[Sandra Waddle]

I’m hoping to go kayak fishing off the south end of Bowen. Is anyone experienced in these waters? Where is a good place to launch? How’s the water there? If there any sheltered areas that may still be open to fishing?

[Former Member]

Marc,

In case you know of anyone else interested in a thermoform kayak, I have just purchased a new boat so will be selling my Merlin.  I will be posting it on the Buy and Sell forum soon.

Cheers,

Jill

[Former Member]

Hi Nancy

Can you text me if jacket is available.Sasha 604 812 1298

[Former Member]

Thanks for the tips Jill and Jonathan!

I was a little worried about cracks with how thin it is but I guess its just stronger than PE so doesn’t need to be too thick. The salesguy at MEC said it can easily be repaired using the same method as for fibreglass boats, with plastic weld and fibremesh, though for best results repair at home with drill for either end of a crack, some sandpaper, etc. I’ve had my existing boat on river runs and hit some large rocks at high speed without problems, obviously can’t continue doing these carelessly if going to thermoform.

Yes, I noticed most kayakers in the group have a fair amount of gear they bring. Sooner or later I will start bringing tables and chairs..jk.

 

 

[Peter Kearney]

Hi Nancy,

We have done 2 tours with Steve Konig at http://www.oceansoundkayaking.com

Would highly recommend them.

Haven’t been with Butterfly Tours but Gord Pincock is excellent so would also check them out.

Cheers, Peter

[Nancy More]

Good condition.  Latex neck and wrists.  Grey with orange and black trim, polyurethane coated nylon.  Mesh draining front pocket.    $50 (to be donated to charity).

I have a photo but attaching it here seems to be beyond me.  If you send me an e-mail, I will forward it to you.

Cheers, Nancy

[Maureen Benzon]

Hi Marc,

I notice the link to mec’s site says that this boat is no longer available. You could also check out Delta kayaks. They seem to be a very good design and friends who paddle them seem very happy. If you are wanting a touring boat, 14′ is still very small. My boat is 16′ (with space wasted by the skeg box,) and while a long weekend is ok, I am rather challenged for space for a trip of 6 days or more. This is an issue because I particularly  dislike having anything on my deck or in my cockpit. Both of which are OK in mild conditions, but compromising if the water gets chunky

[Nancy More]

I have friends from Ontario who want to take a guided kayak tour of Gwaii Haanas.  Does anyone have any companies that they would recommend (or not)? Thanks for the feedback.

Cheers, Nancy

[Former Member]

Hi Marc,

Sorry I didn’t reply sooner.  I was kayak camping at Berg’s Landing….. with my thermoform boat!

I have had a 13.5 ‘ thermoform Eddyline Merlin LT for about 4 years (the boat is about 12 years old) and think thermoform is a great alternative to rotomolded boats if fibreglass/kevlar is not an option.  It is more scratch resistant than the softer rotomold plastic and  much less likely to oilcan.  It will scratch when run up on the beach but much less than rotomolded and it doesn’t affect the integrity of the boat.  I also like that it is much lighter than a rotomolded kayak (42 lbs).

Without a skeg or rudder it handles very well in both calm and rougher conditions and will track with just a bit of paddle correction but in a following sea it can be a lot of work to keep it straight.  At 101 L. volume it would be a bit of a challenge to tour with unless you are a real minimalist.  My boat is 110 L. and I can go away for a weekend with it, but space really is limited and my partner carries the tent/tarp/stove etc.

If you have any other questions or would like to try out my boat just let me know.

Cheers,

Jill

jtfitness@shaw.ca

[Former Member]

I’ve been pleased with my Delta 16 so far (about 2 years).  Having used kevlar hulls previously, I was uncertain about plastic but decided to give it a go.  The boat is light at 48 pounds, reasonably stiff and tracks well.  As to durability, I avoid dragging it up and down beaches, but I did drop the bow off the roof rack onto the road one day, and it survived that just fine.  I doubt that the ABS/acrylic plastic will have the longevity of glass or kevlar, and I understand that the hulls have to go to the manufacturer in Maple Ridge for any major repairs.  Were I doing far-flung expeditions I would want to learn more about how to do field repairs, which can be tricky.  I haven’t noted any “oil-canning” that poly boats are vulnerable to (where the boat deforms, sometimes permanently, when pressured onto roof-rack bars).  I should note, though, that I use Yakima j-bars, which eliminate that problem.    Overall, I have no issues with thermoformed plastic as a material.  Hope that helps.

[Former Member]

I have a set of Yakima roof rails with round bars that are in perfect condition – they fit on roof rails.

Have bought a new vehicle that requires a different system.

Asking $200 or offers.

[Former Member]

The other day Marc posted a question on this forum about Thermoform boats.  I am surprised that no one has replied.  There are several club members that have owned Thermoformed boats for some years.  Please pass on your experience and let us know how these boats have performed over the years.

How does the hull bottom hold up to being dragged up and down the beach?

Does the hull hold it’s shape, or is the bottom prone to developing waves like some rotomolded boats?

Has anyone damaged their boats and had them repaired?

Are there any features – positive or negative – that stand out for you about your Thermoformed boat?

If you own a Thermoform boat, please pass on your experience and opinions.  If you are paddling with a club member that has a Thermoform boat, please urge them to respond to this post.  Thanks.

Harald

[Former Member]

hmm

[Mick Allen]

Now headwinds . . . so, better luck next time: He’s going to the inside of Nootka Island [whew, I bet!]and bailing somewhere like Zeballos or Tahsis.
When he gets going, he sure pounds it down though.

 

[Admin S. Jensen]

Randy’s doing great again and is really moving again after some harsh weather has let up a bit for him. You can track him in near real time at:

https://share.garmin.com/RandyChatterjee

and you can follow other commentary and discussion about his trip at:

http://www.westcoastpaddler.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8364

We all wish Randy a safe journey with lots of great stories to tell. For Randy’s sake I wish more whales and cetaceans will keep him company…he seems to be a bit lonely! 🙂

Nicole

[Author]

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