Best Barracuda Kayaks Kayaks

I purchased two Beachcomber Ultralights way back in 2007 and both are still going strong 18 years later. The only issue has been the deterioration… Read more

of the elastics that hold the hatches on, etc. but parts are available. As others have said, the boat doesn't track particularly well in a straight line with the rudder up (but it will do fantastic 360's and turn quickly to get out of trouble on tight creeks). It does much better with weight in the hatches, and I have no trouble tracking when it's fully loaded for camping trips, despite sitting a lot lower in the water. Due to the light weight and high front I found it impossible to roll it when I did a course, so that's a skill I'll never master in this boat, and the front bobs around in waves (a 10lt water bladder in the front hatch fixes this issue). Thigh braces may help with control if you're small like me. The boat is also super tough - it's been dropped nose first onto concrete, scraped over rocks and tree branches and survived. It's easy for novice paddlers (with the rudder) and comfortable for long distance treks. I've always carried it in cradles as the side seams are very strong and this avoids denting the hull if you're tying down tight for long drives. If you want a good, reliable, lightweight touring boat for recreational paddling on rivers, lakes and calm water seas it's ideal. I'd get something more serious if I wanted to do major sea crossings where the ability to roll is essential.