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This review is specifically for the RM version of the Valley Sirona 16-4. I'm 5'10", 150lb slim build. Over the last year I've demoed around ten boats in the 16ft touring category, some plastic, some fiberglass, all for California coastal daytripping and all-rounding. The Sirona, based on its description and marketing, seemed like the perfect fit.

But I could not get the boat to track, even in mild wind and chop. I demoed it for about 15 minutes all told, and re-inspected the hull when I got it back to the dock to make sure there wasn't some severe oilcanning or something that would bias the handling. The truth is, the build and features of the boat are fantastic -- rock solid, great fit, comfortable and stable. Every other boat I tried in the same conditions could hold a line with minimal effort, including the much shorter Gemini. Still a fan of Valley but test this kayak extensively before committing...