sea kayak 5.4 - Rapid Ascent

Transcription

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