Expedition Sea Kayaks
Ultima; Riot; www.riotkayaks.com; Price: $2,649; Length: 17' 3"; Beam: 21"; Depth: 14.25"; Weight: 55 lbs (composite)
Ultima, Riot
We were not sure what to expect when we first laid eyes on the Ultima. Riot is better known for its hard-core whitewater designs. The Ultima, however, has very nice outfitting details, including a thermo-molded seat that is plenty cushy and comfortable, with water-resistant padding and a removable thigh wedge for an easily customized fit. Hip pads can be vertically adjusted, and the back rest can be fine-tuned with convenient straps while a paddler is under way. The hull is reinforced with carbon fiber under the cockpit and at both ends.
Unfortunately, for all this excellent detail, the seat itself seemed to be set too far forward in an otherwise roomy cockpit for either of us to be comfortable. Though well balanced, the Ultima might benefit from having the seat set a few inches farther back.
Nevertheless, the Ultima tracks well and turns on a dime. It is a narrow, slender boat with an upswept bow and peaked foredeck that carry the boat over, rather than through, waves and an abrupt, baidarka-like stern that prevents the boat from getting pushed around too much by the wind.
Some of the deck hardware is recessed and some isn’t; there is an excessive amount of bungee cord, in addition to what is needed to secure the hatches. There is a combination painter/perimeter line on the foredeck, but none on the rear.
The very large hatch openings are convenient and necessary for us gear-loving kayakers who don’t adhere to a minimalist mantra. The Ultima also has a unique crane-style rudder system, easily lowering the blade straight down and deep into the water for improved tracking without too much slowing turbulence.
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