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Started looking around for some sea kayaks this year, hoping to make purchase next year. Most use will be on medium size lake, with occasional use on rivers & larger lakes. Longest ride will be one day, don't expect to be carrying heavy loads for multi-day expeditions.
First looked at plastic kayaks, was willing to compromise for sake of saving some money, until I heard about many people having 'oil-canning' problem (dent?) in their hulls.
Now looking at Fiberglas models with rudder (not skegs) so that narrows the search down a bit. Based on a preliminary scan of pricing & availability of selection at Trailhead & MEC, the following have caught my attention so far:
- Boreal Narwhal, 16 ft. long, 24.25' wide, 48 lbs. Looks a bit wide & I'm sceptical about the weight given. - Boreal Alvik, 17ft. long, 23' wide, 50 lbs.
If I had to widen my search to include models with skegs, I'd add the following to my list:
- Formula Diamante, 16'9' long, 22.5' wide, 50 lbs. - Formula Montauk, 16' long, 22' wide, 50 lbs.
If money was no object, I'd look at:
- Current Design Slipstream, 16' Long, 22' wide, 49 lbs. - Current Design Solstice GT, 17'7' long, 24.25 wide, 55 lbs.
QUESTION: I'm 6'4 - 200 lbs. and my wife is about 5'9' (her weight is no ones' business). We both have a history of back problems. Since not all kayaks are created equal, which brand tends to offer the best seat/back support? Of the models listed above, do any stand out as having very good or bad seats/back supports?
Not to worry, we will be trying out some kayaks, both during demo days & for weekend rentals. We will be looking at a whole bunch of other issues. However, I would like some advice that I can use in narrowing or expanding our search.
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