Profile

I am a 5'10" 175lb Gulf of Mexico sea kayaker (CD Solstice GTS) in search of a great river and tide races boat. Demo on a friend's 2018 Delphin 150 during a breezy jaunt about 5 miles offshore to circumnavigate a waste island. The Good: Yak exceptionally well-built, and one literally invited to wear it. Bracing superb with ratchet adjustable back band, and knee pads. Tight fit but not oppressively so. Perfect internal symmetry for strong foot bracing and push off. Rough water manners impeccable. No purling, incredible stability (w/ minimal skeg), and hull seemed to constantly demand more challenge. The long boats were hard pressed to keep up, and the Delphin was about half mile ahead at landing offshore. The Bad: On trip back wind settled, and surf was a benign two to three foot chop. Good-bye whitecaps, and the Delphin turned into a dog -- a very slow dog at that. It struggled mightily to keep up with the others in the languid sea, and the incredible stability gave way to a skittish kick out in the stern. "Bought" the Delphin on the way out, but gave it back upon return. Too bad. Really loved this boat, but it was too much a niche water craft.

Thank heaven I did not pay full retail price. GARBAGE. When coupled with Yakima round cross bars, the Evenkeel pads are ABSOLUTELY worthless. I even installed bicycle inner tubes (as a liner) to create a gripping medium between pads and bars. The Evenkeel pads still roll forward and move laterally no matter how tightly mounted. Did I say GARBAGE? These worthless pads have come loose twice (sliding laterally) while driving on the interstate. I EVEN DOUBLE STRAPPED MY KAYAK!! Also had to remove the rubber-like surface pads to even slide yak onto the Evenkeel. They might work on some OEM or oval bars, but they are GARBAGE on their own Yakima brand round crossbars. I suggest buying these only if you want to watch your kayak go flying through the air. Go buy Thule instead.

Purchased a 2016 Seaward Luna Grande with a light teal deck over a white hull and black seam. A truly beautiful boat that is easy to spot on open water. A pleasant diversion from the ubiquitous reds and yellows. Fiberglass layup is as good as it gets. Even the bulkheads are glass, and there is a river of resin floating over the keel inside the cockpit. Cable lines are muscular, and the yak gives you the feeling of safety first. Finish inside and out is simply impeccable. Stability inspires confidence: Initial, of course, will bathe the careless one. Secondary is outstanding once under way. Tracking is good (not great) while maneuverability is excellent. This slightly rockered hull exhibits absolutely no fear in the open Gulf of Mexico waters. Broaching seas are a non-issue while the hull magically penetrates through the nasty boys. Love it! You can almost put away the spray skirt. Sea water may come over the deck, but seldom reaches inside the cockpit. Speed is excellent, but that may be the paddler. No need to exert extra effort to keep up with long boats. The Luna Grande cockpit fits like a glove without oppressing hips and legs. Hatches are a bit annoying, however, with the multi-layer process of hard cover over neoprene liner. Waterproof, yes, but can be a tedious pain at times. Seaward need to take a look at the CD Solstice GT for some inspiration with the hatches.

I am a 5' 10" 175lb athletic male. Large quads, 31" inseam, and size 12 feet. Definitely not a newbie yet totally uninterested in constantly performing Eskimo rolls to prove manhood. Use is primarily day tripping, adventure seeking, outings with a sea kayaker's club, and the occasional over night journey. I love to launch when the storms build. This kayak is capable against most any Florida challenge, and it's no surprise this hand-built British Columbian serves as an Alaskan "go-to" watercraft. I liken the Seaward Luna to my BMW -- the ultimate driving machine!