Midway

I have been kayaking in a Necky Vector 14, but was slightly disappointed with the cruising speed. I have recently bought the RTM (DAG) Midway. The kayaks are similar in length (14' vs 14'6") and the Vector probably has slightly longer wetted length due to the raked overhangs on the Midway.

The kayaks are both the same width, but the Midway slips through the water much more easily and quietly than the Vector and leaves far less wake. The Midway is definitely faster for both top speed and cruising speed (a friend and I took both kayaks out together and paddled them both for comparison). I think this is because the Vector is wide for most of it's length and has a very flat bottom. The Midway is far narrower at each end, and has more of a V shaped hull (particularly at the ends). The Vector seems to push a lot more water at speed.

I weigh 190 and both kayaks are a wet ride as I'm effectively sitting at or below the waterline. The Vector seat has scuppers under it which eventually let water in, even with the fancy Necky scupper plugs. The Midway plugs are not so great at sealing (weep a bit) and the water from the footwells gets into the seat when you lean for turns.

Both kayaks are well designed. Summary of each as follows:

Vector: very comfortable seat and backrest, the best I've had. Lots of storage (two hatches + tankwell), one hatch easy to access on the water, and handy net bag and storage areas in the cockpit. Feels less tippy (higher primary stability) than the Midway. The handles tend to catch on your paddle until you get used to avoiding them. Excellent at traveling in a straight line (I don’t have the rudder), but slaps on waves in sea conditions (flat bottom).

Midway: comfortable enough, but carl brace does limit movement if you need to shift position after a couple of hours paddling. Tippy at first but good secondary stability and carl brace helps you lean to turn. Drier storage than the Vector after a day on the water (in fact, no water got in at all). Only one relatively small hatch storage (with bulkhead), which you can't access easily on the water, but large tankwell. Lighter to carry/lift than the Vector and better carrying handles. Cuts through waves cleanly and has good glide, but is harder to keep in a straight line than the Vector (due to tippiness) when not paddling.

My overall conclusion is:
Vector 14 is more comfortable and OK on flatwater: best of the pair for fishing.
Midway is faster and better in sea conditions: best of the pair for touring.

I consider myself to be in the advanced-beginner portion of my paddling career. I have paddled only sit-on-top kayaks and love the freedom and ease of use. I am a big guy at 6'3" and anywhere from 260-290 (depending on season). My first kayak was a beginner Ascend from Bass Pro, it has exceptional stability and handles quite well, especially for a cheap beginner kayak. I purchased a used Ocean Kayak Scupper Pro TW since I was expecting to get a faster and more maneuverable kayak. I was wrong! Even though it was rated at 300 lbs., it is more like 250. All the scuppers were FILLED and I sat in 2 inches of water for the entire ride! It also filled the tank well area and rode nose-high! While it may have handled better with the optional rudder, turning it was a borderline nightmare.

I just received my RTM Midway from Masthead in South Florida (one of the few RTM importers in the U.S.). I settled on this design after a lot of research and eventually decided its speed and advertised weight capacity of 355 would fit me quite nicely. While, the previous reviewer gave it low marks due to water in the scupper holes and marginal turning capability, as well as, poor stability, I would say it is the fastest sit-on-top you can buy for the money! While, I will have to lose weight in order to take full advantage of its speed, and I believe the weight capacity to be GROSSLY overstated, it is FAST! I use a 240cm Aqua-Bound Manta Ray carbon fiber paddle with a high angle stroke. Due to the narrow beam of this kayak, I will be getting a shorter paddle.

I am amazed at the quality of this roto-molded kayak and all the thought that went into its design. It's initial stability takes a little getting used to, but I believe this to be a product of the market--most SOT kayaks have become lumbering barges, while this one is a sleek narrow--did I mention FAST?--design. You can find the edge of its secondary stability, but I have not fully tested it to capsize.

I have the optional thigh brace, which most reviewers dislike. I LOVE IT! It adds a nice touch of stability and control when properly adjusted and is easier for entry/exit from the kayak (especially in the event of a capsize--compared to leg straps). Its stainless steel hardware, multiple tiedown points, spare paddle carrier, paddle carrier on each side, recess for diving pole and many other features make this an EXCELLENT intermediate kayak. I believe I'd have to move to a less useful wave ski to get anything faster, and for under $900, I would consider it a best-buy.

Once I lose the 30 lbs, it could easily be a 9.5 on the 10 point scale. I currently take 3 full points due to a GROSSLY inaccurate advertised weight capacity.