Necky Chatham17 RM vs Valley Aquanaut RM

Advice
#1

I am considering the purchase of a RM kayak. I have narrowed it down to the Chatham 17 RM and the Aquanaut RM. Any feedback would be appreciated regarding the pros and cons of each kayak.

#2

I haven’t paddled the Valley Aquanaut RM
so I can’t speak to that. But I love my RM Chatham 17. It’s as slow as a pig, and a little goofy handling, and absolutely minimal freeboard in back, but man is is stable in the big stuff! The promotional literature should read: “An excellent photography or fishing platform in 3-5 foot seas.” Just TRY to capsize it! :^)









(Rolls like a demon too)

#3

I have paddled both boats
and the aquanaut gets a slight nod over the chatham. This may be persona preference but I find the aquanaut a bit better in the proformance category and I it has much better construction.

#4

I purchased the Aquanaut RM in

– Last Updated: Jan-04-07 7:33 PM EST –

the low volume variety in April 2006. Here is my review:

http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/showReviews.html?prod=1863

I rated it in August but I enjoy it much more now than I did when I reviewed it (and I enjoyed it then). It seems I continue to learn nuances about this boat as time progresses such as handling it in different conditions. I have paddled it for 300-400 miles this year.

I highly recommend it but I have no basis of comparison to the Chatham which was not on my list prior to purchase.

Good luck in your decision.





#5

Chatham 17 vs Aquanaut RM
Thanks for the feedback! I purchased a 2005 Aquanaut RM from Kayak Centre in Rhode Island. Great folks to do buisness with!

#6

Congradulations best of luck
with your Valley Aquanaut I think you will love it!!

#7

Congrats mphelps
I’m sure you will enjoy it.



I had mine out for a two hour paddle today- can’t believe there’s liquid water January 6 in the Chicago area.



Please post your impressions once you’ve had some time with it.

#8

Chatham 17
Hi,

I read you comment about the Chatham 17 “slow as a pig”, and I have a question. I’m moving up from a Manitou 14 and was thinking of the Chatham 17. One of the things I thought I’d be getting was a faster(everything’s relative)boat. Are there fast boats(not race boats)that you could recomend for me to look into. Thanks, Kevin