Well, I'm getting to the point of seriously considering buying a new kayak. The one I'm inclined towards is the Cascade Designs Solstice GT. I'm thinking of the GT model (24.25" beam) rather than the GTS (22" beam) mostly for the extra storage for extended trips. I've paddled the 22" version briefly and liked it. Also I really like the fittings and water-tight hatches. Two questions: Can anyone suggest where I may be able to get a good deal on one? I live in the Seattle Washington area, but would be willing to drive to Vancouver BC or a little farther. How much difference will it make going with the wider 24.25" beam? I'm accustomed to paddling a 16'6" boat with a 23.5" beam. I'm not expecting a speed demon, but prefer to avoid one that's on the slow side. Evan Dallas Woodinville, WA *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
At 12:56 PM 5/13/2004 -0700, Evan Dallas wrote: >Well, I'm getting to the point of seriously considering buying a new kayak. >The one I'm inclined towards is the Cascade Designs Solstice GT. I'm >thinking of the GT model (24.25" beam) rather than the GTS (22" beam) mostly >for the extra storage for extended trips. I've paddled the 22" version >briefly and liked it. Also I really like the fittings and water-tight >hatches. > >Two questions: > >Can anyone suggest where I may be able to get a good deal on one? I live in >the Seattle Washington area, but would be willing to drive to Vancouver BC >or a little farther. > >How much difference will it make going with the wider 24.25" beam? I'm >accustomed to paddling a 16'6" boat with a 23.5" beam. I'm not expecting a >speed demon, but prefer to avoid one that's on the slow side. > >Evan Dallas >Woodinville, WA Evan, I don't think I can answer either of your questions, but, since I'm sitting here trying to avoid doing real work, let me talk a little. I've paddled a Solstice GT since the fall of '96. It was my first glass boat. I'm very pleased with the boat. It appears to be very well constructed and, at least to my ass, has a very comfortable seat. I've done a few paddles where I sat for 10 or 11 hours without getting out to stretch and really appreciated the seat design. Mine has a rudder, which I seldom use. As some others may confirm, the boat is a little hard to turn even with edging. OTOH, it tracks great. If lost, I would very seriously look at getting the same boat again, especially now that they've recessed the rear hatch cover. Actually though, I would probably consider the GTS over the GT. I haven't done any extended trips, so I can't speak to the storage issue, however the GTS is bound to be a little bit lighter, a little bit faster and a little bit easier to roll. I'm not much of a roller, but the 24.5" on the GT feels REALLY WIDE when I try. Both boats are great. It's a win-win situation!! Best of luck with what ever you choose, Bill Leonhardt *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
On 13 May 2004 at 12:56, Evan Dallas wrote: > Well, I'm getting to the point of seriously considering buying a new > kayak. The one I'm inclined towards is the Cascade Designs Solstice > GT. I'm thinking of the GT model (24.25" beam) rather than the GTS > (22" beam) mostly for the extra storage for extended trips. I've > paddled the 22" version briefly and liked it. Also I really like the > fittings and water-tight hatches. I'd consider the GTSHV (High Volume) rather than the GT if volume is an issue. If you're talking GTHV, well... > How much difference will it make going with the wider 24.25" beam? The GT is not a slow kayak for its size, however, the GT is noticably more difficult to handle compared to other kayaks. As Bill points out, you have to really crank it on edge to get it to carve (this past weekend while paddling, we were joking with someone who'd done a Hutchinson-style deep brace turn in a GT, that it's the only way to make it turn). You could take the rudder off to save weight - it's unnecessary on the Solstice kayaks. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> You could take the rudder off to save weight - it's unnecessary on > the Solstice kayaks. > > Mike I have had my Solstice GTS for about 8 years and paddle it with and without the rudder. I do not agree with the necessary/unnecessary dichotomy with respect to rudders. The rudder helps to save energy on long paddles in choppy windy conditions. It is not strictly necessary perhaps, but is very nice to have and I generally use it, except in rough conditions where I prefer not. If I want to paddle without a rudder I choose my Mariner Express. The GTS is not only very straight tracking but also has excellent balance in side winds. I had a rudder cable snap once while soloing off shore and was able reset the footbraces so that they were fixed and the rudder retracted, so I just continued my paddle with no problem, I have never missed a roll with the GTS. When fully loaded it rides low in the water and I do not care for it as much. I weigh 170. If you are going to camp and load the boat and weigh more, I would choose the GT. Jerry *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I completely agree with you Mike. I enjoy paddling the GT too. It handles great and can carry enough gear for trips. As for the Mariner, haven't had an opportunity to try one. For some reason the company doesn't participate in paddling events so people can try them out. Too bad, their loss. Kirby -----Original Message----- From: owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net]On Behalf Of Jerry F Sent: May 13, 2004 5:53 PM To: Michael Daly; paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Solstice GT > You could take the rudder off to save weight - it's unnecessary on > the Solstice kayaks. > > Mike I have had my Solstice GTS for about 8 years and paddle it with and without the rudder. I do not agree with the necessary/unnecessary dichotomy with respect to rudders. The rudder helps to save energy on long paddles in choppy windy conditions. It is not strictly necessary perhaps, but is very nice to have and I generally use it, except in rough conditions where I prefer not. If I want to paddle without a rudder I choose my Mariner Express. The GTS is not only very straight tracking but also has excellent balance in side winds. I had a rudder cable snap once while soloing off shore and was able reset the footbraces so that they were fixed and the rudder retracted, so I just continued my paddle with no problem, I have never missed a roll with the GTS. When fully loaded it rides low in the water and I do not care for it as much. I weigh 170. If you are going to camp and load the boat and weigh more, I would choose the GT. Jerry *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Evan Dallas <evand_at_pensionresourcegroup.com> asked for opinions about the Solstice GT versus the GTS: Evan, I have only paddled a GTHV for a few hours, and a GTS likewise for a couple hours. But, two big guys I have done a lot of touring with use GTHV's. (One is a plump, unathletic 250 lb guy, and the other is a strong, athletic 220 lb guy.) Both use the rudder now and then, but as others have mentioned, these boats are great trackers, and a rudder is optional for most paddlers. The added width of the GT or GTHV will definitely make edging more difficult, but you need to assess how much you use edging. If you want the volume, get the GT. The GTHV gives you another inch in depth at the cockpit, IIRC, and that may not be important to you. I could never survive a week in a GTS, but a GT or GTHV would be wonderful. If you anticipate extended trips, don't get the GTS. On purchasing: these two guys both used a retail outlet in Campbell River, IIRC (don't recall the name) which: 1. Brought the boats to the border at Blaine. 2. Did all the paperwork (so you get the GST back at purchase, instead of later). 3. Gave the best price they could find anywhere. The GT and GTHV are both great boats. If my Wind Dancer craps out, I will definitely invest in a GTHV. -- Dave Kruger (also a big guy, and decreasingly athletic) Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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