What do you have and do you like it?
Also would like to hear about the ones to keep away from
I am looking for one that is ocean going and good for rough water, but also one that will move along at a good clip and about 21 or 22 feet long.
I am not interested in a skinny flat water racing one
jack L
Mirage 730
I don’t know where you could get one in the states but the Mirage 730 would be close to what you want. I don’t own one but have paddled with them. http://www.mirageseakayaks.com.au/mirage730double.htm
Thanks,
At 24 feet and 23 inches wide, that might be a tad tippy in big waves.
We demoed a necky Nootka plus yesterday at 22.5 feet and 27" wide, in big wind and waves, and were as comfortable as could be.
I am sure that boat is much faster, and I would love for us to demo one.
We used to have a West side bullitt at 23 feet by 19 inches and it was fast, but there is no way I would want it in rough conditions.
Jack L
SKUK Triton
The SKUK (NDK) Triton is a proven performer. Extremely stable in rough water. It’s a “stretched out” Explorer at 22’.
Seaward Passat G3
Seaward nailed it with this boat, very much worth checking out. I used to spend a lot of time paddling these boats; I worked teaching month long sea kayaking expeditions, and they are fabulous. Stable, fast, rough water capable, hold lots of gear, well built, comfortable, the list can on and on. Where you sit and paddle is not much wider than some singles. If I had the resources I would pick one up in a heartbeat…
I have seen those and the rule
not paddled one, but I know a couple that has one, and the Seawards are definitely worth checking out.
what are you planing.
– Last Updated: Mar-12-11 11:39 AM EST –
You're question seems specific. Anything fun?
Why don't you get your boys in Wisconsin to produce one. I'd like to see it.
Ryan L.
Seaward Passat G3 is the boat
We paddled on a Seaward Passat G3 on a week long trip in off of Vancouver Island. As ststed earlier this is a great expedition tandem, comfort, speedy and able to carry all the gear needed for weeks on the water.
Boreal Designs
I have been very impressed with the Boreal Esperanto tandem (plastic), it might be worthwhile to check out the composite Beluga.
Wider version
They also have an older wider version http://www.mirageseakayaks.com.au/miragedouble.htm however the 730 is quite stable and has been used to paddle across Bass Strait between Australia and Tasmania many times which is aprox 240km at it’s narrowest point(they camp on islands on the way across). The stability is completely different to a racing boat.
A Couple Options…
Here are a couple to consider:
North Shore Kayak: Atlantic II - http://www.northshoreseakayaks.com/
Valley Sea Kayaks - Aleut II - http://www.valleyseakayaks.com/boats/classic
Current Designs Unity - http://www.cdkayak.com/products/template/product_detail.php?IID=219&SID=3fb17c95033b77cb8004ff36c420d8c4
I remember the Aleut
Friends had one. We paddled across Long Island Sound in single kayaks while our friends were the support boat.The midsection made a dandy table for lunch enroute.
Pretty quick boat. We had a devil of a time keeping up and our boats were not slow.
I also remember them loading the “Queen Mary” but were not quick enough…soon the tide was down five feet and we four had to carry the beast…loaded across Maines lovely seaweeded rocks.
Seaward Passat G3
I third this recommendation. I love this kayak!!
It’s possibly the fastest non-racing double (although it’s often used in races). The stability is solid. The workmanship is flawless. All the details are well-though out.
It handles rough water brilliantly. I took a newbie friend out in it - we ended up in steep waves in confused seas, and the Passat handled it amazingly. My newbie friend’s only comment when we got to more sheltered water: “That was fun. It’s relaxing being on the water”.
For single kayaks there are so many great choices, but for a double I wouldn’t consider anything else.
(As an aside, I would love to try a Mirage - especially one of there singles. But as I far as I know, they’re not sold in NA)
Oh yeah…
The Passat G3 has lots of stowage.
The last I heard Nigel Foster and 3 other paddlers are planning the first ever kayak passage through the entire Northwest Passage. They’re planning on using 2 Seaward Passat G3s.
Seaward
I spent a week doing a saltwater trip with two buddies who were in a Seaward Passat G3. Seaward has always had a pretty good rep for build quality and, I must say, I was impressed with the construction of boat. Very strong. It also held an awful lot of gear (especially in the centre hatch), yet maintained a good turn of speed.
If you’re serious about getting a double, I think a centre hatch is a good feature. That narrows the field somewhat.
On the Seward
My wife reminded me that we were in one quite a few years ago in Alaska, and yes that is a great boat.
Now someone tell me where I can get a used one in decent condition on the east coast, (mid Atlantic states)
jack L
necky Tofino
they aren’t made anymore and the cockpits are a bit close together with large cockpits (get good skirts) but for rough water it’s a good kayak. May take some outfitting to get it comfy.
EBAY
There is a mirage double on ebay in MN at the moment http://cgi.ebay.com/MIRAGE-TANDEM-SEA-KAYAK-/320671118673?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa97cf551#ht_500wt_1156
passat
it is still made