Please provide some feedback on the Delta kayaks. I’m considering buying the 16 footer. I live in The Seattle area. I’m a beginner. I do appreciate your input. Thank-you.
1 Like
There are six reviews here…
http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/showReviews.html?prod=2610
I haven’t paddled any Delta kayaks, so I have no personal feedback.
Performance touring vs touring
The Delta 16 is in the performance touring category, not usually where a beginner would start. If your ambitions are to become competent quickly, it could be OK.
Personally, I would recommend the 14 in the touring category for a beginner, the 15.5 would be for a large person.
Delta kayak
Thanks for your help guys. Maybe I should consider the 15.5 expedition?
It’s big…
They describe the 15.5 as a minivan - it’s for a big person and/or lots of cargo, enough for a 2 week trip. If that’s you and what you plan to do, fine.
If you’re just a regular-size person looking to learn and do day trips, the 14 would be much better. Also, it’s 12 pounds lighter(!). I have a 52 pound kayak and a 41 pound kayak, and the difference carrying and loading them is profound.
1 Like
Stats?
How tall and how much do you weigh?
Delta kayak
220, 5’9"
Rent one and see?
You are pretty golden living where you do that you should have the ability to rent a variety of models to really get a feel for what you like. It’s funny with kayaks how an inch of deck height can make a big difference or some other small detail. It’s really nice to be able to spend a couple of hours in a model you are considering just to see. I’ve bought boats without trying them first and had both good and bad results. You are a short drive (1/2 day) from demoing pretty much whatever you want though. I wish I was so lucky.
We rented a couple of 16’s for some beginners on a family trip one day and they did just fine in them. Have you paddled one yet? You are within these guys suggested weights for it. http://frontenac-outfitters.com/kayaks/kayaks/delta-16-kayak-skeg/
You didn’t say what sort of paddling you are planning on doing? Lake/Ocean I assume? Planning on day paddling or multi day trips?
Perhaps a good question to ask here instead of would this model work (unless you’ve demoed it and loved it of course) is Which boats would you guys suggest for someone my size for my intended use? Then you could take that list and see what’s available for rent in your area. Maybe consider getting a roof rack and a PFD up front and renting a while? (Unless you’ve already gone through this)
If general sea kayaking is your intended use I’d try to rent your chosen Delta 16, the new 17 and a Tempest 170 as well. There are people here with a lot more experience than myself that hopefully would have more suggestions as well.
Hopefully some of that was helpful.
1 Like
Delta
I have a Delta 17 Expedition (2012 model). A great boat for long distance touring. Very stable. Also if you have to deal with the company, they are very helpful. I had a couple of problems early on. One of the inner neoprene hatch covers had its elastic fail - stitching came undone, but they shipped me a replacement overnight. And I lost the screw that adjusts the seat - again replaced immediately. Will be taking it down the Mississippi this year and around to Texas.
1 Like
delta length
Other things being equal (which they are not), a longer, narrower kayak will be faster than a shorter, pudgier kayak. If you paddle in a group who are mostly in 17’ boats, then you’ll struggle to keep up in a 14’.
The advice to try various boats and accrue some experience is important. If new at this, you’ll find that kayaks that initially feel comfortably stable, will eventually feel and handle like barges. Some that initially feel tippy, will eventually feel stable and more nimble than the barges.
Reviews on paddling.net must be read with a grain of salt. New owners fall in love with their new babies, warts and all. If the reviewer seems very experienced, you may get a usable review (and likely lower than a 10 out of 10 rating).
As a beginner, my first kayak was about 17’4" long and 22" wide. It was a nice size for this 5’ 5" tall septuagenarian.
1 Like
Can’t be expected
to do any independent research… It always baffles me because it’s quicker to google something than to make a forum post and wait.
After trying various kayaks out over the last 2 years, I finally ordered two (2) Delta 12 S Kayaks this morning from REI. My wife and I came from a backpacking and our both under 140 lbs. This will be our first kayaks and hope to learn valuable information from this group. Now, we are researching pdf’s, paddles and carriers.
1 Like
I have a thought, I have a 17 foot Delta. When my son borrows it, it looks WAY too small for him. Like an adult in a little clown car. He is 6’2” and 250. Is a 12 foot big enough for you?
I bought mine in Abottsford (Canada) at Western Canoe and Kayak. No taxes, and cheaper. And no issues/concerns when I came back across the border. It was a nice road trip for my husband and I.
I’m perhaps in a similar boat as you, although I’m not ready to buy a kayak. I’m a beginner living in West Seattle across the broken bridge. Northwest Outdoor Center has a full fleet of Delta kayaks and they’re located right on the west side of Lake Union. Really friendly people from the correspondence I’ve had with them so far, and I signed up for their Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking course in April. I would suggest heading over there and talking to them, and then also get time in different Delta models on the lake to see what suits you.
2 Likes
We looked at what our most likely type of water that we will kayak. Small lakes, streams, rivers. Most of my friends have multiple kayaks depending on their body of water they are kayaking.
Hi Susankay. If you are really the same Susankay that made an inquiry about Delta kayaks 7 years ago, this is a rare treat. I often wonder, after seeking some information, how things turn out for different posters here.
So you were considering a 16 footer, got suggestions to try multiple sizes, and now have a 17. Is there anything you might care to share about how you ended up with the 17, and/or anything about your kayaking journey in Delta kayaks since then? I’ve never had an opportunity to paddle one.
1 Like