This is a polyethylene rotomolded tandem sea kayak (originally supplied by kayakayak.co.uk -
Kayak | Double Sea Kayak | Hug Double - twin - sea kayak | Sea Companion). Its bright colour ensures you will be seen more readily at sea, whilst the polyethylene hull is almost indestructible ensuring then bumps on rocks or landing on gravel beaches won’t leave you worrying about fragile gel coat.
It is equipped with a retractable rudder which helps you keep it pointing the way you want even in a cross wind. As sea kayaks go this is fairly heavy, really requiring a “two man lift”, but together with its length and beam this gives it stability. Flexible handles front and back help manoeuver it on land.
We bought this kayak to explore the West of Scotland with our kids, but they have now reached the age where they prefer to capsize, play in surf and have fun rather than be dragged on adventures. With our plans this year it just won’t get used so its time to go.
Really this is a sea kayak for going on journeys in rather than messing about in rivers etc. It had two hatches with rubber covers to keep your supplies safely stowed and dry, as well as deck lines to keep equipment your might need whilst at sea (spare paddles, a water bottle, or bailer?) all within easy reach.
I’m selling it with two spraydecks. One of which still has the tag on it (as it was a spare). These are waterproof fabric rather than neoprene but will do the job in sensible conditions. These are large spraydecks and only just fit, reflecting the large size of the cockpit openings making it easy to get in and out even for larger paddlers. These will ensure you arrive drier, and in more comfort than a sit on top, despite waves; whilst its narrower beam and lower centre of gravity than most sit on top kayaks will mean you arrive faster and with less fear of capsize.
Both cockpits have adjustable seats and foot-pegs (the forward one being very simple to adjust, the aft one slightly more complicated because it works the rudder too).
It’s a good solid boat, but I’ll not pretend that it’s in perfect condition. There are several scratches on its bottom where a previous owner has obviously dragged it across rocky shores, and there is a fair amount of ingrained dirt – but there are no holes or serious damage. Part of the catch that holds the rudder in the “up” position when the boat is inverted on a roof rack is missing, it still works but is not perfect - it is easily improvised with a small strap – or could be DIY repaired. It would make a great boat for an experienced paddler who wants a tandem in their fleet, or for a pair of relative beginners with appropriate instruction.
The boat is located in the EH49 area, and is too large for most couriers. Collection is possible most evenings and weekends. It is approx. 5.11m long and 68cm wide. It can be roof topped with a suitable rack. I’d deliver it in central Scotland for 50p per mile if that helps.
Being advertised here first – where I will take an offer of £400 including the spraydecks, but it will go on ebay next weekend.
(Not Another) Nutkin
