Pack Canoe
Let me suggest a lightweight durable pack canoe from Placid Boat Works. Paddles just like a kayak. My 12’ Spitfire only weighs 20lbs plus it’s easy to get in and out of. They also offer a 15’ Rapidfire that tips the scales @22lbs.
Hop On Top/Heritage
The only fiberglass sit-on-top kayaks I am aware of were manufactured by Hop On Top and later sold and marketed by Heritage Kayaks. Heritage ceased production of the fiberglass models in 2001 and went exclusively to rotomolded kayaks. You can occasionally find a used Heritage or Hop On Top glass kayak for sale in various classifieds.
Tsunami Scramjet
Not made any more, so you have to search out new, but the old Tsunami Scramjet (this is not a Wilderness Systems boat, but a boat built by the Tsunami rangers) was a fiberglass SOT. More for rock play than touring.
http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/showReviews.html?prod=718
I think they had different models, Scramjet being one, so the others may also be possible.
No matter - these are rare birds, and probably more common on the west coast than elsewhere.
There are pack canoes from other
makers in the Adirondacks but alas all in NY state.
For Lake Tahoe you might want something Rapid Fire size.Mine does big water quite well.
that’s it
I was trying to remember the Heritage - I tried one once in upstate NY. It seemed like a nice boat, but not what I was looking for at the time.
REI
– Last Updated: Sep-09-16 1:39 PM EST –
carries the Eddyline Caribbean 12 & 14.
I'm going to test paddle a friend's solo canoe (Wenonah Vagabond) in a few weeks to get a general feel for the canoe idea. I'm considering a Placid Spitfire 13, Swift ADK 13.6, or Slipstream Impulse. All are 13-13.5 feet and under 25 pounds. Not cheap, but seem like a good alternative for a light weight boat for me with a bad, non- bending knee.
Seda Revenge.
16’6" fiberglass. I know of 1 in South Lalke Tahoe you may be able to try.
Try some inflatables as well. I like the Innovas.
A Kruger Seawind may work if you can find one.
Yes! Ocean Kayak Use To Make Them
Many years ago and called them Scuppers. Then in the early 80’s, they became the rotomolded Scupper Classics everyone bought for their ruggedness. Mike Cripps in Hawaii bought the molds and continued making them in his Kahaluu shop. They were vacuumed bag vinyl ester kayaks that were stackable. They were the fisherman’s dream boat. For racers, he even made a stretched version with rudder, that also won the Molokai Race. He no longer makes them and his kayak shop is now a motorcycle shop. So if you can find them, buy it, for they are light, durable and fast.
Found One
– Last Updated: Oct-05-16 7:21 AM EST –
Stealth kayaks. Made in South Africa. Sold by a dealer in California. Expensive, but they look interesting. I found their Facebook page and it looks like they have a touring model in development.
http://www.headwaterskayak.com/stealth-kayaks.html
Those look like surf skis at
surf ski prices. Look at the Epic V-7.
Stellar S14
Comes to mind
V7 is lighter
and half the price.
Similar
but the Stellar S14 isn’t a SOT. The Stealth boats look kind of like a fishing kayak and a surf ski had a baby. Maybe they’ll have their touring model ready by next spring???
Epic V6 had plenty of cargo capacity
for a few days.
Bell Magic solo canoe.
I much prefer paddling my Magic than my QCC 400X. Much more maneuverable, very stable, only 32 lbs and the seat height can be adjusted to whatever works best for your stability and knee-bending requirements by changing the length of the hangers and foot braces can be added for more power and boat control and it paddles great with either bent shaft canoe paddles or kayak paddles.
Do you paddle flatwater or bumpy/big water? If you’re unlikely to get swamped, a solo canoe may be a viable option.
Heavier and wider foot position than
surf skis.
Missed that one
Only saw the Steller 14S. Similar to the Stealth, just narrower. Interesting,but both are a bit too skinny for me. I wish someone like Swift would make a mainstream touring SOT that’s not just aimed at fishermen. But at least the fishing SOTs are pushing things forward a but.
I
second the SeaEagle Razor Lite 393RL! Love this kayak for overall performance… fastest SOT I’ve paddled compared to my current (some former) sit on’s like Prowler 13 and 15, Tarpon 160, Malibu X13 (overall favorite), and Necky Vector 13. A must test paddle kayak.
Found One
2014 Current Designs Kestrel 140 SOT. Composite. $1500. New I believe.
http://www.mountainmanoutdoors.com/recreational-kayaks-inventory.html