"Kayak design is a world of compromise and not everybody is looking for the same thing from a boat as you are." That is what a friend reminded me of this morning when we were discussing my take on the Chatham 18 from Necky. At only 20" wide this nearly 18 foot boat is on the slim side of the touring kayak spectrum. That narrow width limits this boat to folks that have a skinny butt like mine. For those of us that the 18 does fit it provides a good body connection allowing the paddler to put every body movement into the boat resulting in easy edging and a more stable feel than one would normally expect from a narrow boat. That length and narrow width also equal speed and I had no problem maintaining over 5 mph as I cruised to the far end of Mission Bay this morning.
Part of the compromise that my friend was referring to was the recessed hatches and low volume of the Chatham. While this reduces the surface area that wind and rough water can catch, thus reducing weather cocking and improving tracking, it limits the amount of gear you can haul for camping trips. I have friends that are skilled wilderness campers that can pull off comfortable week long camping trips out of a Chatham 18. I, on the other hand, am not so disciplined and am famous for bringing along chocolate birthday cakes and six packs of bottled root beer, so the limited storage in the Chatham just isn't for me. This boat would probably be best for anyone looking for a fast moving well connected boat for putting in long miles on day paddles in calm or rough water.
Chatham 18 Review
Manufacturer = Johnson Outdoors
Brand = Necky
Model = Chatham 18
Material = Fiberglass
Length = 17'-9"
Width = 20"
Weight = 53 lbs.
Location = Aqua Adventures dock to Crown Point then Campland and back
Time = 6:30 AM
Distance = 6. 51 miles
Duration = 1:15
Avg. Speed = 5.2 mph
Conditions = Calm and overcast
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