Profile

I reviewed this carrier last year, but have a couple of comments I would like to add, now that I have a different kayak. My previous kayak (Seaward) sat in this rack very well, and did not move at all. I have sold that kayak, and my new kayak has a different shape than the first, although it was the same length, about 18 and a half feet. The first time I carried my newer kayak in this carrier, it almost rolled off the side of my car, and I had to make an emergency stop to deal with it. Luckily, I was carrying two kayaks at the time, one on the Malone rack, and one on Thule's glide and set. I switched boats, and my problem was solved, as the other boat (Pygmy) fit the rack. However, it is not safe for me to use my Nimbus boat on the Malone rack. I don't know what advice to provide on which boats will work well with this rack, but obviously some work better than others. If your boat fits, it will work well, but if your boat doesn't fit, this rack is unusable.

I have the U/L standard sea paddle and paddle high-angle style. Wow! What a terrific paddle this is! You don't quite realize how light it is until you paddle with it for a while and then switch paddles. Even other 'light' paddles feel heavy. If you haven't tried a lighning paddle, it's definitely worth a serious look. The one drawback is on windy days, I have to grip the shaft a little more tightly than I'm used to - otherwise the paddle is in danger of being blown out of my hands. It's simply that light.

I have used a couple of other kayak carrier roof systems, including the Thule glide & set, and Hully rollers/saddles. I needed to buy a set of side-loaders so that I could carry two kayaks on my new, but small 4-door car. I decided to buy the Malone carrier because of the good reviews on Rutabaga's site, and certainly the price was right. They were pretty easy to install, and sit very securely on my Thule bars. The boat can sit on its side unsupported while you attach the straps, although I would be careful in gusty weather. When I loaded my Chilco onto the carrier, I noticed that I did not have great contact between boat and saddle bottom, so I strapped some closed cell foam to the saddles, which quickly solved the problem. I've travelled some distance with the saddles, including freeway travel, and they appear to be very, very sturdy. I don't have a long roofline - average for a hatchback, I guess. Before attaching my bow and stern lines, I was pleased to see that I get very little movement of the kayak in the saddles when I check by pushing and pulling on the kayak. With the bow and stern lines attached, it really does feel rock-solid. I'd probably give it a ten, except I had to add the foam - not a big deal, really.

We have this set installed on Thule square bars. Installation is quick and easy. There is no movement - the set is very secure. I like the hydro-glides - I have to say I prefer them to the hully rollers that we also own. The kayak moves pretty effortlessly onto the hydro-glides which are installed at the rear of the vehicle. The set-to-go saddles are on the front, and they're adjustable, so you get good contact with the kayak. Definitely recommended. I'm pretty sure you can't install these on Yakimas though.

This kayak cover is worth the extra ten bucks. Why buy a cover that fails to keep the water out of your cockpit? If you're in the market, don't bother with the cheaper covers. All they can do is keep the bugs out. This one is guaranteed to keep your cockpit dry in a deluge.

I bought my Chilco new about 6 months ago. The Chilco can easily be mistaken for Seaward's Ascente except for its multi-chine hull (which differs from the Ascente's soft chine).

The Chilco is a gorgeous boat to look at, easily the nicest looking kayak I've seen. The workmanship is clearly top notch. The seat is made up of a simple piece of contoured closed cell foam inside a nylon cover that can double as a paddle float. I have spent hours on this seat; it is very comfortable.

The Chilco tracks like an arrow in most conditions, although it does weathercock a little in wind. The only time I use the rudder is in wind, and I am very impressed with the rudder system, and have to question why this system is not found in all new kayaks. The rudder is not a sliding type, but consists of a fixed bracing system with 'gas pedal' type toe pedals. You don't have to give up the ability to brace when the rudder is deployed.

As with most boats that that have little rocker and track as well as this one, the Chilco requires a little effort to turn. Without the rudder, I find it responds well to an edged turn, and it holds a deep edge very well.

If you have big feet, say greater than men's size 11, you might have some difficulty fitting them into this kayak. I think, though, that most paddlers up to 200 lbs would easily fit into this kayak. The cockpit is also easy to enter and exit which is important to me.

For a low volume kayak, the Chilco has plenty of room for touring. I was astounded with how much stuff I have been able to cram into the hatches.

The Chilco is a fast kayak. I am always surprised by how fast it is, and sometimes I have to make a conscious effort to slow down when paddling with others.

The longer I own this kayak, the more I like it. When I first got it, it felt a little tippy, but I don't really notice it any more. While the Chilco can feel a little tender if you're sitting still in it, when paddling it feels very stable.

When I first bought the kayak, I emailed Seaward because my dealer didn't provide me with an owner's manual. 'Heather' responded quickly to my request, and I had my owner's manual in three days. I had an occasion to contact Seaward regarding warranty recently. They responded to my email within an hour. When I talked to 'Lou' over the phone, he talked me through how to find the source of a small cockpit leak. It took about 10 minutes, and it turns out I was missing an o-ring which he is sending me. I really do appreciate good customer service, and this company appears to have it. Oh yes, Seaward offers a lifetime warranty.

If my kayak was stolen (unlikely because I have that sucker bolted to the house with kryptonite), I would buy the Chilco again.

I think the stingray paddle is incredible value for the money. It's a very light 220 cm at just under two pounds with a carbon shaft and an ABX blade. Because of the shape of the blade, I find it easy to conserve energy and paddle longer distances. I have not had any problems so far with either assembly or disassembly, and I kayak in an ocean environment so the paddle is frequently exposed to sand. The only fault I can find is I have put some deep scratches into one blade as I use the paddle to aid in entry from the beach. However, I can't see how the scratches could interfere with the blade performance, so I am unconcerned. I would highly recommend.