Day 14 - Wilderness Systems 'Northstar'

Thursday night again and this week the group grew by another couple participants. I believe the head count was about 25 for the night (thankfully I wasn't the one doing the counting). As I was signing folks in at the front counter the Rebolledo family stopped in to join in the fun. I had planned on paddling in a single kayak but when I caught word that the head of the family didn't think she'd be able to participate (for fear of not being able to keep up) I offered her the opportunity to join me in a tandem for the tour. This worked well for her because she wouldn't have to work as hard or worry about slowing the group down and it worked for me because it gave me a chance to review one of our tandems which wound up being the Wilderness Systems Northstar. It ended up being Tina Rebolledo's first time ever in a kayak but she settled in quickly and we were under way. Tina thought she wouldn't be able to keep up to the group but after talking to her abut her thrice weekly yoga and almost daily water aerobics somehow I think she would have done just fine on her own.

Northstar Revisited 5/3/09 - Today I snuck away from work long enough to catch up with Otto Herrman (the 15 year old local kayak rolling phenom) on our dock here at Aqua Adventures. Our plan was to try to roll the Northstar tandem. I had rolled tandems only twice in the past but Otto, having only started paddling last August, hadn't had the opportunity. After a little discussion about which side we were going to roll on we gave it a go and got the boat over and back without a hitch. After testing the limits of the boat a bit, we dared to edge it over and scull for support which was easier than we expected. After several attempts Otto and I only missed one roll which was a shot at a tandem butterfly roll, even then we were able to recover and get the boat back upright with a regular roll. I'm not sure our success came from the fact that the Northstar is easy to roll, that Otto is a really good roller, or that he and I seemed to be pretty well coordinated (check out the nearly synchronized ear drain head tilt we did between tricks on the video).

Northstar Review

Manufacturer = Confluence
Brand = Wilderness Systems
Model = Northstar
Length = 18'-6"
With = 29"
Weight = 94 lbs
Capacity = 600 lbs

Location = Aqua Adventures Thursday Evening Paddle on Mission Bay
Time = 6:00 PM
Distance = Approx. 5 miles
Duration = 2 hours
Avg. Speed = 2.5 mph
Conditions = Sunny and light breeze - very nice

Day 13 - P&H 'Cetus'

We at Aqua Adventures consider Sean Morley "Vancouver Island circumnavigation record setter" to be a good friend. It seems as though he's an even better salesman. Now that he's on P&H's pro paddler team he has his hands on a small fleet of P&H and Pyranha boats. It 'just so happened' that he had to leave the P&H Cetus behind after our symposium last month. Of course you can't leave a boat on our dock and not expect folks to give it a try, all part of his master plan, I'm sure. It seems like everyone that's been in the Cetus has enjoyed it and today I finally had my chance to give it a try.

It was once again time for the Wednesday Morning Paddle and we were joined by many of the familiar faces as well as Bill from Napa CA who is in town for a conference. Our plan was to head out around the Ocean Beach pier but things were a little rough outside the channel so most of the group headed into Mariner's cove while three of us; Greg, Jane, and myself challenged the rough water a bit by rounding the red buoy at the end of the jetty. This gave me a chance to see how the Cetus handled in rough water and I was impressed. After rejoining the group we all headed to the Barefoot Bar dock then back in to Aqua Adventures. The short five mile loop was not enough to really appreciate the Cetus. With it's solid feel, easy glide, and ample gear hauling capacity that boat feels like it is meant to be taken somewhere big. Although the Cetus seems to fit guys much bigger than me, I felt very well connected and quite comfortable in it. I'm looking forward to getting back in it to give it a more serious try. The front deck 'day hatch' is a nice feature and much to my pleasant surprise when I opened it up this morning I discovered an unopened bottle of Gatorade, BONUS!

So far I must say that this kayak would be an excellent pick for anybody my size (5'-10" 160 lbs) or larger that is looking for a good gear hauling, expedition ready boat.

P&H Cetus Review

Manufacturer = P&H
Brand = P&H
Model = Cetus
Material = Fiberglass
Length = 17'-10"
Width = 22 1/2"
Weight = 57 lbs.

Location = Wednesday Morning Paddle - Around the red buoy in to the Barefoot Bar dock
Time = 7:00 AM
Distance = 5 miles
Duration = 1:30
Avg. Speed = 3.3 mph (group speed)
Conditions = Overcast and chilly (for San Diego standards) rough in channel and out to buoy - calm in the bay.

Day 12 - Necky 'Manitou 13' plastic

What a surprise! I must admit that I mined through the boat name envelope this morning trying to avoid another sea kayak to keep some variety in these reviews. When I drew the Manitou 13 I thought "good a recreational kayak I haven't done one of those yet." I fully expected the slow paced leisured ride you normally get from a 'rec' boat, the Manitou 13 however, was a different experience. It was when I was about a mile out from the store when I realized that I was actually enjoying this little boat.

It started with the fit. While the cockpit is sized to be easy to get in and out of it's not so huge as to prevent a truly functional skirt from being used. That conservatively large cockpit opening also allows for a good thigh connection allowing the boat to actually be edged, as comfortably as can be expected for a nearly 25" kayak anyway. I was also impressed with the speed I was able to get out of such a short boat. I had no problem at all maintaining a comfortable 4.5 mph on the bay this morning. To me this boat performs more like a little sea kayak than a recreational kayak as many would like to label it. With a spray skirt and float bags securely fastened along side the foam pillar up front I could even see taking this little kayak to explore the open coast on calm days.

Necky actually puts this boat in their day touring line up and after giving it a test run I have to agree that it is definitely a big step above the average rec. boat. The Manitou 13 is a great choice for someone looking for a stable platform that will provide comfortable rides with a smooth surprisingly efficient glide. At the same time this little boat will allow folks to dip a toe in the waters where the bigger kayaks play.

Manitou 13 Review

Manufacturer = Johnson Outdoors
Brand = Necky
Model = Manitou 13
Material = Plastic
Length = 12'-10.5"
Width = 24.75"
Weight = 45 lbs.

Location = Aqua Adventures dock past Sea World to South Shores boat ramp and back
Time = 6:20 AM
Distance = 4.59 miles
Duration = 1:00
Avg. Speed = 4.5 mph
Conditions = Calm and overcast

Day 11 - Necky 'Chatham 18'

"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

Day 10 - Wilderness Systems 'Tempest 180 Pro'

Whew... this is a big boat! Certainly designed for someone with a bigger frame than me, but it fit me well enough for a quick cruise around the bay. I've yet to find a series of boats that has a more comfortable "out-of-the-box" fit than the Tempests. The upholstered seat pad with adjustable under leg thigh support and padded thigh pads under the deck make this a very comfortable ride. It seems like many 'brit boat' purists turn up their noses at this American designed kayak but after trying one out they have to admit that it is nice to paddle. Putting this 18 foot giant on edge is all it took to weave gracefully under the dock pilings in the marina. With it's length and extra free board with my light weight in it I did experience weather cocking with quartering winds, but rather than drop the skeg, all it took was a little edging and the boat stayed on track with ease. A comfortable cruising speed of five mph. allowed me to explore the far north end of the bay at the Catamaran Resort before returning to open the doors at Aqua Adventures this morning. I wouldn't hesitate recommending this boat any person in the 6'plus 180lb or more size range that is interested in an easy handling sporty boat.

Manufacturer = Confluence
Brand = Wilderness Systems
Model = Tempest 180 Pro
Material = Fiberglass
Length = 18'
Width = 23"
Weight = 64 lbs.
Capacity = 400 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay - To the Catamaran Resort and back
Time = 6:00 AM
Distance = 6.33 miles
Duration = 1:16
Avg Speed = 4.99 mph
Conditions = Partly cloudy and breezy

Day 9 - Wilderness Systems 'Tarpon 120'

Cut and paste yesterday's Tarpon 100 report, add 2 feet to the boat's length and you have my experience in the Tarpon 120. The extra two feet did add some speed and today I had no trouble maintaining a comfortable 4 mph. At one point I experienced a little weather cocking while running across the wind, a rudder could be added to the boat but I don't see where it'd ever be necessary as all it takes is an occasional stern draw kept things going straight.

Manufacturer = Confluence
Brand = Wilderness Systems
Model = Tarpon 120
Material = Plastic
Length = 12'-3"
Width = 30"
Weight = 64 lbs.
Capacity = 350 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay - Santa Barbara Cove and back
Time = 6:00 AM
Distance = 5.04 miles
Duration = 1:13
Avg. Speed = 4.14 mph
Conditions = Partly cloudy and breezy

Day 8 - Wilderness Systems 'Tarpon 100'

From a 17' touring boat last night to the 10' Tarpon 100 this morning, quite a switch for sure. This year saw the Tarpon SOT kayaks from Wilderness Systems come with the same Phase 3 seat systems found in the Tsunami line from Wilderness. I must say that it's hard to find a more comfortable seat. I'm not a huge fan of high seat backs and how they inhibit good torso rotation that really lets you power your stroke. But on a ten foot long sit on top, seriously... what does it really matter... sometimes you just go for comfort. This little boat trades a bit of maneuverability for tracking but it's well worth it and the hull sliced through the water much more quietly than the other SOTs I've tried so far. I didn't have much trouble keeping my speed up over 3.5 mph but trying for anything more than 4.2 or so was a waste of energy. No surprise for a short stable boat. Overall it's a fun little boat to paddle for not-to-long casual trips. One thing I have to wonder when I look at the ample 30.5" width is if manufacturers are forgetting about folks that just want to paddle while they make SOT's more and more fishable.

Manufacturer = Confluence
Brand = Wilderness Systems
Model = Tarpon 100
Material = Plastic
Length = 10'
Width = 30.5"
Weight = 55 lbs
Capacity = 325 lbs

Location = Mission Bay - loop around Mariner's Cove and back
Time = 6:00 AM
Distance = 3.59 miles
Duration = 1:00
Avg Speed = 3.59 mph
Conditions = Partly cloudy and slight breeze