You do need to provide height and weight
You are looking now at boats where having a proper fit and hitting the design weight can make it much easier to mange the boat in class 2. Pungos just are not about responsive maneuvering, unless you are big and like paddling with knee protectors.
So it’d help if you gave those.
Kayaks
There was a time not very long ago when kayaks (depending on the length to width) were not allowed on the Allagash. There are quite a number of rules to be followed on the Allagash Waterway (no sails/sailing canoes etc.). A woman who had done all of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail to that point in a kayak was told she needed a different boat to finish.
This may have been revised since then, but it is worth a check of the current regs.
size
I’m 5’9" 170lbs. we were stopped once by the game warden on like day 3 and he said nothing about kayaks not being allowed, just checked our fishing license. we also saw 2 other kayaker out there… so I’m sure they are allowed.
Thousands of kayaks…
– Last Updated: Mar-25-14 4:03 PM EST –
along with thousands of canoes, have paddled the Allagash for many a season, and for some time now--It's rafts and other craft that are a no-go.
I say, choose any kayak you're comfortable with, that allows you to adequately pack enough stuff, as well as make up the length and beam difference between you and your friend's boat.
Maybe you'll even be fortunate enough to leave some canoeing "traditionalists" behind in your wake, so they can go on contemplating their naval with the antiquated belief that only their type hull can "violate" the sanctity of supposed untrammeled wilderness;-
You would be OK in many boats
You are close into “average paddler” boat. The sizing is still based on male forms, hence heavier and taller than average female. You don’t need a big person’s boat.
the 145 is too big for you
I’m a similar size to you plus a few more lbs and have a Tsunami 140, with hip pads added. Too bad you’re not closer, I would let you try it since I have it up for sale. A Tsunami or similar kayak might be a good transitional step for you coming from a Pungo.
tsunamis
I just stopped by my local eastern mountain sports and they have tsunami 145, 160 and 165 on clearence brand new 750$…would the 160 be any faster?
Yes
– Last Updated: Mar-25-14 6:28 PM EST –
being both longer and narrower it should glide more easily and cruise faster than the 145, but also may be a bit harder to turn. interestingly the weight is about the same for a 160 vs 145. that is a fantastic price, and you can add a rudder kit if desired for about $200.
Do they have any Tempests?
Remember folks
– Last Updated: Mar-25-14 8:10 PM EST –
the OP will be running down a few miles of strong class 2 whitewater. Also, that particular set can be really boney at times.
Kayaks and canoes are both allowed
but length to width restrictions apply to both craft.
The person in question had a rec kayak and it was too tubby. That it was a kayak was not the issue.
not seeing that as a deciding factor
for the OP’s desire overall for “something faster, good storage space and comfortable seat”, even if he takes the same trip. various other 15-16’ kayaks and canoes (including his friend’s Old Town Nantucket) have made it down those rapids just fine; I don’t recall them being terribly difficult. He’ll have to assess what types of paddling he intends to undertake in general, and pick a suitable craft.
Okay, I am curious
Do you know the reason for this requirement regarding the ratio of length/width? I wonder if it’s the result of someone’s good intentions run amok, or if it’s totally nonsensical (and oh, maybe there could even be a legitimate reason that I can’t seem to think of).
verdict
so I purchased my new kayak tonight. I decided to go with the tsunami 140.
After sitting in them all. I really did not like the seating of the 160 and thought it was a very shallow cockpit. The backband seemed extremely low for my liking. we will be doing a lot of fishing too so some extra space is nice to have which the 140 offers, plus a much more comfortable seat for my lower back.
I talked to a woman who worked there that said she ran Alot of their kayak day trips that EMS offers and she claims the 160 tsunamis additional length only offered minimal speed gains and the storage hatches were much more shallow.
anyways I’m sure this kayak will by far out perform my Pungo 120 lol
congrats
and enjoy the new boat! sounds like it’s a great choice for what you want to do with it; a mix of river and lake touring, camping and fishing. you could probably add a flush-mount rod holder behind the cockpit if you wanted to. you can get a whole lot of mileage out of a Tsunami, I know I have! add hip pads and learn to edge it some and the turning will become easier.
yes. Tradition
But makes no sense to me. Kayaks on the Allagash are not traditional either
http://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/park_passes_fees_rules/aww_watercraft.shtml
I don’t see any different impact whether you run the route with a raft or any other hand powered craft.
thanks
thank you. this thread has turned into what’s the traditional way to paddle the allagash…
I appreciate everyone’s inputs on what my actual question here was. sorry to everyone on canoes that will now have trouble sleeping at night knowing there’s a kayak on the allagash.
“Wilderness waterway” ??
– Last Updated: Mar-26-14 8:32 AM EST –
any place that has any restrictions other than the usual no glass and carry everything out that you bring in is not "wilderness to me"
I think after reading this I'll take the Allagash off my bucket list
jack L
lol.
Well done. Pack light and enjoy your Tsunami.
Don’t shoot the Messenger.
NT
Have a great trip!
If you can get the time - try poling up Allagash Stream to Allagash Lake and check out the ice caves.