Expedition Sea Kayak Review

NC Kayaks

17 Quest LT

www.nckayaks.com

Length: 17'

Width: 23''

Depth: 11.5''

Weight: 46 lbs

Material: Kevlar

Price: $2,399

NC Kayaks says: “Even though NC kayaks are consistent race winners, one does not have to be a racer to enjoy our product. This speed translates to a more pleasant paddling experience. We achieve this speed with the performance flange and an extremely narrow bow and stern. The extremely narrow stern allows our kayaks to track straight exceptionally well. Initial stability is remarkable, and our soft chine and performance flange result in unrivaled secondary stability.”

Pros: Low back band received thumbs-up for its lumbar support and for not digging into our kidneys. Tracking is rock solid. Has a lot of secondary stability.

Cons: The seam flange along the hull and deck is questionable in looks and purpose. With a long, deep keel and no rocker, turning requires extreme tilting with the flange buried to get much reaction. Some thought the seat was perched too high. Low deck and low volume limit space for gear.

Bottom Line: This is a stiff-tracking and stable kayak, but beginners may not be comfortable edging to the degree required to turn it.

Solstice GT Titan

Current Designs

www.cdkayak.com

Length: 17' 7''

Width: 24.25''

Depth: 15.875''

Weight: 55 lbs/50 lbs

Material: Fiberglass/Kevlar

Price: $2,849/$3,249

Current Designs says: “Our new Solstice GT Titan accommodates the really big and tall paddlers and provides easier stowage of bulky equipment. Designed with outfitters and expedition voyagers in mind, the Titan has an extra-large cockpit and larger hatches, and added deck volume adds comfort and capacity. The Titan also includes a redesigned rudder chalk. A wide base seat is standard.”

Pros: The Titan is indeed intended for the larger paddler who wants a roomy boat, but takes skill to handle it. It’s responsive to carving, sweeps, and edging for such a big boat. Nice foot-peg-adjustment system. If one is looking to pack enough gear to set up a four-star base camp, the Titan should be considered.

Cons: Seat is too low. Deck is too high . . . oh wait, the boat is sized to fit NBA players. Never mind.

Bottom Line: There aren’t many choices for the larger paddler. The Titan not only offers that option, but also does so without insulting one’s paddling intelligence.