I have had this kayak a little over 4 months but just got the chance to really paddle it several times the last two weeks on a trip to northern Michigan where we have family living. I have also paddled it twice in saltwater marshes around Beaufort, SC. It replaced a CD Scirocco that I had paddled for over 10 years. I wanted a much lighter kayak with a little larger cockpit opening that retained as many of the paddling features as possible from my Scirocco. I strongly considered a similar sized Eddyline boat, but could not find one to test paddle within a four hour drive of my house. The reputation of the Hurricane brand was a concern to me, but the outfitter I purchased the boat from assured me that recent changes at the company had resulted in this boat which was much improved from some previous models. So I took a chance at a good price.
First, the kayak scored a 10/10 for me on the weight - I can carry this boat on one shoulder almost any reasonable distance to the water or a storage space. At 64 years of age - it was important to me that I had a boat that I could manage for another 10 years on my own. The fit and finish of the boat is another 10/10 for me - it is comfortable and looks great in red. I removed the removable plastic 'knee braces' because they missed my knees by a mile and got in the way of entry and exit. I replaced them by adding some padding under the decking. (Would recommend that Hurricane consider this change.) The adjustable foot pegs work well but I have had an issue getting them locked consistently which I consider my fault for not turning the lever down all the way. The seat is adjustable and very comfortable (I am 6', 200#).
I have enjoyed paddling the kayak even though I would give it a 7/10 in that area compared to my Scirocco - hence my overall rating of an 8/10. I expected a slightly slower boat but I have really been pleased with how well the Sojourn cuts through the water. Initial and secondary stability - to the extent I can judge it - seems more than adequate. The Sojourn also paddles quite well directly into and with a directly following wind - and manages the smaller waves I have been in quite well. My complaint is significant weathercocking in any quartering breeze - and sometimes not even in much breeze at all. The boat takes constant attention with paddle and legs to maintain course. It appears to me that it is the stern half of the boat that is pushed by the wind because the front turns into the wind. This happens even when I am not paddling so I don't think it is a paddling issue on my part - plus I did not have this issue with the Scirocco. I am sure a skeg would help (I hate rudders and would not put one on this boat), but, alas, this is not an option.
I have traveled from SC to northern MI over the last month with the kayak on top of my SUV (using the Hullavator) with no problems at all.
Overall I am pleased with my purchase. The Sojourn 146 met almost all of my desires for a new kayak and I did not expect to have a shorter kayak that fits into the transitional category to be everything a longer and more expensive kayak would be. I really like that I can still use a spray skirt on it too - just not the one that fit my Scirrocco. Because it is lighter and easier for me to handle on my own, I have gotten out to kayak more often on this trip to MI than on previous trips there. If this represents Hurricane's new direction then I would agree with the outfitter I purchased the kayak from - they are on the right track now.
