Seaward Tyee XLC Kevlar Kayak – Elegant, Responsive, & Fun?

The Seaward Tyee XLC Kevlar Kayak (Seaward Tyee XLC for short!) is a well engineered watercraft designed for both the novice and pro. Built for performance and beauty, the Tyee is quick in the water, seaworthy, and stable. For such a long boat, it turns easily and its beauty turns a few heads when you go to launch it.

 

The Seaward Tyee XLC Kayak is an extremely versatile kayak; it is a great watercraft to use if you like fishing, overnight touring, photography, duck hunting, or just plain getting out on the water. Once you’re out there, you’ll appreciate the high standards that Seaward Kayaks built into this piece of performing art. Rugged elegance would be a great description for the Seaward Tyee kayak.

Seaward Tyee XLC kevlar kayak

Frame of the Seaward Tyee XLC Kevlar Kayak

The Seaward Tyee XLC’s frame has a long 17 foot long waterline, combined with a generous 2 foot beam, making the Tyee XLC kayak a stable one that is quick and responsive for a long cruise. Its Greenland up-swept bow will slice through rougher water with ease. Altogether, its dimensions are 17 feet long, 24 inches wide, and 14.5 inches deep, providing a great platform for water fun.

The Kevlar hull makes the Seaward Tyee XLC kayak almost bombproof, bouncing off rocks and trees with very little damage. You will find that it easily handles choppy water. That up-swept bow pushes through the waves better when it has a little load in the front, so go ahead and pack a good picnic.

The cockpit is very generous, and if you have bad memories of doing a wet exit, you’ll appreciate how much extra room it has. You won’t get your legs stuck when extricating yourself from an overturned kayak. The Seaward Tyee XLC seating is easy to fine tune to your body type. The seat back can be adjusted forward and back by using the pre-formed holes, and it can be tilted to a right angle using a strap. The seat bottom is padded with mini-cell foam. You won’t feel the cold coming through the seat like you do with cheap molded plastic seats.

 

Any Special Features With The Seaward Kayaks’ Tyee XLC Kevlar Kayak Offering?

At 51 pounds, this Seaward Tyee XLC Kevlar model is slightly lighter than the fiberglass model. It has some heft to it but that only confirms how rugged and seaworthy they build it. The molded padded seat and backrest make for a comfortable ride. They are easily adjusted and keep you protected from the jolts that choppy water can give to your back.

The Sea-Dog foot pedals take a little getting used to, but along with the rudder, they are easy to operate. The Seaward Tyee XLC boat tracks well so it doesn’t take much to keep it going in a straight line. It is very responsive and only takes a little flinch of your foot to adjust the course. The smart rudder system will keep you steady.

When you order, you should have a choice of some great colors that add to the beauty of the watercraft. Pick black or white, teal or red, ivory or burgundy. You can even go with funky colors like signal yellow, mandarin or fuschia.

You don’t want to spill, but if you are in over your head, the Safe Hatch system will keep your gear from getting away from you. It will also keep it from getting soaked in the surf, so you can look forward to dry clothes after a long day on the water.

The Safe Rescue System makes it easier to re-enter the Seaward Tyee XLC Kevlar kayak in case of an adventurous spill. The kayak itself is pretty stable, so that also helps. When practicing deep water re-entries, you’ll see that there is more than enough leverage to pull yourself back into the Seaward Tyee XLC kayak beauty!

 

Is There Enough Storage Space?

According to Seaward Kayaks, the Seaward Tyee XLC kayak has 415 liters of storage space. To put that in perspective, it is more space than you would get if you crammed all your food and gear into 20 5-gallon buckets from the home improvement store. In other words, with careful planning, you can fit everything you need for a week-long trip.

As I said before, the Seaward Tyee XLC kayak actually rides better with some extra weight in the front. In fact, that extra volume allows for a dry ride even if you are heavily loaded for your overnight adventure. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself with extra food or gear. With all that space, you should be able to handle another 70 pounds or more of supplies on the water.

Check out the Tyee on Amazon by clicking here!

Pros

  • Kevlar reinforced hull is very rugged, so you don’t have to worry about hitting rocks or trees
  • Cockpit is very generous, easy to get in or out if you are a big person
  • The Seaward Tyee XLC seat is adjustable so you can paddle comfortably
  • Rudder system allows you to track straight in the water, so there is less effort
  • Greenland up-swept bow slices through the waves so you can rocket across the water
  • 17 foot boat tracks well and wants to go in a straight line
  • Extra large storage capacity for versatility of use, from picnicking to cruising
  • Well engineered design is stable, fast and seaworthy
  • Seaward Tyee XLC Kevlar comes in great colors of your choice, mixing functionality with beauty
  • Built specifically to adapt to the needs of the newbie kayaker and the pro

Cons

  • The Seaward Tyee XLC contains a large cockpit without thigh braces
  • The padding for the knees is slippery so you don’t always get the leverage you need; a rougher pad would help
  •  It would be easier to get into the Seaward Tyee XLC (after a deep water spill) if the deck lines extended to behind the cockpit
  •  Some people have a tough time doing a self rescue in the Seaward Tyee kayak, but a two person rescue is very doable
  • The price is high for some people, so this is a long term investment

 

Seaward Tyee XLC Kevlar Kayak Review Summary

Altogether, the Seaward Kayaks’ Tyee XLC Kevlar Kayak is an amazing piece of equipment that you can use on slow rivers, Great Lake surges or ocean surf. It is easy to get into and out of because the cockpit is very generous. The kayak is stable and edges very well, yet is quick and responsive in the water, even with a full load.

This is Seaward’s most stable kayak. It handles choppy water comfortably and pushes back the wave very well if it has a light load. No wonder this offering, the Seaward Tyee XLC Kayak is a favorite with many tour operators.

Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak – Is It Super Stable?

The Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak is suitable for beginners or paddlers who prefer a smaller-sized kayak. Although it has a simple design and construction, it does not fall short on its sturdy frame. The kayak is extremely stable, with unique safety features that will keep all paddlers safe and secure.

Check out the Tahe Marine Solo on Amazon by clicking here!

 

Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo
Photo Credit: Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Website

 

The Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak is comfortable and oversized cockpit will make entering and exiting a breeze. This kayak should not be underestimated because of its size, because it boasts exceptional handling and an enviable amount of speed.

The Lifestyle Solo offers a great experience for kayakers who want to experience the true fit and feel of an amazing kayak while honing their skills.

 

How Does The Frame of the Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak Differ?

This one-of-a-kind kayak has been designed with the best manufacturing materials and techniques. From a highly reputable manufacturer, Tahe Marine, you can be certain that the kayak will come with a well-built and durable frame.

 

Lifestyle Solo kayak - red

The Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak has a polyethylene construction with a 98% recyclable HD (high density) core material, making it very tough but lightweight (48 pounds). It also makes it more reliable because it increases the stiffness of the kayak, allowing it to absorb less energy and withstand the most challenging environments.

The frame measures 12.5 feet by 21.75 inches and is 12.5 inches wide.

 

Any Special Features of the Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak?

The Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo is ergonomically designed and as such, is stable and maneuverable, especially for those who want to experience the sea in a unique way. Its small size also makes it suitable for beginners with different preferences, and is exceptionally easy to handle. You can count on the padded seats to give you the comfort you need, even if you’ll be in the water for many hours.

Other features include two round hatches that make it easy to pack equipment, a standard rudder system that can easily be installed (but is just as easy to paddle without!), availability in five different colors (red, orange, yellow, blue, and green), a responsive foot control for easy handling of the kayak, and a weight capacity of 220 pounds.

Plus, thanks to the large cockpit, this kayak is easy to enter and exit, which a lot of beginning kayakers can find “difficult”.

 

Ummm, But What About Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo’s Storage Space…?

Despite the Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo kayak’s small size, it features a storage capacity that’s large enough for longer expeditions. Even if you’re planning a short kayaking trip, the storage space will exceed your expectations.

The front and rear hatches have 10″ of storage space, both of them being round in order to facilitate easy packing and quick access to your equipment. With sufficient space, you will not be limited to what you can bring on your paddling adventure.

Pros

  • The Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak comes with a shallow arch hull that has been designed with good stability in mind
  • Two incredible round hatches that make it easy to pack and have quick access to equipment
  • Can be paddled with or without a standard rudder
  • A very fast kayak that will allow you to explore most bodies of water without restrictions
  • Comes with extra equipment such as a compass and thigh pads

Cons

  • The kayak’s seat may be padded and comfortable, but it doesn’t have the right lumbar support. If you plan to spend a lot of time on the Lifestyle Solo, it’s advisable to replace the seat with a more supportive one. This will ensure that you can enjoy your expeditions without any back problems.
  • Due to the Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak’s oversized cockpit and design, many kayakers associate it with beginners, but surprisingly, even experts can be able to make the most of it.

 

Tahe Marine Solo kayak in green

Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak Review Summary

The Lifestyle Solo may be a small-sized kayak, but it comes highly recommended, and kayakers will be able to enjoy its spacious and fast-paced nature.  The Tahe Marine’s Lifestyle series are some of the better quality kayak’s out there especially with their mid-of-the-range pricing.

If you are a beginner, its good stability will put your mind at ease and make your experience on the water much more enjoyable. On the other hand, if you just want to exercise in the water, this kayak is also a perfect fit for that as well. Its amazing features make it stand out from the crowd.

Necky Chatham 18 Kayak – One of the Best Touring Kayaks Available?

The Necky Chatham 18 Kayak is one of the most recommended kayaks on the market today, impressively able to navigate almost any body of water. Being one of the newer models, this kayak has been positively embraced by skilled and experienced kayakers. It is well constructed with an attractive finish, and is less expensive and lighter when compared to other versions of the kayak:

The Necky 18 Chatham much more slender, but is coupled with amazing stability.  Please read this Necky 18 Chatham review as we will be discussing its frame, build, & much more.

The cockpit is adjustable, making it very comfortable and providing easier paddling through most bodies of water. Its tracking is a little stiff due to its length, but is nevertheless one of the most sought after kayaks. The Necky Chatham 18 is recommended for beginner and intermediate kayakers. You can use it to gain skills and experience, and at the same time ensure that you don’t endanger your life.

Necky Chatham 18 kayak

The Chatham 18 is one of the few touring kayaks that offers the luxury of speed and stability. It is also known for its special design that eliminates the occurrence of back and leg pain. This means that this kayak can be used to paddle a longer distance for more hours.

 

Build & Frame of the Necky Chatham 18 Kayak

The Necky Chatham 18 comes in two options: the fiberglass model and the carbon model. A fiberglass model weighs about 53 pounds, while the carbon model weighs around 48 pounds. The Chatham 18 has a slender frame with a width of 20 inches, enabling you to navigate the waters at higher speeds. It is also longer, with a length of 18 inches, which sometimes affects its navigation but also provides more space for storage. Its cockpit is adjustable, providing a great relationship between the paddler and kayak.

The Necky comes in a variety of color combinations such as the red and black, red and white, and yellow and white.

necky chatham 18

Features of the Necky Chatham 18

The Necky Chatham 18 has a specially designed touring seat from Necky, already equipped with a back band. It’s designed to ensure comfort by making sure it does not retain water and keeps pressure off of your sciatic nerve. This ensures that your legs won’t fall asleep during long distance paddling.

A supportive back band is also put in place to ensure proper arm and back movements:

Details of the Necky Chatham kayak

There are also stern, bow, and day hatches manufactured by Valley, each equipped with bulkheads and are water proof and tough. Valley hatches are practically the best on the market, manufactured for ease of access. The Necky Chatham 18 kayak is also fitted with an adjustable thigh brace and a Necky wire retractable skeg. This allows you to make adjustments to the kayak’s trim, especially in windy waters.

The Necky wire is specifically designed to prevent destruction by salty water, ensuring its efficiency after many uses in salty waters. The Chatham 18 is also easy to transport, as it has a tether attached to the seat, ensuring stability when hauling it on top of your car.

Storage Space In The Necky Chatham 18 Touring Kayak

Let’s get to the bottom here: The Chatham 18 has a storage capacity of about 163 liters and the kayak has a maximum capacity of 350 lbs.

Compared to other kayaks, it has a smaller amount of storage space. It does not allow you the luxury of carrying plenty of items with you during your exploration. This feature, however, allows it to retain better speeds and stability.

Check out the Necky Chatham 18 on Amazon by clicking here!

Necky Chatham 18 Review Summary!

Is the Necky Chatham 18 kayak for you?  We have discussed all the details here with you in our Necky Chatham 18 review. However, we realize that sometimes it is better to look at a quick pros and cons list.  Only you can decide if this kayak is worth your money:

Pros

  • The Necky Chatham 18 kayak comes in two models making it easy you to choose the better option for you, depending on the cost and weight
  • Relatively affordable. The fiberglass model is cheaper than the carbon model
  • Higher speeds due to its slender size and light weight
  • Comfortable touring seat, designed to avoid numb legs and back pain
  • High stability levels enabled by a retractable skeg
  • Adjustable outfitting that provides for a comfortable interface
  • Tough, waterproof hatches
  • Easy to transport, can be hooked on the car top carrier using its specially designed tether

Cons

  • The Necky Chatham 18 has a smaller load carrying capacity compared to other model
  • Longer kayaks, like this one, have stiffer tracking and are a little harder to maneuver, especially in wild waters.

Aire Lynx 2 – Aire Inflatable Kayak That Treks Well?

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The Aire Lynx 2 inflatable kayak is a high quality inflatable kayak designed and manufactured by rafting experts, Aire. Made in the U.S., it is a popular inflatable whitewater kayak for both beginners and experts.

 

 

The Aire Lynx 2 kayak is the tandem model of the Aire Lynx I and it is a sleek two-person vessel, perfect for day outings, self-supported trips, and small extended excursions on rivers, creeks, and the ocean.

 

aire lynx 2 kayak

 

Constructed with performance in mind, the Aire Lynx 2 Inflatable Kayak is sleek, durable, well-constructed, and easy to maneuver on the water. It comes in several colors including blue, orange, dark green, yellow and purple. It is rugged, stable, compact, and comes with a range of new features guaranteed to improve the overall experience.

 

How Does The Frame of the Aire Lynx 2 Differ?

 

structure of the aire lynx ii kayak

The Aire Lynx II inflatable tandem kayak is constructed with 1300 Denier and 22 oz PVC coated polyester. The vessel is held together by strong welded seams and an outer PVC shell.

Leading the way in innovation and technology, the Aire Lynx 2 is created using Ferrari’s patented Precontraint PVC fabric and urethane AIREcell bladders that are attached to the outer PVC exterior. This construction feature ensures reliable abrasion protection.

Additionally, the Aire Lynx 2 kayak is designed so that the front part of the kayak rises about four inches from the rear and the frame’s waterline is decreased, as compared to the Aire Lynx I. This model is also four inches wider than the first model, making it more stable on the water and allowing for a bit more storage space in the interior section. However, this is what slows the kayak down, so paddlers looking for speed might not get what they are looking for.

Learn how to install the seat on an Aire Lynx 2 kayak:

 

Features of the Aire Lynx II Tandem Inflatable Kayak!

 

rapid kayaking

The Aire Lynx II has a range of innovative features that make it one of the most popular selling inflatable whitewater kayaks on the market. It contains two adjustable, high-backed PVC seats with thigh straps. Although the Aire Lynx 2 is designed for two paddlers, it is versatile enough to be used for a solo expedition, as the extra seat can be removed and the other one can be placed in the center of the kayak. The self-bailing floor has three sets of drain holes and three air chambers.

Leafield B7 valves ensure that inflation and deflation are trouble free. Another great feature of the Aire Lynx 2 kayak is that it can crash through waves much more easily than a boat exclusively designed for one paddler.

In addition, the Aire Lynx 2 kayak has seventeen cargo loops shared between the back and front of the vessel for attaching gear. This model also features an incredible 10-year warranty, a handy repair kit, and an owner’s manual.

 

Aire Lynx 2 Storage Space

 

storage space of lynx ii kayak

The Aire Lynx 2 kayak measures 39 inches in width, which is four inches wider than the Aire Lynx I, so it has a little more storage space. When it is empty, it weighs just 39 pounds, but the Aire Lynx 2 can actually hold up to 475 pounds and function efficiently.

For additional storage, the seats come with zippered pockets on the backs for your water, sunglasses, cell phone, or whatever else you need to be close by.  Furthermore, due to the adjustable seats, the Aire Lynx 2 inflatable kayak can accommodate extra cargo if you are taking a solo trip, as one seat can be removed.

Pros

  • Versatile – both beginners and experts in water sports can operate the Aire Lynx 2 kayak efficiently
  • Can function in all bodies of water
  • Incredibly stable with a comfortable interior
  • Compact design makes for easy entering and exiting
  • 10 year warranty

Cons

  • Color choices are limited to 5 colors
  • The Aire Lynx 2 is meant for rapids no higher than class III
  • Wide interior can be disadvantageous for slimmer paddlers trying to lock in their hips
  • Speed is decreased because of the wide design
  • Slightly more expensive than other tandem whitewater inflatable kayaks

Check out the Aire Lynx 2 on Amazon by clicking here!

Aire Lynx 2 Review Summary

The Aire Lynx 2 kayak may be an inflatable kayak but it comes with a 10 year warranty and that ALONE makes it an attractive choice for purchase consideration.

Nigel Foster Kayaks Presents Shadow Kevlar Kayaks: Luxury Or Performance?

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Seaward Kayaks is a company that has established itself as a namesake in the kayaking industry for a reason. The company produces high-quality, durable kayaks, and Nigel Foster’s Shadow Kevlar kayak is no exception. In the world of kayaks, you really do get what you pay for.  Nigel Foster Kayaks are some of the finest kayaks available on the market!

Though the price tag of this Shadow Kevlar kayak, AKA one of the most beautiful Nigel Foster kayaks, may seem a little steep for some, it is a product that is built to last and capable of enduring both lengthy and difficult voyages in virtually all types of water.

This review will examine this particular Shadow Kevlar kayak, designed by Nigel Foster kayaks, in an effort to help you decide if this kayak is the right one for you.

Nigel Foster Kayaks - Seward kayak

Frame of the Nigel Foster Kayaks

 

nigel foster kayaks

The length of this kayak is 17’10”, with a 22″ beam and 13″ depth. The dimensions of the cockpit are 31″ by 16.5″, which are pretty standard for a kayak of this variety. The frame is made of high quality kevlar, which is a particular type of fiber used to make fiberglass.

The benefit of using kevlar as a fiber is that it is incredibly durable, highly resistant to cracks and leakage, and can be relatively easy to repair when necessary. Furthermore, as with all Seaward Kevlar kayaks, with these Nigel Foster kayaks, there are 19 brilliant colors to choose from (for the deck, hull, seam, and hatches).

Any Cool Features of the Nigel Foster Kayaks?

The Shadow Kevlar kayak has an ample number of features that make it particularly attractive for those who are seeking to go on longer adventures.

Features such as padded thigh braces, knee brace pads, and foot rests allow you to paddle more comfortably and for longer periods of time. Other standard features include the skeg (essential for any sort of white water), recessed fittings, fiberglass outside seams, and fiberglass bulk heads.

 

nigel foster shadow kevlar kayak

In addition to these standard features, there are a number of optional features available. These features include a cockpit cover, a guzzler foot pump, quick release rescue straps, and an easy to read built-in compass. The optional features you should get depend on the the types of adventures you plan to use your Nigel Foster kayak for!

Is There Enough Storage In The Shadow Kevlar Kayak?

When compared to other kayaks of similar dimensions, the Nigel Kevlar kayaks exhibit an impressive amount of storage space. Nigel Foster himself has had several experiences with longer journeys, and because of this, he made sure to incorporate plenty of space to store various supplies.

The total amount of storage space in the Nigel Foster kayak is 202 liters, which is divided into 78 liters in the bow, 42 liters in the day, and 82 liters in the stern. 202 liters is ample space for storing dry-sealed bags of food and supplies, tents for camping, and most other small goods you might hope to venture with (though you should still pack lightly of course).

 

nigel foster kayak alongside a big boat!

Pros

  • This beautifully crafted watercraft is a model that is able to last over a decade, even with daily use
  • The Nigel Foster Kayaks aka Shadow Kevlar kayak is so popular because it provides the highest quality materials and details possible
  • This kayak is durable, well-equipped, and relatively high-performing in nearly all varieties of kayaking
  • It is especially good for lengthy, multi-day adventures such as the ones frequently enjoyed by Nigel Foster himself
  • Can withstand the tests of even the harshest varieties of white water
  • This brand has earned its stellar reputation and praise for its ability to perform and function
  • It’s made with kevlar, an exceptionally high quality fiberglass

Cons

  • The Shadow is an expensive kayak, but it is well worth it
  • Not suited for beginner or casual kayakers, who won’t be able to utilize the features that are so costly
  • The Nigel Foster kayaks are a bit longer than others, so you would have to measure a place to store yours before purchasing

Check out this Nigel Foster kayak on Amazon by clicking here!

Nigel Foster Kayaks Review Summary

Nigel Foster is a well respected designer, and his line of Nigel Foster kayaks that he creates are priced with a premium. If you buy anything designed by Nigel Foster or produced by Seaward Kayaks, you know you are getting a product designed to meet your needs.