Re: [Paddlewise] Kayak Trials at Trial Island - Part Two

Just did a Google search for Tiderace Kayaks as I realized my post didn't 
distinguish the fact enough that the Xcite has two KayjakSport round hatches 
and the Xplore has the two oval ones - not that it matters really, my review 
is to be taken with a grain of salt. I did notice Gordin's blog took a hit 
on the Google search for Tiderace. He's obviously got a great write-up as 
Gordin is prone to do (I miss his banter here on PW):

http://victoriakayaker.blogspot.com/

I should also mention that the Nordkapp LV rear oval hatch did not double 
seal the whole way around. Perhaps it is a design compromise to allow a good 
seal while still being able to get the hatch cover off without pulling off 
your fingernails on a cold day. When I modified my 1980 Nordy, I did a 
super-sano double seal contoured into the new deck section on the rear of my 
yak where I added the oval hatch centered, just abaft of the cockpit for 
heavy gear proximity to the center of the kayak. It is much harder to get 
off, but much more watertight. The Valley hatches are still the best out 
there, expensive to replace, and are not offered in the same variety of 
sizes as the KajakSport units.

There was a discussion at the beach about the looks of front oval hatches on 
a sea kayak. Obviously a subjective issue. Someone did mention a frog's anus 
was round - and totally waterproof. Interesting observation.

Doug Lloyd (spending his Birthday evening on paddlewise with his wife's 
permission) 
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************