Tesla NM

The Necky Tesla NM is a versatile sea kayak for folks who are looking for a stable relatively fast hull. For the past twenty years I have run Discovery Expeditions, a sea kayak company operating in the awesome waters of Johnstone Strait, BC Canada. Over those years we have had a multitude of guests who have paddled these kayaks. I would estimate that close 95% enjoyed the kayak and because of that positive experience continued to kayak in their futures. I rest my case, the kayak speaks for itself.

The Tesla has proven to be a great all around kayak. I have used this kayak for day trips on the rivers and lakes in the lowcountry of SC as well as extended trips camping with the guys. You can pack this boat with everything needed for a week long camping trip and have room to spare. It paddles with ease even in rough conditions or surf. It has proven to be an excellent choice and I recommend it highly.

I purchased a ‘glass Necky Tesla 12 years or so ago to paddle long, unsupported trips in Alaska, Washington State, and Minnesota. I needed something that could take a lot of gear, was reasonably responsive, and was built like a tank. I have been very impressed with the Tesla. It holds a month’s worth of gear and food, paddles well in heavy seas, and is still fairly easy to roll. With very little maintenance, the kayak has taken quite a beating but has never leaked or broken any hardware. The only downsides I see with this boat are the exposed deck pad eyes and lack of flat compass mounting point. However, I have seen a newer Tesla with both of these issues fixed.

Although I have paddled a lot of other kayaks which had more room, were more responsive, or easier to roll, I have never found one that had all of these characteristics rolled into one boat. Because of this, I am still paddling my Tesla after all of the years. And, I see no reason to change.

I've had this boat for three seasons, and I'm 6'-1"/225lbs. I've recently moved to a British boat, but I still have it and plan to keep it because of what it's good at.

I actually have the older version, not the NM. The only difference that I know of is that it's 17' instead of 17'10", and Necky's newest boats have recessed deck fittings. Anyway, with a 25" beam, it doesn't lean too well. It's not as playful as the British boats, and with the rudder on deck it weathercocks alot. I don't like the seat, however I haven't done much about it! The neoprene hatch seals can be a pain, although they're very dry. There are alot of deck bungees, but no lines so I added my own.

So why do I keep it? It hauls tons of stuff for camping trips, and with the big hatches I can bring a full-size tripod, etc. It also has alot of initial stability, so I can easily photograph from it without having to worry about the stability of the boat. It's also very well made and the finish quality is excellent. I'll keep this boat for longer trips where I can paddle it loaded (too big for me to paddle empty) or when I want to photograph from it. It's also a forgiving boat for a beginner if a friend wants to try it. So the bottom line for me is that it's a good boat, but not exactly what I'm looking for in most of my paddling.

I have owned a number of kayaks and have finally settled (with a smile) on the Tesla. This boat has excellent secondary stability and fairly good initial stability (a beginner may feel like it's a bit "tippy"). The large cockpit and raised deck make for easy in and out and high comfort while paddling. The tracking in this boat is good, and very responsive to correction with a "tip of the hip" while paddling. Turning is execellent on edge, and good flat with the rudder down. For a fairly wide beam, the boat cuts through the water well, doesn't drag and is fast. I had this boat on Lake Superior in 4 ft. waves, where they were sometimes washing over me. A quick brace kept this boat upright. Out of the six boats I've owned, this is the best yet. The only downside is the crowned top has made mounting a compass difficult. I have mounted it on the front cockpit, but it's a little far for old eyes in rought seas! Overall an excellent well designed boat. Others try to copy the Necky, but none compare!

I have paddled my Tesla for 3 months now, and have reserved a 10 rating only because there may be something better out there, but I doubt it. Stable, fast, simple and well designed. Ive taken it into 4 ft. swells with whitecaps and was amazed at the stability. Any comments? I would love to hear from others!