The most recent reviews of the CD storm were from almost 2 yrs ago. The last review was less than impressive regarding possible bent hulls. Any opinions on recently produced boats?
Also looking at the RM capella and Prijon Kodiak. The general opinion is the latter 2 boats have a stiffer plastic than the storm.
Thanks
It’s not the boat
It’s the Plastic. Maybe one day in a perfect world plastic boats will be a thing of the past.There are so many alternatives today but the industry seems slow to accept new ideas. Just my opinion. Vaughn Fulton
CD changed their plastic in 2005
It’s stronger now…
I have a newer Squall, and have never had any issues, even in California’s 113 degree heat, with the boat on my car all day…
I know Pikabike had some issues with hers (and she provided several failrly good reviews), but that was an old boat, and she only weighed 110 lbs, which is below the recommended weight for the boat.
Back to your boat… they redid the mold this year (maybe last), and it’s a proven design. Try it, if it fits, and you like it, go for it.
CD has been a great company to deal with regarding questions, etc. I’ve only heard good things regarding their support.
I have an 04 Storm
Never had a problem with the plastic deforming. It has been a great boat for me. Very comfortable in the rough stuff. I have since moved on to a Tempest 170 pro. I found the cockpit volume in the Storm to be too much as my skills and comfort grew. I am 5’8" 220lbs.
Different Design Goals
– Last Updated: Jun-27-07 11:15 AM EST –
The Storm is the poly version of the Solstice - a very well respected long standing design. It does a number of things well. It is a gear hauler that is unflumoxed by the sea. It is an exemplar of North American design.
The Capella is a British design which is also very capable. As a Brit boat the Capella also strives to be more responsive than the Storm and assumes the occaisional need or desire to roll. It has narrower beam, lower decks, snugger cockpit, and a day hatch.
The Prijon Kodiak is yet another successful approach.
Each of these boats are 'good' boats. Each has a different personality.
Thanks so far
Thanks for the replies so far.
I did paddle a storm about 3 yrs ago and liked it. It was pretty roomy. This kayak will be my “step up” from my current rec model. I’ll need some time to try them all out but it’s good to hear that there is a materials upgrade on the Storm.
Thanks for the help.
Depends on what you use it for
I have a CD Solstice made of kevlar that I bought well-used in good condition. I paddled several week-long trips with others who were in the Storm and Squall. The guys in the plastic kayaks had to work a little harder and were affected a lot more by the wind. I also think I was more comfortable…
Sometimes I wish I had a sit-inside plastic kayak too because then I don’t have to worry about bumps and scrapes as much as I do with my Solstice. I do have a few plastic sit on tops which I like a lot for recreation and fishing but I really love my Solstice.
So, if you want the kayak for long trips, get a fiberglass/or kevlar - I see good deals on this site all the time. You will be glad you spent the extra $ and maybe you will find a great deal and not spend any extra.
Hope this helps a little…
dave
not so fast
There is a world of difference in the platic boats offered out there. Valley and P&H offer a heavier, “multilayer” poly that is much stiffer than say necky or older CD boats.
Storm is a good boat.
I’ve paddled one. It tracks really well, good acceleration, and is very stable
Well there ya go!!!
PamLico says it’s a good boat… Done Deal!!!
First boat I ever rolled…
and I am a terrible roller.
When I was guiding the storm was the boat of choice to put paddlers in. Very stable and reliable.
Alternatives? Let’s hear 'em!!
Really?
Compare cost, durability, ease of manufacture…
I’m sure the manufacturers would value your input. Their researchers are obviously out of the loop…
Oh, please be specific…
More expensive, heavier, harder to fix.
Other than that, they are perfect!! 
How did the wind
know they were plastic boats? Seems to me the boats profile above the water line would be the determining factor on how wind affected a boat, not what material it was made from.
perhaps
– Last Updated: Jun-28-07 10:05 AM EST –
Sure.
Some of that is subjective.
Meanwhile, in this thread we were discussing rigidity of plastic.
aha
a CD owner. This explains your above reaction.
yeah
he’s not even a CD shill
I have an old Storm
I have an old Storm and can see the plastic issues. Mine gets a dented in area forward of the seat that I have to pop out with hot water occasionally and the tracking is less than perfect – I suppose the keel is not exactly straight anymore. But it is a big, comfortable (add a seat pad), stable boat that handles rough water. The newer ones have been redesigned slightly and the plastic improved.
thanks for the replies
Wow!
Thanks for the replies.
This boat will be used for lake paddling, primarily day trips.
I know it sounds like overkill but one of the lakes is pretty big with whitecaps etc. I’d also like something that I can learn more techniques than I can with my Pungo.
Thanks again for all the help.
Okay, whatever…
I have lots of products I wouldn’t praise… The CD is not one of them.
I like it, that’s why I bought it, and why I keep it.
If I didn’t like it, I’d sell it.
So… what’s YOUR problem?