Actually I don’t know anything about you and my comments were about the OP’s situation, since she said she’s unable to get her boat to the water. I think the most important thing here isn’t a particular model—I think there are at least 5 or 6 models that would work for the OP—but the general principle of going shorter and lighter. Today there are a number of short kayaks in the 12- to 14-foot range that are fully featured and considered seaworthy. Looking at the specs on the Stellar 14, it looks like it would have very good speed and it has all the necessary safety features. Same for the Delta 14. Finally, you had the Sojourn 146, which I’ve never paddled. I have the 135 and love it. Are there some particular features that you have in mind?
I would opt for something with full perimeter lines and either sealed bulkheads or air bags…but full perimeter lines are a necessity.
Men’s Journal tested 6 kayaks around 14’. Sometimes the reviews aren’t very thorough, but the 6 models selected offer a good starting point for investigating a different class of kayaks. https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/delta-14/
Thank you all so much for all your thoughts and ideas. There is a lot to consider! To the wonderful person who asked where I am - I am in the Western suburbs of Boston. I’d welcome a chance to try your equipment if we happen to be close.
For the record I think my kayak is about 60 pounds. I think with appropriate lifting/loading devices and wheels I could continue to get it to the water. For a few years anyway… I am going to look into a lighter boat, both the costly and less costly options, and the same with inflatables.
Apparently there are many options. I was sort of thinking there would be one obvious path… But no, there are many!
Heres to many more years on the water. By the way, one of my favorite places to paddle is Nauset Marsh on Cape Cod. It’s like being in a National Geographic special
I am in Pittsburgh, PA, but grew up in Waltham, MA, and still have friends in Winchester, MA – visited them last year on my way home from a wedding in Spain and we spent a weekend at their cottage on Martha’s Vineyard. I did not have a boat with me on that trip but I hope to visit them at some point soon, perhaps this Fall or next Summer. A lot of that planning revolves around the public health situation. The wife of the couple in Winchester is a hospital MD so they are self-isolating for now.
I’ll send you a private message with my contact information and you can reciprocate if you’d like to keep in touch if and when I do make it back to Massachusetts.
Somewhere in this lengthy discussion the Stellar S14S , a SOT, was mentioned.
I have had one for a year and paddled it once. Between buying it in winter and a heart problem diagnosed shortly after ,it hasn’t had any real water time.
However, the one time I paddled it is the reason I still have it. It is fast. With the Smart Track rudder it turns on on a dime and requires little effort to paddle.
I have a physical limitation that may cause me to sell it but it is a fine boat.