We bought our 160T several weeks ago and have had it just three trips so far, on lakes here in Western mass and in Vermont. And we absolutely love it. Before we had a perception Acadia open tandem 14 footer. It was a tub compared to this boat. The loon just glides through the water. We kayaked twice with friends of ours, both in modern singles, and had absolutely no trouble pacing with them for long stretches over the water. It’s a comfortable boat, we’ve got a 2002 model that was built in at the end of 2001 . It was in really great shape. And it was friendly the very first time we took it out. Yes, it’s heavy, but although I’m 75 and my wife is 60, we have quickly figured out the best way to get it up on our low profile Prius, and it rides beautifully and doesn’t budge. And getting it off and on, yes, it’s a bit of a challenge but that’s all. It’s more than worth it for the pleasurable ride. Yesterday we were on Somerset reservoir in Vermont for a day of paddling out to Islands, with our friends, and we had the new gear I bought, but also a good sized collapsible foam cooler which kept our food really cool, and it fit perfectly between me and my wife in front, between my legs, and has the added benefit of a pocket on the back to hold both our drink mugs right there where I can grab it or hand it to her. And still plenty of room, no discomfort there at all. I got a pad for the seat, because mine's a little too firm for my comfort. But these are all fixable things right? The only disparaging remark I might make is that The previous owner must’ve stored it incorrectly as there’s a bit of a flat section on the bottom and the boat has a tendency to turn to the left. Even with no wind to blame, we stop paddling and just coast, and the bow will rotate maybe 45° left in 20 to 30 seconds. I’ve looked at the boat and the indentation on the bottom is about 3 feet long and 2 feet wide and a little flatter than the rest of the boat. I suspect that’s interfering with the smooth flow of the water over the bottom, so I’m investigating a way to perhaps heat it up with a hairdryer or something and try to return it to its original form. I’m going to call old town first and see if they have any suggestions but open to any and all ideas from anybody that cares to share. I’m storing it now up on a raised deck in our backyard, undercover, on the cockpit top. That seems to be de rigeur But again open to any suggestions.
It is a heavy boat, and deforms when I strap it down on the rack . But I’d rather have it deform a little bit then go flying off into space and wipe out a semi behind us, ha ha.
Truly wonderful boat, we don’t even have a rudder but we’ve had no trouble steering. But I’m getting a little tired compensating by harder pulls on the left side to keep it tracking straight. And I don’t want to get a rudder if I don’t have to.
