Slipstream

A review should be accompanied by some notes on the reviewer. I am a small male paddler, born in 1940. I have been kayaking since 2006, have taken various kayak courses over the years, helped teach beginners, and get in between 40 and 60 day trips per year (rarely camp). I have a hobby of rotating kayaks through my small fleet. I buy decent kayaks, refurbish them as needed, learn their paddling characteristics, and typically release them back into the wild. I have cycled through kayaks by many manufacturers – Seaward, NDK-SKUK, P&H, Valley, Mariner etc.

In spring of 2022 I purchased a used fiberglass Current Designs Slipstream kayak. It had several features that were particularly attractive to me:

• it is a small person’s kayak (at 5’ 5” and 141 pounds, it works for me)

• the foredeck is quite high for a small kayak (so my largish feet can move around if needed)

• the backband is already comfortable (typically I must reconfigure the backband)

• the skeg works smoothly

For an expedition style paddler, this has a volume that is likely too small. As a day trip paddler, this does not hinder me.

These are the specifications:

• length 16’, width 22", depth 13.25"

• stern, bow. and day hatches

• weight 49 pounds

• paddler weight, under 170 pounds

• swede form, shallow 'V', medium chine

• not much rocker, low stern deck

• skeg

• designed by Derek Hutchinson & Brian Henry

• manufactured in Sydney, BC in December 2000 (before the Wenonah buyout)

• serial number QDC10654L900

I added a few semi-permanent items – none of which affect how the kayak handles:

• keel strip

• paddle park (as common on the Broze Brothers’ Mariners)

• stainless steel pad eye near bow

• cord on skeg blade for freeing it if stuck while on the water

• minor rigging modifications

This kayak was intended as our spare kayak for occasional visitors who might like to accompany us for day trips on our relatively large lake. Lake Pend Oreille has ~110 miles of shoreline with two rather nice deltas. It is said to be the 5^th deepest lake in the USA; I may swim down to the deepest location to verify that. The lake exits via the Pend Oreille River which flows into the Columbia. I suppose, other than a few portages, one could paddle to Japan.

It was not my intent that this 16’ kayak supplant my own preferred kayak, a Valley 17.3 Étaín. But that seems to be what’s happening. What about relative cruising speeds? Clearly the Étaín at 17.3’ will have a higher hull speed (5.56 knots) than the 16’ Slipstream (5.36 knots) – roughly a 4% difference. For comparing the cruising speed of two kayaks, one must consider how close can you get to the hull speed with the same effort. But it’s much more complicated than merely the hull speed; the hull shape really determines drag (e.g. various factors such as wetted surface). Further, things change with the load carried, because heavier weight immerses more of the hull. My experience with these two boats suggests (with no attempt at a scientific comparison) that the Slipstream is slightly faster when I am at my cruising speed with both kayaks lightly loaded with the same gear. Of course, I am nowhere near the hull speed. A heavier, stronger person might reverse my subjective results.

The kayak behaves well. It goes straight, but turns easily with turning strokes when edged. The very slight weathercocking is easily tuned out by the skeg. I can get into and out of the kayak without scraping my shins (this required some initial practice). I haven’t found the kayak to be tippy at all. I avoid truly rough water and cannot address its handling in such conditions. I am sure I have the necessary skills for such conditions, but as conditions degenerate I always find myself starting to suck my right thumb, thereby inhibiting my paddle skills.

The fiberglass Slipstream dictates its name, the “Glass Slipper” or just “Slippy” for short. Slippy is a rather garish bright red (hull and deck) with yellow trim. Personally, I think some of the British kayaks are prettier. My aging physique can manhandle Slippy onto my hullavator, before raising it to the cartop.

My summary is that this kayak is ideal for me as a small paddler who only does day trips. This has become my preferred kayak.

1) Re the seat: I find the seat extremely uncomfortable. The ridges at the seat/seat-side of the molded seat cut into the outside of the very tops of my thigh bones (about 6" below my hip)...just about where a woman is widest. (I weigh 150, so it's not like I'm an obese person.)This is a shame for such a great boat. Padding helps somewhat. Still trying to figure out how to deal long-term with this significant problem; may try cutting it out and buying a closed-cell seat.

2) Also need to pad the fixed peddles as they are a waffle design. Sure enough there is a good grip, but after a short while paddling barefoot, the balls of my feet hurt quite a bit.

Otherwise, construction is good (except 1 thigh pad has separated a very small bit from the boat). Primary stability twitchy-but that's what I wanted, as its secondary stability is very good as well as lots of fun. Very responsive, maneuverable. Low, narrow profile makes it cut nicely through wind. Fast. A light 43 pounds in kevlar makes it easy to sling over my shoulder. I've been kayaking for 13 years, so its twitchiness was fun but quick to get used to. An excellent boat for intermediate and advanced kayakers; a challenge and surfs well. I don't think I'd recommend this boat for a casual user. However, if you're a serious beginner, you will find this a boat that gives you lots of room to grow into.

The hatch fittings have been a problem for me (leaks) since the first year of owning the boat. They are not well fitted into the deck openings, are secured with only 4 screws, and in my boat at least were not well caulked. My rear compartment takes on a considerable amount of water whenever the rear deck gets reasonably wet, and it comes in right between the deck and hatch fitting. I have pulled the hatch off and recaulked it, but that has only helped marginally. Again, in examining many other brands of fiberglass boats, nearly all have much more carefully finished and sealed joints between the deck and hatch fitting.

One other more minor issue; I had the compass factory installed, and it was placed aft of the forward hatch. This placement not only impedes my ability to move the bulkhead forward and/or add a footpump, but also tends to induce neck strain and seasickness if I have to refer often to the too-closely positioned compass.

Now that I have paddled, examined, and learned about many more boats than I did when I first bought the Slipstream, I would think twice about buying another CD kayak, despite how much I like the design.

The Slipstream is just the right size for my son and doesn't feel tippy to him, but I have very little freeboard and it's way too easy to dip the coaming underwater. I've only capsized while horsing around, though, and have paddled maybe 10-20 miles in quiet water (and with motorboat waves) without a problem. I don't know how I'd fare on the sea with it - a sprayskirt would be imperative.

It's remarkable how different the Slipstream and Gulfstream are for two boats of the same design, only a few percent different in dimensions. The Slipstream is a lot faster but tight and tippy for an average-sized man. The Gulfsteam is smooth and stable and big enough for a large fellow - it's a little slower but still turns beautifully when edging. The Slipstream is more manageable and stable for a smaller person than the Gulfstream, and my girlfriend also has done well with it on quiet water, with no prior experience (aside from one dunking while climbing in).

My main point is the big difference between the two boats and how the Slipstream is much more suitable for a smaller person, though it does work with someone up to my size, if you want a fast, responsive boat that has little margin for error in balance.