would like to thank the reviewers for their time and efforts and Sea Kayak for the opportunity to have our product reviewed.
Northwest Kayaks

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Options and Pricing

Designed: 1997
Standard Lay-up: Foam core reinforced fiberglass with vinylester resin.
Standard Features: Hatches with double seals, bulkheads, paddle park cleats, deck lines, Feathercraft rudder, stainless steel security U-bolts, adjustable foot pedals, seat and thigh padding.
Approximate Weight: 58 lbs.
Price: custom glass $2515
Availability: Dealers in North America and Japan.

Northwest Kayaks
15145 NE 90th St.
Redmond, WA 98052

Futura II Design Statement: We wanted to create a surf ski similar to our world-class racing kayaks with more stability and the added utility of a touring kayak, thus allowing more people to enjoy true performance in a wider variety of conditions.

The Futura II, Sport Touring Surf Ski is the evolutionary result of 25 years of research and development. Inspired by the ancient Polynesian oceangoing canoes, the long, narrow sit-on-top surf ski was originally designed for lifeguards to penetrate the surf zone in order to rescue victims of water sport accidents.

The surf ski was mostly used in tropical climates; paddlers would wear only sunscreen and swimsuits, which made it slow to sell in North America. With advancements of dry and wetsuit technology, surf skis have gained popularity in northern climates.

The surf ski is not a dry ride. We recommend that anyone paddling north of Chesapeake Bay or San Francisco Bay wear a Farmer John wetsuit, booties and a dry top during winter months. Dress appropriately to be comfortable in the water.

The Futura II, Sport Touring has the design aspects of the fastest kayaks in the world, but with the added security of a low seat and stable hull design. The seat is positioned below the waterline, increasing the stability. The Futura II can be paddled up to 8 knots by an athletic performer.

The low waterline and punch bow keeps most of the composite out of the wind, which helps prevent wind drifting. The kick-up rudder system provides responsive steering with pedals that fit persons with an inseam of 30 or more inches. Regardless of the conditions, you can point this surf ski and it will go. Vince Darwood

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Reviewers:

KN 5′ 7″, 125-pound female. Two day trips, windy with some whitecaps, small surf and boat wakes.

TE6’1″, 200-pound male. Several day trips in conditions from calm to winds 25 to 30 mph with waves to 31/2′ and whitecapping.

DM 5’10”, 175-pound male. Several day trips in winds to 8 knots, chop to 1′.

Futura II Review:

The Futura II is an open-top surf ski with a “nice gel-coat finish and a smooth hull without ripples” (TE). “Despite its long, sleek and perhaps intimidating appearance, it is very stable and easy to handle” (KN).

The model we tested had no handholds amidships, making it “nearly impossible to carry [solo], especially when wet” (KN). Carrying with a partner is easy, though there are no toggles or handles on the ends of the boat either. Fortunately, the Futura II is not a heavy boat, and with handholds installed it would be easy to manage.

The recess for the paddler is contoured for comfortable seating and has enough length in the leg wells to accommodate a wide range of paddlers. Like DM and KN, TE “missed having some lower back support. The boat calls for an upright racing posture and, for me, required I hold myself upright with my stomach muscles. The recess is appropriately sized to keep me from shifting laterally.” The Futura II fit KN well enough that “its reactions to my efforts were so direct I felt really connected.”

The foot braces are made of aluminum sheet. They adjust for leg length with a pair of wing nuts. The lower half of the foot rest is rigid and provides a solid connection to the heels to drive the boat forward, while the upper half pivots for steering. DM couldn’t get the wing nuts tight enough to prevent the foot braces from slipping under high pressure.

The aluminum rudder has a bungie to allow the blade to ride over obstructions. The Futura II is designed to be used with the rudder deployed at all times: There is no line for retracting the blade. “For a long, skinny boat, the Futura II has a lot of stability” (KN).

“It is not a solid platform for non-paddling activities like fishing and photography, but it feels fine while underway. It is not a high-strung kayak that will wear you out just sitting in it. Secondary stability is a moot point since you don’t edge for turning, and when leaning into the face of a wave the boat takes care of itself” (TE). Since the rudder is always down, the Futura II has no tracking problems.

“The boat responds well to its rudder, and a little tilt seems to help” (DM). “The only thing it can’t do is spin around as quickly as a kayak you can lean would when set on edge” (TE). KN thought the boat “picks up speed nicely and keeps a moderate pace.” TE and DM summed its speed up as “fast.” Using a knot meter, TE could hold over 4 1/2 knots for miles and sprint at nearly 7 knots.

DM did 5.9 knots for a nautical mile and could sprint at 71/2 knots. It’s not a dry ride,”though water doesn’t end up in the paddler’s face. In a short chop it is fairly easy to fill up the open cockpit with a couple of quarts of water” (DM). Weathercocking is “not a problem.

The full-time rudder makes steering and course holding in wind effortless. In 30-mph winds I didn’t feel I was being blown around” (TE). In small waves KN noted “its stability and responsiveness make it very unintimidating to maneuver in surf and wakes” though she didn’t have waves long enough to get good rides.

She and TE noted that following waves wash over the stern and the weight of the water on deck makes it harder to accelerate. TE had occasion to try bigger waves: “Great boat for catching waves. The bow would bury slightly and then drive to the surface as the ride picked up speed. The wind waves that made the bow dive were steep and short and I would have expected the bow of most any kayak to go under.

On flatter waves the Futura II gave good fast rides-the bow stayed up on the surface. I was concerned about getting washed out of the boat, but taking cresting 4 footers over the bow or beam didn’t threaten to dislodge me.” The Futura II has two small, clear screw-on hatches for carrying small items for day paddling.

They do not open to the entire interior of the boat, but to small molded glass cargo pods. The rest of the hull is inaccessible and serves as buoyancy. The Futura II “lives up to the designer’s claim of being a ‘recreational performance kayak that people can easily take out.’ It is surprisingly easy to handle, moderately fast, and fun. Great for workouts and, if I lived in a warmer climate, I would consider it for day trips as well” (KN).

TE “enjoyed it every time I took it out, whether paddling flat water for speed or rough water for surfing. Well suited to the paddler who prefers training and rough water play instead of cruising. I’d keep this one around for fun.” “A fun boat for exercise paddling. Its relatively stable feel makes it accessible to the intermediate paddler. If you like to go fast, this boat is a good choice” (DM).

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Designer Response

Wow! I’d like to congratulate the reviewers for capturing the subtle essence of the Futura II Sport Touring model. Our goal was to create a performance kayak similar to our Futura Blade and C-4 racing models, with the added stability and utility for a more practical paddler.

The reviewers’ comments were typical of most people who try the Futura II Sport Touring surf ski for the first time. The top three comments are: “It accelerates effortlessly,” “It’s more stable than I thought,” and “Can I get it with ___?” The answer to the third comment is usually yes.

There are a multitude of optional accessories which could have accommodated the reviewers. For example, KN would benefit from our bow/stern handles for easy carrying. The other reviewers could easily carry the surf ski with our side handles. For those paddlers with a casual posture, we could install our custom high-back seat.

Futura tries not to standardize the accessories so that our buyers don’t have to pay for or carry something they don’t use. Customizing our boats keeps the prices low and the satisfaction high. Other accessories include knee straps, water bottle holder, bow foil, deck bungies and three types of storage hatches, including a bulkhead and deck lid design which opens the aft hull compartment for storage and longer-term touring.

The only objection a reviewer had that wouldn’t solved by an optional accessory was DM’s difficulty getting the wing nuts tight enough to keep them from slipping. I’d recommend replacing the wing nuts with Nylock nuts and using a wrench to crank them down with as much pressure as needed. We encourage our customers to contact us before altering the boat so we can help reduce the risk of undesirable side effects.

Vince Darwood

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Options and Pricing

Designed: 1996
Standard Lay-up: Polyester gelcoat, vinylester resin, hand-laid fiberglass.
Optional Layups: 6-ounce carbon fiber with Kevlar-reinforced hull. Carbon fiber/Kevlar weave with clear gelcoat.
Standard Features: adjustable foot braces, kickup rudder, resin coated marine plywood stringer, choice of colors and striping.
Optional features: small lunch-box hatch, double large hatch for overnight gear, deck pack, highback seat, knee straps, side handles, bow and stern handles, water bottle holder, deck bungies, bow foil.
Approximate Weight: 40 lbs.
Price: custom glass $1500
Availability: 37 dealers nationwide. Call the manufacturer for the nearest dealer.
Manufacturer’s Address: Futura Surf Skis, 180 Southwood Drive, San Francisco, CA 94112. Phone: (415) 586-0331