Re: [Paddlewise] Easyrider kayaks

Hi Wes,
I've had an Easy Rider double (the 22'6" Eskimoe) for about six years. Frankly, I've abused it (an Arctic trip) and it's still going strong, impressive even considering we got a custom extra strength Kevlar lay-up. It's got amazing cargo capacity and I'ridden through Artic gales with a great sense of security (helped by having a skilled paddler in the front cockpit.) I suspect it's not as fast as other, narrower doubles. Peter also makes an incredible range of sails and outriggers if you like that sort of thing ( I haven't used them). I'd say one of the strong points is the Velcro quick-connects behind both cockpits which are used for the outriggers if you're using them and the paddlefloat rescue if you're not. I've upgraded these Velcro straps to thicker versions for a more secure grip and "borrowed" the concept for my non-Easy Rider single kayak.  One weak point is the rudder system. Don't know if Peter's still using it, but our boat came with a sort of flexible fiibreglass !
"Y" foot peg system which eventually cracks off. Perhaps ask him to omit the pedals and install your own using the rails and alumium pegs available on the aftermarket. 
With any double, and especially with high volume units like the Eskimoe, you should really consider using sea-socks if there's a chance of capsize. Try it in a pool sometime - you'll be amazed and appalled by how much water the thing takes on, and how low in the water it floats - in even small seas it would reswamp with every wave.  
That said, I'm happy with my Eskimoe, even though it doesn't do anything much more than gentle weekend trips with my wife and I these days.

Good luck and happy paddling.


>From: Wes Boyd <boydwe_at_dmci.net>
>To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
>Subject: [Paddlewise] Easyrider kayaks
>Date: Thu, 08 Apr 1999 20:22:35
>
>Does anybody know anything about or have any experience with Easyrider
>kayaks? They appear to have some good ideas, but there ads aren't terribly
>confidence producing, and I don't recall much discussion here or elsewhere
>about them.
>
>-- Wes
>
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N49°16' W123°08' 


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