Solstice GT

I purchased a new Solstice GT Dec 22. This is a great kayak for intermediate to advanced paddlers. The kayak is very stable, but it is not very fast, and not very nimble, but is very reasonable in both regards. The I am 5'11 and 240 lbs and the fit is ok. If I was any thicker, I would recommend the Titan version. The newer Solstices have a small keyhole cockpit coming, that allow the knee braces to give you great contact with the boat,and in rough water, it gives you security and allows less water to buffet the skirt, or enter, but it requires slight maneuvering, with one leg at a time to enter the cockpit. It has remained relatively unchanged for many years and for that reason doesn't have some options that would make it more modern looking. There is no day hatch, and there is no indentation behind the cockpit for the paddle to rest in for enter and exit,like on some other kayaks like stellar. The rudder is helpful in turning this long kayak, and again though it is not very nimble, if you edge the kayak properly, the kayak will do what you want it to do. The kayak is a classic, well suited for calm or rough water. I have taken it out in both, mangroves and the gulf. It performed admirably. I would purchase this again.

Back in 2008 I submitted a glowing review of my Solstice GT with a promise of an update at the end of the summer. It's now 13 years later, I still have the same boat, and I can't imagine a better one to own. It has been paddled with joy on multi-day trips in Jasper National Park, Banff National Park, Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and countless other lakes in Canada and the U.S. It tracks flawlessly, is incredibly stable even in really rough water, is durable, dependable, and everything I could possibly want in a kayak. And, it still looks as good as it did when I bought it. Perfect!

As I ran for any shore in a following sea, I couldn't believe how well the Solstice GT handled truly scary water. Since then, I've paddled it all the way up the Washington coast, through the San Juan and Gulf Islands, around both sides of Vancouver Island, and up the Inside Passage as far as Namu in British Columbia. I've paddled it also for three years on windy Lake Powell in Utah and Arizona, including on the Colorado River below the Glenwood Dam. Every time I paddle it, I'm amazed how forgiving it is, and how happy I am with its overall performance.

Current Designs has been making this same boat for about 30-35 years in Canada and then U.S., and the hull design hasn't changed much since it was first designed. The designer (in Victoria, BC) told me he designed it for the Inside Passage and the rough waters around Vancouver Island. It has soft chines and a round bottom under the cockpit, so beam waves hitting the side simply roll under the boat, without the sideways shove you might expect from a hard chine, shallow-V bottom. The round bottom also contributes to how well it handles in rip currents during tidal exchanges, and in confused water and clapotis waves ricocheting back from rock cliffs.

The GT not "exciting" to paddle on flat water, but turns fast enough and very predictably when you lean the boat. The rudder is adequate, but turns the boat more slowly than you could turn it without the rudder, so I use the rudder more like a skeg to counter crosswinds and to ferry against cross currents during long crossings. I occasionally use a Windpaddle downwind sail, and the rudder is good for that. The rudder is foil shaped (not a flat blade), is minimally sized, doesn't vibrate or make noise, and produces no detectable drag. The rudder cables are out of the way inside the back deck, so they don't interfere with reentry using the back deck. The rudder isn't designed for rapid turns. The rudder pedals are gas pedal style, worked by your toes above solid foot pegs, and easily adjustable from inside the cockpit on the water.

The Solstice GT is a long haul boat, more like a Cadillac than a Ferrari, which is just fine with me. When you paddle it on big water, you know you're paddling a boat designed exactly for that, and your confidence increasingly grows that it will handle emergency conditions and forgive some big mistakes in seamanship.

I have limited mobility in my legs due to arthritis, so my knees don't bend well. I had problems initially getting into and out of the boat, but resolved the problem after circumstances forced me to invent a novel method of entry and exit using Scotch adhesive no-skid pads. (I would be pleased to describe this elsewhere for mobility-impaired paddlers with similar problems.) The boat lends itself easily to my method, so I have no problems with that now. There is plenty of leg room. I once capsized my GT in heavy seas on the open ocean west of Vancouver Island and had no problem reentering it with a paddle float and sling after swimming the boat 1/4 mile to get behind some protective rocks prior to reentry. I rate primary stability as very good and secondary stability as excellent.

The comfort of the seat is very good for long paddling days. I use the optional adjustable seat back. There is an optional seat available for really big, wide people, but the standard seat is fine for ordinarily large paddlers. The seat design allows for storage space in the cockpit on both sides of the seat, as well as under the seat and behind the seat. This storage space is a critical factor for me because the Solstice GT does not have a day hatch. The around-the-seat storage spaces retain their contents during a capsize and wet exit, so you don't lose cockpit gear when inverted. The GT is a symmetrical design, widest at the hip, which accounts for the ample storage space around the seat. Aside from the predictable handling, the cockpit storage space surrounding the seat is the most important selling point for me.

The front and rear storage compartments provide sufficient space for equipment and supplies for a two week trip, so you don't need the "Titan" version of the GT. I test paddled the Titan model and didn't like it. Even at my weight, unloaded, I bobbed around like a cork and thought the high Titan deck very susceptible to wind. Also, the high Titan deck would increase the difficulty of a paddle float reentry after a wet exit. There is plenty of space for a big man in the standard version of the GT, so avoid the Titan unless your storage needs are extreme.

The GT hatch covers are sleek and watertight, but are too small to permit entry of a standard size bear can (bear resistant food container) which is a concern for people paddling through bear country. This is due to an unnecessarily wide flange under each hatch cover. The flange can be easily owner-modified with a sanding drum on a cordless drill, so the problem can be overcome with minimal effort, a moot issue if you don't paddle around coastal bears. I complained to Current Designs about the bear can issue and sent them an account, including photos, of how to fix it, so they're aware of the problem. I can also post how to modify the flange if somebody needs that.

Current Designs advertises that the Solstice GT can keep up with anything in the water. Yes, any boat with a 24" beam. It won't keep up with a Brit boat with a 21" beam, but in general I agree with their speed claim. The GT is surprisingly slippery and efficient, and I have no complaints about speed. You pay something in speed for the seat comfort, cockpit storage and initial stability of a wide beam. There are always trade-offs and CD got the balance exactly right for a long distance paddler.

The fiberglass version is about 10 pounds heavier than the Kevlar version. I would pay the extra money for the Kevlar. The weight difference is significant, especially if you habitually carry safety gear in the cockpit, paddle alone, or have to carry or drag the boat over long beaches at low tide. My Kevlar boat was accidentally dropped 10 feet, rudder first, from a high dock onto the steel deck of an albacore tuna boat last year. The fiberglass cracked upon impact and it cost $750 (U.S.) to repair the fiberglass, however the hull remained watertight, and the boat would have been paddleable afterwards thanks to the Kevlar. If you lift a standard fiberglass boat side-by-side with the Kevlar model, the Kevlar will sell itself, durability aside.

Besides the bear can issue mentioned above, there is nothing I would change in the design of the Solstice GT, which is probably why it hasn't been significantly redesigned in 30 years. I would buy a 2013 or later version however, as 2011 and earlier versions had a high pitched front deck that was supposed to spill water easily, but the high pitch wasn't good for front deck maps, deck bags and other uses. In 2012, CD redesigned the front deck for the better, lower and flatter, and tweaked some aspect of the rear hull also. I'd go for a 2013 or later model to be safe.

I've rolled the Solstice GT a few times, in rolling classes, empty, on flat water in a protected environment, so I can't comment on its rollability in combat conditions. I don't think this boat was designed for avid, habitual rollers. It doesn't have a back deck low enough for easy layback rolling, but the trade-off again is a seat with good lumbar back support and lots of storage in the rear compartment. The hull doesn't have much rocker, so it's a little slow in turns as compared to a Brit boat, but it effortlessly tracks straight, all day long for long distances. The GT is not a play boat for surf kayakers or fast water, but it does extremely well what it was designed for.

The kayak easily edges and is easy to lean. There is plenty of room in the hatches. Only negative is that the clips to the hatches corroded. I am sure Current designs will send a new one when asked. The boat is wide and large and allows my mid -60's body to have a little room for comfort. I would recommend this kayak which I have nicknamed the battleship.

For starters, I am the less-than-happy former owner of an NDK Explorer HV, having paddled one for a little over 4 years. Like many other paddlers during the late 2000's, when these kayaks were first introduced on the American market, I was taken in by all of the drummed-up "hype" on the "incredible" rough water handling characteristics of these British-style sea kayaks and - no doubt - their handling attributes CAN be pretty incredible – in the hands of someone in the rough "ballpark" of the kayak designer's intended height, weight, and approximate center-of-gravity targeted range, as-well-as the requisite skill level. And judging from most of the "on line" reviews for the Explorer - which, for the most part, have been HIGHLY FAVORABLE - paddlers typically gave their height and weight measurements at not much over 6 foot and under 200 pounds – WELL out of my range.

Just prior to purchasing my Explorer HV, I briefly test-paddled a "demo" and, at the time, the craft felt EXTREMELY "tippy" and capsize-prone to me, but I was informed by well-meaning sales people that this "twitchiness" – which was "hyped" as simply part of this kayak's rough-water handling profile - is a typical experience for a "newbie" and would pass in time with paddling experience in the kayak. To make a long story short, this incredible "tippiness" stayed with me over the 4+ years I owned the kayak, and I have had it out in some fairly rough conditions – including confused 2 to 4 foot chop combined with ocean-going cargo ship wakes.

Getting back to reviewing my new Current Designs 2013 Solstice GT, after a year of paddling this kayak I am TRULY AMAZED at the EASE with which this craft handles conditions of crazy, confused, 2 to 3 foot chop mixed with wind-driven swell of the same height, and 3 to 4 foot ocean-going cargo-ship wakes – conditions I often encounter while out on the Columbia River near Astoria Oregon. Large broadside waves taken by this kayak seem to roll almost effortlessly beneath its round-bottomed-cross-section hull – a VERY REASSURING FEELING when out in this kind of TURBULENCE! By comparison, when I paddled my former shallow-"v" trapezoidal cross-section Explorer in similar conditions, I would find myself bracing as if my VERY LIFE depended on it! And speedwise, my Solstice is most definitely faster than the Explorer, owing in part to the fact that nearly ALL of my paddle strokes deliver power while underway – especially in heavy chop - whereas paddling the Explorer in similar conditions necessitated so many bracing and rudder strokes - just to avoid capsize - and the need for constant course correction due to the Explorer's increased hull rocker over that of the Solstice! And need I mention that the Solstice's tracking is TRULY EXEMPLARY by comparison, as is its "glide" through the water when not executing paddle strokes - and OH HOW BEAUTIFULLY THIS KAYAK MANEUVERS with just a simple stern-rudder paddle-stroke for course correction! The ONLY time I EVER use my rudder is to perform a skeg-like function during long, open-water crossings or in strong cross-wind/wave/current conditions. For me, the Solstice GT is TRULY a MAGNIFICENTLY-HANDLING kayak and a SHEER JOY to PADDLE!

As regards workmanship and physical design, the overall quality of the fiberglass layup and workmanship seems, to me, to be pretty near flawless, as is the overall design and hatch configuration. And PLEASE leave the hatch layout just the way it is – plenty big enough for loading up camping supplies and, thank heavens, without the silly little "day hatch" which I've never been able to access anyway while out on the water! Regarding the keyhole cockpit design, as I wear size 34" trousers, it's plenty big enough for me to sit down butt first and draw in one leg at a time, and exiting the cockpit after several hours of paddling is similarly doable. The kayak seat, while not the "lap of luxury," is still adequately comfortable for this 70-year-old man's hip bones even after several hours of paddling. I would make no future changes here either. And the rudder-skeg works like a charm for me - can't think of any needed changes here, either.

Current Designs has turned out one fine kayak with the Solstice GT and truly, this will probably be the very last kayak I'll ever own to the end of my kayaking days.

I don't think there is a "10" out there so I have to give it a "9". Mine was fiberglass. Maybe a kevlar one would be a 10?

Positives:
• Boat goes where you tell it to go!
• Kevlar boat is lighter at 47 pounds, I can load it on the car on my own if required.
• Bulkheads are a translucent plastic, makes it easier to see what going on in the storage hatch.
• New peddle system - peddles don't slide, instead they pivot - meaning your knees are always up against the side of the boat.
  New larger keyhole cockpit, makes it VERY easy to get in and out, perfect for me since I have leg I can't bend well.

  Negatives:

• The new peddle system means there is a cable right next to your foot - so you cannot paddle barefoot. Even with rubber shoes on, I still feel the cable.
• Very uncomfortable.
• The deck was flattened somewhat from the 2009 model (probably for the keyhole cockpit?) This is not an issue in itself, but they also introduced this new hatch strap cam system (replacing side buckles) for the storage covers. With the deck being flattened, the cam lock can easily come loose. In my opinion its POORLY designed, and can easily come loose in big water, or in a self rescue, or just even when you are on the beach and you throw your life jacket on the boat. So you always have to double check it. I cannot see what the advantage is of this mechanism vs. traditional plastic side buckles. The side buckles on my 10 year old Storm work just fine, and of course are easily replaced. After a few requests, CD sent me an updated cam that has a snap in it as well, clearly an afterthought fix and I wonder how it will work. I can't see how a cam and a snap makes more sense than a buckle.
• The boat is very wide now at 24 inches, I suspect people who were happy with the old Solstice GT might want to try the new GTS at 22 inches.
• The seat has popped out from its cradle a few times when paddling and leaning way back - not a great seat system.
• Also, can't seem to get rid of the solvent smell in the hatches, even after storing the boat with the hatches open. Whenever I close it up to store stuff in there while paddling, whatever I take out a few hours later seems to be permeated with solvent.

Better than my opinion, would be the opinion of a very experienced guide in the mid Vancouver Island area... that I had on a five day trip (Discovery Islands). He said it was his favorite touring kayak. Period. I had the fastest boat with the least paddling of anyone around, and it swallows lots of gear. I do find the cockpit a little tight getting in and out for my long legs. I just picked up the Titan regular, although it seems huge, I do believe it is a better fit for my frame. What do you need touring?: capacity and comfort, why sweat the tighter fit...I think the Titan will work out better for beach landings..I tightened up the wider seat with hip brace pads and other than having to reach farther forward (6 inches) for items under the deck straps, foot room, and knees braces seem better positioned.

First, I bought this boat after enduring ten days in my Romany Explorer with gear loaded in front of the pegs. At 5’9 and 170 lbs the Explorer was simply too small to carry a bear canister, tarp bag and me in the same cockpit. I gave it to my wife. We are touring kayakers who live and paddle in Southeast Alaska, taking at least three long(er) trips each summer of from 150 to 400 nautical miles.

The Solstice is everything I want in a sea kayak. It has more than enough room for our longer trips – we assume 400 miles will take us 21 days, but it never has taken more than 17. It tracks straight; I’ll use the rudder only in a strong following sea. It doesn’t weathercock. It rides tolerably dry even in large seas. It sits comfortably during our two sets of five-hour marches; I can still feel my legs and wiggle my toes! And, it is easy to turn. This last point is something I’ve been pondering since it seems to be the negative point of a number of reviewers.

We paddle the coast-line in head winds or when catching eddies in opposing tides. Our coasts are not straight, nor are they particularly forgiving. There is an abundance of rocks covered in barnacles. The kind that make awful scraping sounds when a paddler is unable to adjust position as the rocks become exposed. If by turn, others are referring to maneuvering the boat around objects, then this boat turns well. I young friend who paddled with us this summer commented that, as I entered a small It is as responsive as the Explorer and my wife’s Ellesmere when edged and with the correct stroke. The other definition of turn, could be simply turning the kayak around in a circle. Here too, the Solstice does just fine. I can do a 360 degree turn in a combination of four or five bow and stern sweeps, with the boat on edge and loaded. That is tolerable.

Does it roll? I don’t know. My objective is to stay in my kayak and that’s worked well for the last 25 years. It is very responsive to a brace in seas that break over my shoulders and a low sculling brace when I want to show off.

This summer we have decided to reduce the number of kayaks in our garage. The Explorer is gone, the ultralight kayak has found a good home with a former Olympian, and my wife bought back the Solstice SS she sold six years ago. It, along with my GT and a Seward Passat are what we will use to paddle our long trips and on weekends.

The beauty of the Solstice GT HV for me is that it has more primary stability than any touring kayak I have tested. I like to take pictures. Mind you, at 24.25 inches wide, the secondary stability is also very strong, such that a person with a high center of gravity (me) feels quite secure. And the secondary stability kicks in with just a slight lean due to the very shallow V hull shape.

For a boat of this width, my Solstice has a nice, easy cruising speed. A friend and I recently paddled 52 miles in 13.25 hours (total elapsed time). We beached our boats for fifteen minutes every two hours. In other words, about 4.5 mph is an easy paddling speed for the Solstice. 5 mph is very doable if you're breathing a bit, but I couldn't keep it up all day without wearing out. Two hours at 5mph is okay.

The only negative about the Solstice is that of course it won't turn. Add a little wind, and it pretty much takes an Act of Congress to bring it around. The tracking is spectacular though. I ordered my boat without a rudder since I can't use my feet, and in the vast majority of paddling situations, in my opinion, the boat does not need a rudder.

If you edge the boat heavily, it does turn slightly better, but nobody will ever accuse it of being maneuverable if they've paddled something that truly turns well.

I've recently learned an extended-paddle high-bracing sweep that enables me to lean the boat 90 degrees. The stability still feels predictable. Likewise, I can heel the boat over with a low-bracing turn, and it feels good. Of course, it does help that I've epoxied some brackets on the bottom of my rear hatch and I bungee a 20-pound leaden bar in there. The boat is stable without the ballast, but with it, it's rock solid for a person with a high center of gravity. It makes up for my lack of leg weight.

Overall, if you're looking for a more nimble, easily leaned boat, then the Solstice is not for you. But, if you want a very stable, efficient touring kayak, you can't go wrong with the Solstice. And my hatches are cavernous.

The only reason I give the boat a 9 rather than a 10 is that it won't turn.

I inspected this new kayak very carefully and found it to be in perfect shape and one to be very proud of. I am looking forward to paddling this kayak in my favorite waters. With this new boat I have to readjust my rating of the kayak. I am familiar with it's handling, and now have a new kayak that I am proud of and I can't help but give the Solstice a "10". :)

Regardless of this, I felt the boat did a super job in the water. I paddled it for about 15 minutes, and it tracked as straight as anyone could ask (without using the rudder), but if I leaned properly, and used sweep strokes, it turned very nicely. If I also use the rudder along with the lean and sweep, it turned tighter than I would have thought.

I then e-mailed the factory, and received a very timely and nice reply. They told me that all 3 current versions of the Solstice have the same hull, so it didn't matter what version I got (Standard, HV, or XL), the hull would sit the same in the water.

BUT.... They sent to me a 2005 Catalog, and for next year they are coming out with a new version of the Solstice named the Solstice "Titan" for bigger guys. It will be the same hull, just deeper to haul more weight. The deck will be the same height as the XL version, but the cockpit opening will be wider and longer, with a bigger seat. It looks very much like by next spring the "perfect big guy boat" will be available to us big guys. I have already told them to send one to my local shop for their Demo Days in the spring! :) It will be a LONG winter waiting for Spring Demo Days!

PS/PS If you are big -try the GT before opting for the GT High Volume or even the XT. I'm not sure why it is but the GT handles like a completely different boat, much more satisfying in my opinion.