Re: [Paddlewise] Talk me out of it?

On 9/18/07, Carey Parks <carey_at_jimparksfamily.com> wrote:
> I have found a Seaward Vision 1997 vintage that appears sound aside from
> needing a seat and hatch cover "shower caps". The main drawback to this
> particular boat might be it's weight. It tips the scale at 65 pounds.

I don't think 65lbs is out of line for a big volume kayak. Most
high-volume "expedition" kayaks in fiberglass would weigh in at about
60-65 pounds; figure maybe 52-57 lbs if they're kevlar. The Nimbus
Telkwa HV (a model I have) is about 62 lbs. My son-in-law's, which is
kevlar, is about 57lbs. Anything with this sort of volume in plastic
would weigh quite a bit more. Another part of the weight would be in a
heavier "layup" to hand the extra stress of carrying a large load ina
seaway.

The specs for a 2007 Vision say it weighs in at 57lbs but things could
have changed a lot in a decade and mfgr specs can be somewhat
exaggerated.

I think the price is right in there, too. Depends upon how far you
have to travel to pick it up, I guess.

The difference in paddling a 65lb kayak versus a 55lb kayak is not
that great, I don't think; especially after you shovel 100lbs of gear
into it. In this case design makes all the difference. Where you will
notice the weight difference is when you try to move it around on land
(or put it on top of your Isuzu Trooper - with racks). It's amazing
how much more difficult it is to raise that extra ten pounds over your
head; or pick it up with one hand to impress the girls. There might be
an age where we outgrow that. I'll let you know when I hit it.

My son-in-law got his Nimbus for $800 but before he wrote the check he
asked me if a kevlar Telkwa HV was worth that. I told him that unless
it was in pieces pay them the money. Even then, sometimes. <grin>

I think it's important that you paddle the boat loaded like you expect
it to be (you can use weights instead of gear but make sure they don't
shift when you roll or put the kayak on edge). Ask Matt Broze if he
has some turning and speed data on this particular model; I bet he
does.


Craig Jungers
Royal City, WA
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