Martini GTE Solo / Tandem

This Product Has Been Discontinued

Martini GTE Solo / Tandem Description

The Martini GTE Solo / Tandem is a kayak brought to you by Point 65 Sweden. Read Martini GTE Solo / Tandem reviews or submit your own review to share with the paddling community. Check out a few other kayak recommendations below or explore all kayaks to find the perfect one for you!

Point 65 Sweden
Martini GTE Solo / Tandem Reviews

Read reviews for the Martini GTE Solo / Tandem by Point 65 Sweden as submitted by your fellow paddlers. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community!

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1

Be Warned!!! Great Concept/Bad Engineering/Poor Support

Submitted by: Lee-Venden on 5/8/2017

I bought a tandem version in May, 2015. My wife and I took it on Ross Lake, a remote 25 mile long fijord like lake in North Cascades National Park. It is a wilderness lake with no car-access, so it's remoteness makes challenges more serious. Eight miles into our maiden voyage, a hairline stress fracture formed at the base of one of the three small ribs which make up the mating surfaces for the joining system. Cold water began pooling in my wife's cockpit soaking her and her gear.

No glue, resin, or adhesive sticks to the polypropylene material (believe me, I've tried more than half a dozen things), so I tried heating a knife in the flames of my pack stove and then tried to melt/weld a piece of plastic milk carton into the hairline fracture. This slowed the leak, but since the plastic jug was a different material than the boat, the weld never really took. We limped along, bailing the pooling water for 4 days before heading home early.

I contacted Point65N and they immediately sent me a replacement module for no charge. In the meantime, thinking our original leak was an isolated manufacturing quirk, I ordered a second tandem module to use for carrying gear on another extended trip on Ross Lake.

Four weeks later we set out again, this time with the kayak configured as a tandem, plus one extra module in the middle for gear. We were to paddle about 60 mile during the course of a week on Ross Lake. On the 4th day, another module developed a new hairline fracture --once again at the base of one of the the 3 small ribs mentioned above. This time, I had 3 different types of glue and was able to do temporary repairs that enabled us to complete our trip, even though the repairs were not permanent because nothing adheres permanently to polypropylene.

The boat modules are always stored in a shed, lying flat on shelves, so the stress only occurs while using the boat in water. Counting my original tandem module, and the replacement tandem module Point65N sent me, and the extra tandem module I purchased to carry gear, I have a total of three tandem modules. When you add the bow and stern modules, I own a total of 5 modules.

In the summer of 2016, I took my daughter to Ross Lake (a favorite spot), using the "gear module" as a tandem for her. This was only the third time we have used the kayak. This time, we didn't use an extra module for gear since two of the tandem modules had leaking hairline fractures. On the second day of this third trip, both my daughter's module and my module developed the familiar hairline fractures. I used JB Plastic Weld to make temporary repairs, but we cut that trip short because of the leaking modules.

After the first, original fracture, Point65N told me I should not carry the boat with the modules connected, but should always assemble it at the water to avoid causing stress to the joints. They also told me not to leave gear in the boat modules while carrying them by themselves. We have always followed their instructions so as not to create undo stress. Furthermore, I weigh 165 lbs, my wife weighs 140 lbs, and our daughter weighs 110 lbs, so the modules have not been over loaded.

Rather than throw $2,000 out the window, I am learning to plastic weld using heat and plastic welding rods made of the same material as the boat. So far, I have welded 4 hairline fractures and then added reinforcement plastic in those same areas to make them stronger. I intend to plastic weld reinforcement to each small rib in hopes that will prevent fractures on the ones that haven't fractured yet. This means plastic weld reinforcing on a total of 15 small ribs (3 per module).

Over the last 2.5 years, I have sent more than 20 emails to Point65N. They have only responded twice. In their second and last response, they told me that plastic welding was the only way to repair the fractures and they promised they would send me plastic rod that could be used for my boat. Eight months and four emails from me later, they still have not responded or sent the promised welding rod. I hunted down the repair rods I am using, from another source.

It is probably worth noting that after less than two years, Point65N discontinued the Martini GTE and replaced it with a modular kayak that utilises a different sort of connection. I take that to be their unspoken acknowledgement that the original was poorly engineered. I know this much, 4 out of 5 of my modules developed hairline fractures.

The concept is great, and for the miles we were able to use the kayak, it performed well.

4

Very stable, tracks well,…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 8/11/2016
Very stable, tracks well, comfortable cockpit,easy to put together & use older model thin under seat otherwise a awesome kayak.
4

This is the kayak that you…

Submitted by: tubacal on 9/2/2015
This is the kayak that you use. I can throw it in the back of my little SUV, easily transport it to the water and it is stable enough for me to feel very comfortable paddling alone. With a little practice I can put it together and take it apart quickly.

Tracking is OK, the rudder helps with that. Its quite stable, new kayakers have felt quite comfortable with me when it is set up as a tandem. A big bonus is that it can be configured as a single or tandem. One kayak can serve multiple purposes.

If I were more serious, had a long trip, or more dangerous waters I would want a single piece kayak. But this one is so easy to live with that it serves my casual kayaking very well.

5

I bought the Point N65…

Submitted by: EJF1957 on 7/9/2015
I bought the Point N65 Martini Solo back in 2013, and love it. No problems with anything. Fits in the back of my Honda CRV. Easy to store, put in car and then 15 mins later in the water. Each section (I have two)weights only 25lbs each....so easy on the body and for a one person water adventure.
5

I purchased this kayak in…

Submitted by: paddler236298 on 6/29/2015
I purchased this kayak in 2011 as I thought it was the perfect solution to my lack of storage space. The modular design is very clever and the kayak is very stable and cruises very well for a recreational kayak. I was very happy, however, I had several issues with the locking system that cracked and leaked. Got pretty frustrated. Having said this, Point 65 stepped up to the plate and thoroughly addressed all these issues. The locking mechanism has been redesigned to last much longer.

Just a word of advice... do not carry the kayak from the front and end when it is fully loaded as it puts to much stress on the joints and damage them. Other than this... I am a happy camper.

4

Was looking for a kayak I…

Submitted by: wvkayakgirl on 9/2/2014
Was looking for a kayak I could manage by myself. Kayaks I could afford weighed too much and were too difficult to lift to my car's roof rack. Facing the alternative of not being able to kayak without someone to help, I looked at the Point 65 Martini and found a solution. Though not as fast as the longer kayak I was used to, the 10' Martini goes together easily, packs into the trunk of my SUV and allows me to pursue my favorite outdoor hobby. It's been a perfect solution for me. I rated it a 9 out of 10 because I haven't figured out the attached rudder, which adds weight and doesn't seem to make much difference. Plus, if you are paddling, how do you manage the rudder?
5

I purchased a Point 65N kayak…

Submitted by: AlanMcFall on 7/24/2013
I purchased a Point 65N kayak because I like yto kayak much more than my wife does- The tandem model is composed of three parts which fit together easily. Although the tandem weighs 77 pounds , each part weighs around 25 pounds, so it is easy to carry and assemble at water's edge in about a minute,

The front and rear sections can be snapped together to create a solo kayak and it comes with a rudder for better tracking. All three pieces fit in my Volkswagen Tiguan, so there is no need for a carton carrier. A very nice maneuverable kayak indeed,

4

I brought the Point 65N…

Submitted by: EJF1957 on 7/24/2013
I brought the Point 65N Modular Sit-In Kayak Set called the Martini. Comes in two parts that does easily snap securely together. Built-in rudder with adjustable foot controls helps with tracking in wind and current. Paddle park for stowing your paddle while fishing. Includes seats with cushy seat pads, molded carrying handles, water bottle holder, bow deck bungee and bow and stern storage hatches.

Even though it is small (less than 10 ft), this kayak is very stable in the water, tracks well, handles wave 1&2 well, easy to store in my small SUV and in my storage unit. The only draw back is since it is smaller, it does not have the speed that a 12-14 or 16ft kayak has.
Still love this kayak!

4

I reside in a condo. I have…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 7/24/2013
I reside in a condo. I have limited space. I wanted a smaller recreational kayak that is easy to store and transport. The Point 65N modular kayak is the perfect choice. The two sections fit in the back of my SUV. This kayak tracks well and is very sturdy. It has a comfortable seat. I had the dealer attach a scotty fishing rod holder and use the kayak for recreational touring and fishing. It has two spacious dry wells and two bottle holder. It has front bungie cords for additional storage. It is a well designed and very functional all around kayak.

This kayak can be made tandem by purchasing a separate center module but it is pricy. The only drawbacks are that I did not care for the rudder system and dismantled it. It is a little difficult to attach t two modular units until you get the hang of it. Otherwise it is a great kayak and I am happy with my purchase.

4

I'm a 57 year old woman who…

Submitted by: paddler235115 on 7/19/2013
I'm a 57 year old woman who wanted to add kayaking to her outdoor resume. Couldn't decide between a solo or a tandem, so this was the perfect choice. After two tries it's as easy to put together and take apart as their video shows. All three pieces fit into the back of my Honda CRV with the back seats down and the front passenger seat pushed forward. Every time I put in at the lake, I have to explain to someone how it works and how great it is. I'm so glad I bought this, and am looking forward to many years of great paddling!
4

Very nice practical modular…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 3/22/2013
Very nice practical modular kayak. I live in a condominium; My space is limited. I can store the modular units on my deck or upright in my closet. The kayak fits inside my SUV. I just have to lift each section and place it in the cargo area. No tie downs etc. Quick easy transport.

The Martini has two fishing rod holders. Two storage compartments with latches bow and stern. It tracks very well. I have used it on lakes and salt water bays for fishing and recreation. Lots of storage for a compact 9' 4" kayak. When I purchased the kayak I was concerned about water seepage at the point where the modular units attach. So far I have not encountered seepage.

I love this kayak. The only downside is it is difficult to secure the clips that attach the modular units. You must lift the units in just the right manner to clip them together. Other than this it is a great kayak.

5

I'm rating this a 10 based on…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 6/20/2011
I'm rating this a 10 based on the class of kayaks the Martini competes with - short recreational kayaks. I've had it now for about six weeks, and taken the kayak out about 15 times (including a few test drives before I bought it).

I am a condo dweller without storage space. I previously used an inflatable kayak (advanced elements AdvancedFrame), and for the first six months I diligently pumped it up and took it on the water two or three times a week. Then I started hesitating and putting off going out on the water, and being lazy about launching. And I hated cleaning the kayak; don't get me started on cleaning sand off of the inflatable.

The Martini solved that problem. I keep it in my car, ready to go. It takes 5 seconds to set up. While a short kayak, it has a rudder. It has a lot of dry storage, and some bungees on the front side. I've taken the kayak out on bays and oceans (did ten miles of ocean paddling today). With the bulkheads, this boat will be buoyant in ocean waters. The wide cockpit also will make it fairly easy to reenter.

Unlike kayaks like the Bic, which apparently folds right in the middle of the seat, in the Martini you sit in a self contained seat. Thus, you don't get your butt wet sitting in this boat.

Again, this is going to perform like a slow, short recreational boat, but it can do longer trips if you are patient. And you could kayak camp with it thanks to the storage.

I get a lot of interest when I'm assembling the kayak, and people are impressed by the product (I went from using an "uncool" inflatable to something with a cool engineering concept). The owner of Point 65 was kind enough to quickly answer my questions via email when I was considering a purchase.

    Pluses:
  • Stable
  • Lots of storage
  • Tracks well with the rudder (and generally tracks fairly well).
  • Works well in bays and on ocean waters (but see below).
  • Takes 5 seconds to assemble.
  • Fits inside my car
  • Smart design
  • Great for someone without storage, or who doesn't want the hassle of car topping your kayak. With my recreational paddle group, I'm always the first one to have my kayak stored.

    Minuses

  • Not for ocean use if you're beach launching on a day with high waves (three foot waves would be the limit)
  • Slow (but see above; it is a short recreational kayak, not a sleek sea kayak).
In closing, this is a good recreational kayak that can definitely make life easier for us condo dwellers, or those who don't want to car top their kayaks.
Martini GTE Solo / Tandem