BWCA Current designs Vision-what do you think? Boundary Waters Group Forum: Kayaking
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      Current designs Vision-what do you think?     

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03/14/2013 05:32PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
My wife really wants to get into Kayaking. We were at Canoecopia and looked at all the different makes and models. We really liked the Current Design Vision. We were told a 12 foot model for the wife , and a 15 footer for myself would be the best for us. Does anybody have any experience with these boats?
 
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markaroberts
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03/18/2013 06:14PM  
I owned a current designs storm for a very short while. I found it heavier and less comfortable then the Confluence boats (Perception, Dagger, Wilderness). I now have a Necky Looksha IV 17 foot kevlar kayak for the serious trips, and a Perception Sonoma 14 foot kayak for day trips. NOTE: the Necky is over 17 feet long with a rudder system but still weighs just over 50 lbs. The Sonoma is about 35 lbs. The Current Designs boats are generally quite heavy.

If you are wanting one for tripping. . .get one with front and rear hatch and at least 14 feet. You will also want a rudder system. (I am not saying this just for the BWCA, but an overall tripping boat.

Also, kayaks are like shoes. If they don't fit you well the first time you get in them or are uncomfortable. . .don't buy. . .it won't get any better. Get the kayak that fits you like a glove.

the difference between kayaks and canoes it this: You sit in and paddle a canoe. . .you wear a kayak.
 
03/19/2013 06:48AM  
In my opinion, you received bad advice, unless you and your wife are planning to kayak separately. Otherwise, why would they recommend 2 different lengths of boat? Unless she's much more athletic than you, she'll be working very hard to keep that 12' boat up with your 15' one, while you barely make an effort to paddle across the lake.

Mark has good advice. Interestingly, I have the opposite of what he does, a 14.5' Necky Looksha IV for day tripping, and a 17' Perception sea kayak. The 14-15' length is a good one for lakes and non-whitewater rivers.
 
254Bow
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02/15/2014 04:10PM  
quote Benutzer: "In my opinion, you received bad advice, unless you and your wife are planning to kayak separately. Otherwise, why would they recommend 2 different lengths of boat? Unless she's much more athletic than you, she'll be working very hard to keep that 12' boat up with your 15' one, while you barely make an effort to paddle across the lake.


Mark has good advice. Interestingly, I have the opposite of what he does, a 14.5' Necky Looksha IV for day tripping, and a 17' Perception sea kayak. The 14-15' length is a good one for lakes and non-whitewater rivers."


What he said in first paragraph, +1. Also, My 17 year old son has a vision 150 and he absolutely loves it. There is no such thing as a do all boat, but he has done flatwater, rivers, and 4' rollers on Lake Superior with this boat, and it handles it all like a champ. He is 5' 10, 150, loves the fit. I am 5' 9", 200+ and prefer a slightly larger cockpit, but really enjoy paddling it. Your missus will work very hard to track that 12' boat and keep up. If you are looking for a great all rounder that can grow with your abilities, neither of you could go wrong with the 150.
 
markaroberts
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02/17/2014 01:17PM  
If you are just paddling around the local area somewhere any kayak will do. If you are bringing to the BWCA or will be using for tripping where you will have to carry the boat and gear. . .that is different.

Before buying, pick up the kayak, put it on one shoulder and walk completely around the store a few times. If you can't do it. . .put it back and pick up a lighter model. Kayaks are designed to be carried on one shoulder (arm and shoulder in the cockpit). They are a bear to two person carry due to their shape.

What others have said is also true. Longer boats are faster boats and much easier to paddle. I have paddled my 17 footer with kayakers that are in 12 footers. The shorter boats tire the paddler out way earlier then the longer ones.

Go for the longest, lightest boat you can afford. . .AND lift up.
 
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