Delta Seventeen Long Term Review

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Ive been paddling Delta Kayaks since 2006. I have logged thousands of miles in them - the Seventeen mostly, but also the Sixteen, and the Fifteen.5 - And I have been paddling the current Delta Seventeen for over a year. Here are my thoughts.
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19 ноя 2022

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Комментарии : 108

@marksmithj9892 3 месяца назад

The day hatch is possibly the best feature on Delta kayaks. Love your videos!

@AdventureOtaku 3 месяца назад

I’m glad it works for you, it does nothing for me. I have used it probably less than 5 times in two years. I know I am an outlier…. At least it doesn’t have one behind the cockpit! That drives me crazy…. Well crazier.

@TrigonometryforStudentsa-vt1bg День назад

Third thing, I would like to see Delta bring out a 24.5 wide, with a larger cockpit for us larger paddlers. I understand the 15.5 is 24.5 wide but not sure if the cockpit is larger than my 17. Eddyline has a Sitka XT that is about 15.5 long, 24.5 wide, larger cockpit and deeper, more aggressive combing. I was looking at this model for my second boat. I will not get an Eddyline now because they shut down shop here in Washington State and moved their manufacturing to Mexico and headquarters to Arkansas. More on that later.

@iplaycosop4374 Год назад

I had the opportunity to paddle a Delta 15.5 on a 6 day trip on the coast of British Columbia and loved it, it was hard to go back to my rotomolded boat. I agree with you an the quality and storage capacity and with some added Y20 Foam on the seat it made it much more comfortable. I am hoping to upgrade to a Delta 17 when my budget allows.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

You see, this is the perfect usage of a Delta. It is a HUGE improvement over ANY rotomolded boat. I actually think it paddles very much like a composite/fiberglass boat, but at half the cost. It is a great boat… thanks for watching/commenting.

@TrigonometryforStudentsa-vt1bg День назад

I love the day hatch, great place for my snacks and electronics. Not in the way at all and easily accessible. I use a GearLab deck pod and can still get in and out of the day hatch. The cockpit combing could be a little bit deeper but haven't had too much trouble using the Delta neoprene skirt.

@AdventureOtaku День назад

I know, a lot of people love it. If I am using the deck bag, It either covers the day hatch or I can’t reach to get into the deck bag. We come in all shapes and sizes.

@jakebrakebill Год назад

I have 3 different spray skirts for one boat, long story, all different materials. But, on one skirt, I have to use spray silicone to help it come off. And one of the others, I have to use surfers wax to help it stay on. I never used surfer's wax before this, but I'm glad I learned about it. Even using it on the paddles at certain times. If you've never tried it, it might help.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

I haven’t tried it! That’s a great suggestion. The aqua seal I ended up using is slowly wearing off, when its gone Ill try the surfers wax. Thanks!

@mosulmedic7048 2 месяца назад

Very frustrated, your videos convinced me to order a Delta 17. I ordered one from the local REI. I waited about a week and finally got the notification that it was ready for pickup. I get a call from REI letting me know that the kayak was broken beyond repair. I am now awaiting the replacement which is showing "delayed" again. I'm really hoping they didn't also break this one 🤣

@AdventureOtaku 2 месяца назад

Well, If/when you get your boat, I think you will love it. It’s a great boat. I will say when REI first started carrying delta they had real issues with shipping. Boats were pretty regularly coming in damaged. But that stopped happening. So I think you will probably be fine for boat #2. But hey, do me a favor. I used to have a great working relationship with Delta, until I posted the long term review video. Now nothing. They never like my posts, use my photos, or really talk to me. But I am fairly confident I have sold more Delta Kayaks than anyone who doesn’t own a kayak shop. When you go to post that first beauty shot, tag us both!

@mosulmedic7048 2 месяца назад

@@AdventureOtaku Yeah, I was more upset by the nonchalant response the manager gave me like it wasn't a big deal (kayak was almost $3K after taxes). They did end up giving me a 15% discount which is nice. I'll definitely do a review and tag and make sure you get credit (not a lot of reviews on the kayak for some reason). I will be getting plenty of paddle time in from now until July when I do the MR340. I actually wanted to request/reccommend a video. I noticed that there are nearly zero videos about paddlers size vs cockpit/ kayak volume. It seems most people focus on " will the kayak support your weight" I had a QCC700 and found that I was too small for it. Without ample padding and setup, it would have been a disaster to paddle. Some manufacturers offer " low volume" versions of kayaks, but nobody really touches on shopping for an adequately sized kayak. Might be worth a conversation for hobbits such as myself!

@AdventureOtaku 2 месяца назад

@@mosulmedic7048 I touch on paddle fit in the video that goes live Sunday, but you are right, it might warrant an entire video. Thanks!

@dianeunderhill5404 Год назад

Hey Brett, thank you for the review of Delta's. I bought a 15.5 in 2020 as a beginner kayaker. Wondering if you have added thigh bracing to your Delta's or any modifications at all? Thank you for this platform and discussion.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

Hey Diane, I did add thigh padding almost as soon as I got it - and after paddling the Romany I am adding more paddling to the hips. Ill be doing a video about that process. Soon-ish. No other modifications on this boat (yet.) thanks for watching.

@TrigonometryforStudentsa-vt1bg День назад

First comment, thanks for the review of the D 17, that's what I have and enjoy very much. My first question is what do you use to lubricate the hatch gaskets, I've used Armor All Original and recently tried Vaseline. I know it's important to keep up the treatment to ensure smooth operation on and off. They get a bit sticky and difficult otherwise. What have you settled on?

@AdventureOtaku День назад

303. I think at some point I reached out to Delta… I think. But 303 protectant is pretty much the only product like that I use.

@MillerSean Год назад

A company I've Guided for has used Deltas in their fleet for years, and I recommend them to anyone interested in getting into sea kayak touring. Good value, lighter weight, and good secondary stability for folks learning to edge. I think you're spot on in pointing out this gap in their line-up though. I'm also not overly fond of that awkward little day hatch. The worst thing about it is it means the bungees are further away, so depending on the skirt you're using if you lean forward to get something (like a water bottle) it'll pop the skirt off in the back. That's the first thing I have folks check when fitting them out. I also HATE the rudder system. For some reason they use elastic in their deployment line, and that just always seems to break. The gas pedal style footpegs for steering are also problematic. I don't know if it's folks fidgeting around or what, but they just come unlocked randomly. Would much prefer a more simple track system. Wish they had stayed with neoprene hatch covers. The new "press-lock" covers can be a real beast sometimes, especially in the cold. Some liberal application of 303 or chapstick helps, but then they're even more of a sand magnet. Anyway, all hating aside the Delta is a great boat for what it is. I wouldn't sweat the smaller volume of the Explorer. The Delta is a barge in comparison, and unless you routinely like to bring the 2-burner along you're not going to miss that extra space. I've lived comfortably out of an Explorer for over a week at a stretch no problem.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

I have had zero problem with the rudders, on any of the three deltas I have dealt with. I suspect your issues were the added wear and tear of a guide service. I think for normal human usage they are fine. I like the gas pedal…. I am okay with the current hatch covers, as I said in the video. My favorite was the original 2009 version but those didn’t hold up over time… It hadn’t occurred to me that the deck bunnies are farther forward, but you are right… they are… Ill add that to the list. I love how everyone is trying to sell me on the explorer, which is a great boat… but I can’t afford it. thanks for stopping by!

@MillerSean Год назад

@@AdventureOtaku the rudder is just the weirdest thing because when you adjust it it's got those teeth that fit into slots on the footpeg. The only way that can come loose is if the handle gets flipped back up, or the plastic breaks. If you've got your feet on the pedals with a bit of tension, then theoretically that will help hold things in place. I really think it's just new paddlers taking their feet off the pedals and fidgeting around that does it. I'm not sure how else that handle could get flipped back up. Who knows!

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

Yeah I have never seen it flip up when I didn’t want it to. In fact I find it hard to to flip them up in the newer boats.

@CalebSmyth Год назад

Just a heads up, never, ever use 303 on a Delta. It will degrade the material. Plain ol' ArmorAll is what they suggest.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

Thanks, I only use 303 on my dry suit gaskets. He mentioned it to fix a problem I haven’t had with this boat. Thanks for the tip though.

@markb2396 Год назад

You opened up the proverbial can of worms there Brett🙂 I’ve spent 30 years and lots of money searching for THE boat. There isn’t one. But I am amazed at the lack of innovation in sea kayak design. I’ll give you a few things that I reckon would be easyish to improve boats. One a decent foot bar like surf skis and k1 have- the Epic 18X was pretty good for that, two a means of adjusting seat height. I use 5 epic seat pads which worsens stability of course and I’d like to be able to adjust the height lower ‘on the go’ occasionally in rough conditions, third why can’t a sea kayak have a Venturi valve to empty the boat of cockpit water like surf skis do, fourth why not have water ballast fore and aft adjustable from the cockpit to fine tune handling in wind/waves (for skeg boats). I think innovation like this might make more kayaks better ‘all rounders’. Anyway, thanks for interesting review. I’ve never seen a Delta ‘in the flesh’ , looks a good boat. Surprised when you said it’s a plastic , looks on video like a composite so the finish is outstanding cheers

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

All good points, and yes, I did open a can of worms. Someone else commented that kayaks are all about trade offs and it is true. Yes, one of the things I like about the delta is that it paddles like a composite boat - in certain conditions you can feel it flex ever so slightly - but weighs less, and costs less. But yes it does have a nice shine.

@stevens2279 Год назад

Thanks for the review, Brett. You mentioned the Wilderness Systems Tempest. What do you think of that boat? I'm looking at Delta, P&H, Eddyline, and Boreal Designs. I know you prefer Delta, but do you have any recommendations for which touring kayak might be a good alternative?

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

I’ve paddled the tempest a fair amount. It’s got a high performance seat back, it fits me well. Super maneuverable…. But I still don’t like it! See, I am a pain in the A**. It has a skeg which I don’t really mind, but the skin box takes up a lot of space in the stern. And then to add insult to injury they add a day hatch on the back which makes the stern even harder to pack, AND you can’t get to the day hatch while youre paddling. Makes no sense to me. I also don’t think it tracks particularly well for a 17 foot boat. That said, it is INCREDIBLY popular. So maybe I am wrong! OF the other boats, the Eddyline, the THE P&H, The Boreal, all great boats that you need to test paddle. Because the right boat is the boat that works best for you, not me. How is that for a cop out answer! Though I don’t think Eddyline makes a true 17 foot touring kayak….Let me know what you decide.

@stevens2279 Год назад

@@AdventureOtaku That makes sense. I plan to test boats as much as possible. It's challenging because the rental fleets where I live don't carry all of the boats. You're right though. Every person is different and the best boat is the one that fits for them. Thanks for the detailed response.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

Go to the dealer and ask if you can test paddle a boat. The smaller companies can usually accommodate that. Good luck

@stevens2279 Год назад

@@AdventureOtaku Will do. Thanks for the tip!

@MichaelB-wu2jv 10 месяцев назад

Hey Otaku, I am getting ready to do a Source to Sea trip down the Mississippi next year and I'm between the Delta 15.5, 17, and WS Tsunami 14.5 - curious what you would recommend.

@AdventureOtaku 10 месяцев назад

Well, keeping in mind I don’t know how “rivery” the source part is, if I am just thinking of the bulk of the river, which is wide and relatively free of obstructions, I would do the 17. I would want the space for gear and the speed. The tsunami is a good boat and super durable but I just don’t think its gonna hold enough gear. And if you are gonna do the 15.5 why not just do the 17? The 15.5 doesn’t gain you anything.

@dm208060 Год назад

I can relate. I had a D17, and a D15.5GT but found them lacking in performance. Wound up with an NDK Explorer HV and a NDK Sport. I don't understand how the Explorer has been used by others as a multi day (multi week??) expedition boat...the hatches are small and the skeg box takes up a fair bit of room in the rear hatch. The Sport is about as perfect as a rotomold boat as I've found - your mileage may vary. Fair review of the Delta kakak.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

And you summed up the explorer right there… and I need a boat that can do multi-week.

@marycrawford9428 Год назад

I have the delta 12s which for me was a huge upgrade from a Costco pelican 120. I have been kayaking about six years seasonally, the water gets hard here Nov-Apr. so I’m an experienced novice 😊. I like the day hatch but I mostly day trip. What I like best about the 12s is how slim it is, I used to bark my knuckles on the pelican when paddling hard. And it fits inside my van! I noticed you didn’t complain about how the boat handles on the water. And really that is the most important thing. Sounds like Delta makes a good product that suits most paddlers perfectly, but that upper echelon paddlers need to add aftermarket bits to. And off topic, I’m blaming you for that spendy bluejacket pfd that Santa is bringing me.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

You’re on the money here. It is a great upgrade from a pelican. It does handle well on the water which is the most important thing… It does suit most “middle of the bell curve” kayakers. They make a beautiful boat. BUT…. I want more…. I will take the blame for the blue jacket, great PFD… and it sounds like your hands are too low! To close to the deck. Send me video of you paddling and Ill send you feedback!

@marycrawford9428 Год назад

The pelican was three feet wide. My delta is two feet wide. I’m 5’5”. The extra six inches on each side of my hips was the problem. Especially when trying to get back to camp before a storm hit in earnest! But I may take you up on the video offer next spring when the ice goes off.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

I can’t imagine 6 inches on each side when I’m complaining about half an inch! Happy to help!

@snowleopard1918 4 месяца назад

Nice video thanks, I’ve been paddling a polyethylene P@H boat for years and am now looking to upgrade. I’m too big for P@H HV newer boats, even the HV versions , the seats are too narrow. So now I’m looking at a Delta, but I’m too big for the 16, so it’s either the 15 or the 17. Now I agree with everything you have said. A day hatch holds so little and can take up leg or foot room under the deck, so I don’t like them. The rear day hatch is too awkward to use when sitting in the boat, and just steals room away from the main hatch that you could put longer items in. The re entry straps I’ve put on myself on both my boats, definitely a big plus. I also don’t like rudders big time. I wasn’t aware of the skirt issue so thanks for the heads up on that. Seems like everything is gone budget beginner oriented now. The deck compass is also another nice option. Thanks for the great video.

@AdventureOtaku 4 месяца назад

Thanks for watching. I think it is still available with a skeg. Watch my boat packing video for why I prefer the rudder!

@hrmacdonald4471 Год назад

Boreal Design have been making thermoform kayaks for several years...I always thought they were a canadian company from Quebec, but I think they are now making them in China. Are you familiar with this company...and if so, what is your opinion on their touring kayaks. Thanks.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

I have paddled the Boreal Baffin in fiber glass and remember being impressed with it, but I don’t remember details as it was a long time ago. Regarding the made in China… I can’t find this confirmed, but I bet that only the poly boats are made in China, for a couple of reasons. 1) It takes a higher level of skill to make thermoformed and composite boats, whereas poly boats are as close to an assembly line as kayaks can be. 2) Th poly boats are more durable, and will have better chances of surviving shipping. I’ve seen a lot of thermoformed boats that were damaged in shipping. That’s what my gut says, ill continue trying to confirm it. I haven’t seen one of their thermoformed boats, so I can’t speak to quality. But in general I like their boats and the company.

@hrmacdonald4471 Год назад

@@AdventureOtaku Thank you for taking the time to respond to my comment. I appreciate your dedication and insights into kayaks & kayaking.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

You’re welcome. I work hard to respond to every comment. I appreciate you taking the time to watch. Have a great day.

@anythingbutmyrealnamegoogl9615 8 месяцев назад

Hey Brett. I know this is an old video, but I’m new to kayaks and have been going through your channel. I had one question if you see this. Where did you find the bulkhead gaskets? I bought a 14.5 expedition as a first touring boat and now I understand why they’re gone. I probably would’ve been happier with the sport version but deltas don’t come up for sale often in my area. I’m hoping the 14.5 will work for camping along big rivers. Thanks for the lessons.

@AdventureOtaku 8 месяцев назад

Oh I have replaced….a lot of Delta hatch cover gaskets, like the second or third video I ever posted had a gasket replacement on it. No one watches that video. I will say the newest version, I have had zero issues with. BUT, you can get them straight from Delta. Call them, they will help you out.

@gobfranklin6759 Год назад

Are the 16 and 17 models okay for rolling? Don't want to do a bunch but want to practice to be prepared if in bad conditions. Thanks!

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

The seventeen is easy. It’s been a while since I rolled the sixteen but I don’t recall I being hard to roll. Honestly in my experience there are few boats that are actually hard to roll.

@mikeisland7382 26 дней назад

Listening to you ask for a higher performance version of the 17 made me think of the Valley Etain RM. Have you tried one of those?

@AdventureOtaku 26 дней назад

I have! I love that boat and was just at their website trying to decide if I would be miserable paddling a roto version. Because I can’t afford a composite

@mikeisland7382 26 дней назад

@@AdventureOtaku Valley's triple layer RM build and welded in bulkheads are impressive. I haven't seen a stiffer build in plastic than theirs.

@rideon41 Месяц назад

Can you comment on the 15.5GT? Thinking of buying one from REI as an upgrade from my Elie Strait 140XE. I’m a bigger guy, and do mostly long day trips, although would love to start doing some multi-day when time allows. My other option is Eddyline Sitka XT. Unfortunately no way for me to try them, so not sure which way to go…

@AdventureOtaku Месяц назад

I haven’t paddled the current 15.5gt (or the Sitka!). But hull shape looks very similar to my 17. Actually most of their hulls look similar these days. The delta will have better performance (it’s a little longer and a little narrower.) And I prefer the delta hatch covers. I also don’t think Eddy line really makes a touring kayak. Even though they make beautiful boats, they always feel a little more “rec” to me.

@michaelflynn3867 7 месяцев назад

I agree with a few of your comments. The day hatch not so much, that just seems to be a personal taste issue, and not a performance or usability issue. If you throw a deck bag on then it may negate the use, but it doesn't get in the way and do you use a deck bag everyday? The other issues regarding missing performance items that matter ring true. Straps for reentry are not a small deal if you are paddling something other than quiet water. Lack of a compass is not huge, but if you want to really explore or use for more expedition type paddling, I'd much rather have a designated mount than have to strap one on amongst deck bags, extra paddles etc. I was pretty certain I was going to buy a Delta 16, but I wanted the boat to be capable of some more adventure paddling and started looking at the P&H Volan and CD Sisu, and ended up ordering the Volan partly due to some of the things the Delta was missing. I can afford it and decided to buy a boat I would love rather than one I would like. I think that you are right that Delta seems to be orienting more toward the recreational paddler. I also agree that there is a market for an expedition oriented boat in the Delta line. I mean the storage capacity, the weight and the cost makes Delta sooo attractive for that kind of boat. As you mentioned a 17.5 ft. 22.5" with the expedition type features you noted would still be VERY attractive at a price point $500-700 more. I can see that type of boat in my future but with the current Delta offerings, I'd likely try to find a used Cetus, when what I'd really like would be a slightly better appointed Delta.

@AdventureOtaku 7 месяцев назад

The day hatch is personal taste. I am sure people love it, to me it seems a little pointless. I did end up getting a bungie mounted deck compass and its….fine… I would much rather -as you said - have a permanent one, which is what was on my older delta. But yeah, we agree, it is a great boat that COULD be an expedition monster! The performance is great, the storage capacity is unrivaled. It’s a great boat…..And they dumbed it down.

@inyanmila6064 Год назад

If I had a nickel for every time I wished for a composite boat while paddling a plastic one, and vice versa I could buy a happy meal. A sea kayak is an object lesson in tradeoffs. Friends of mine who paddle very expensive kayaks complain about them too. No make or model is immune from shortcomings, and as much as I want to believe that brands stay awake at night wondering whether I am happy with their kayak, that has not been my experience nor that of anyone else I know. I paddled a Tempest for 18 years and HATED the hyped phase-3 seat with the burning passion of a thousand suns, as its position caused me to tear up my shins while trying to do a butt first entry. After many years of being a stick in the mud, I finally moved the seat back, but still didn’t have enough room. I finally connected with a Tempest devotee (in BC… lol), who told me to rip out the seat, buy some cell foam and carve my own which I did. Not only did it easily allow for butt-first entry, but the boat really came alive, allowing me to put it comfortably on an extreme edge. I also used something akin to gaffers tape on the cockpit combing which added a lot of grip to my spray skirt. Don’t be afraid to pimp out your boat.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

Oh the inside of my boat is completely modded. My last delta had no seat back, well…I removed the seat back and put in a shaped block of foam…And I know they aren’t staying up at night wondering what I want, but that doesn’t keep me from dreaming about what I want.

@trevorstreet2271 Год назад

I new to kayaking and I'm taking your and others suggestion by trying out as many boats as I can before I buy one. You made an off-hand remark in one of your videos (I can't remember which one) that you don't like Wilderness Systems' boats. I've gone through your back catalogue and watched all your videos and I haven't heard why you don't like them. Is it just the 14 foot boats you were using for training, or is it also the 17 foot boat? Could you comment on it, or do a video review?

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

I don’t have a problem with WS. I think the tsunami is a great entry level boat. I am not a fan of the tempest which is a VERY popular boat. I hate the day hatch, the hatch openings are small, and IMO without the skeg down it doesn’t track well. But they are well made boats…

@Huldru 4 месяца назад

Digging into your compass comment a bit more. As an intermediate paddler, I have come to love my Garmin GPS mounted in front of me rather than using a compass. Is there a major reason why that may be a mistake on my part?

@AdventureOtaku 4 месяца назад

I had to go back and watch the video because I didn't remember the compass comment. I could talk for an hour....easily, about the benefits of compass over GPS. And it isn't because I hate GPS... I love it. It is a total de-stresser when I am not sure where I am or if I am just like....let's make sure. I am about to shoot a video that sort of covers this topic, but the gist is, if you spend your days paddling along with a GPS in front of you, you aren't building the skills that make navigation easy. You are relying on the GPS to tell you everything, instead of you SEEing everything. You are giving up situational awareness. You are giving up experience dead reckoning. You are probably more focused on the screen than on the sea state or the weather....Now... if your goal is to do multiday trips in your kayak, I think those things are important. If your goal is to have a great day on the water, it probably doesn't matter.

@TurningPointBoatworks Год назад

All good feedback except the comment about the straps. I and a lot of other instructors have noticed that paddles are breaking due to the use of the straps or deck rigging. Learning the process without relying on the straps, is much easier on the equipment. If you are set on an explorer. I have two on consignment that you are welcome to come try. If you like the paddling characteristics, I can tune in the seat and backband to dial in the fit for all day comfort.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

I’ve never seen a paddle break doing a paddle float. I am not doubting your experience just reaffirming my issue. I think it is much easier to learn the paddle float with those straps. I am not set on the explorer, but it is a logical choice. But as I have said a number of times in these comments, I can’t afford one. It is really that simple. Thanks for your offer though. Where are you located I would love to paddle one (its been a while) and do a video about it.

@TurningPointBoatworks Год назад

@@AdventureOtaku, there was a contentious Facebook post last winter about this on one of the largest paddling groups. It is more widespread than even I initially thought. There was Al lot of finger pointing at the paddle manufacturers and it eventually got shut down due to some unsavory comments. That being said, I had a lengthy discussion with the owner of the paddle company that I am an ambassador for. His exact response was that the paddles are not designed to withstand the point loads that can occur when the paddle is pinned to the deck with straps or the perimeter line. I just taught at a instructor certification and found that the candidates had zero issues performing the PFR using their hands to secure the paddle even doing the heel hook variation. It is quicker to perform and does not put the paddle in a fixed position where it can turn into a lever to capsize again in conditions likely to cause a capsize in the first place. I would be happy to show you some time. It would make for a great video. The Explorers I have are both used and reasonably priced. The truth is that a 20year old Explorer is no different than a new one. We can talk more about it and I would be happy to loan one out for you to do a video review. My shop is not far from you near Williamsburg.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

Interesting - and why I don’t go on facebook paddle groups anymore! My experience this summer in Alaska was instructors being asked to demo it without straps and they struggled, as did I it was the first time I tried it with nothing. We were in like 2 foot chop, which made it more difficult… Ill play with it and see if it gets easier. The part that surprises me is that (besides teaching it for decades) I taught it for REI, and probably saw a couple of hundred people do it with relatively low end Werner’s and never saw a paddle damaged. I wonder if there is some aspect of the way people do it that makes them more or less likely to break a paddle. I also wonder if frequency is a factor. I do it maybe 6 times a year demoing it for people. So maybe if I was doing it 60 times a year it would be an issue… Email me BrettATadventureotaku.com and lets try and get together in January or February and Ill test paddle a boat. Thanks!

@kevintunaley5079 Год назад

The REI near me sells both Delta and Eddyline, Delta's look nicer in design and are a tiny bit less expensive, is an Eddyline worth just a little bit more due to quality or do the perform a lot better also ?

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

I haven’t paddled any of the current Eddyline kayaks, so I cant say - My biggest complaint with REI is that there is no way to test paddle a boat. I would like to test paddle the Eddyline fathom, which is close in specs to the delta Seventeen…. comparing prices on REI.com the Fathom is $600ish more than the Delta… significantly less storage in the fathom…. Similar hull design, on the fathom, maybe slightly harder chines…. It would really have to impress me on the water for me to choose a shorter fathom with less storage over the delta…. I can’t imagine there is a quality difference….

@hoser7706 Год назад

Great summation. Their new cockpit combing is atrociously shallow and the only reason I have not bought one. I hear Seals and Brooks skirts are good on them. Otherwise, really nice boats. Built in Canada too not offshore. Boreal TF boats are nice too but terrible seats. Are you going to install a backband?

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

For now I am not going to. I have the seat lowered all the way, and back as far as it will go, and I barely notice it.

@bobrein8093 Год назад

As you know, I have the 16. I totally agree with you on the following points you made. 1. the straps behind the cockpit, 2. the deck mounted compass and 3. a better seat. And wish the 16 had those. Haven't used the spray skirt enough to tell about the coming thickness. All-in-all I love the 16 and I can imagine that for you, those added or changed features would be super important.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

Well it’s good to hear I am not the only one…

@wisenber Год назад

Not being able to find exactly what I wanted was why I got into making my own boats. Then I discovered how hard it is to figure out exactly what I want. Then again, all boats are a compromise. A coaming that won't hold a skirt just isn't one that I'm willing to make. The thing I don't like about freight loaders is that most don't tend to paddle the same sitting higher in the water with less weight, but that's just how displacement works.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

And that’s what I was saying to someone else, this boat paddles really well empty. Which is surprising. I don’t have the patience or the attention to detail to build my own boat…. But yeah… the coaming….

@wisenber Год назад

@@AdventureOtaku Not to argue with you about you, but your videos show an incredible attention to detail. Many people don't have the patience to deal with that as it drives them nuts. I figured out that if I wanted to spend more time paddling and less time building, embracing "good enough" will get you on the water much sooner. It also lets me focus on aspects more than aesthetics. That being said, I fully understand that not all paddlers want to be builders, and a lot of builders aren't that interested in paddling. FWIW, you could make a compass mount for your deck out of any number of things in an afternoon.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

If you got up close and personal with my van you would see I don’t have the attention to detail - for the finishing work, the little stuff - to do a kayak and have it come out the way I would want. Thanks for the compliment on the videos - I worked in photography and film production for about as long as I have now worked in outdoor education. But still my videos don’t have the little things I would really like them to have. I will admit I never thought of making my own compass mount… that is an interesting idea…. Hmmm… Ill think on that over the holidays. Thanks.

@wisenber Год назад

@@AdventureOtaku An inch thick piece of outfitting foam will conform to your deck and hold the mounting plate on top. Two through hull bolts will hold it in place. Just use a bit of caulking to keep the holes water tight. Plus that will give some practice for installing your Falcon Sails mounting plate.😁 I love popping my sail up and getting that boost for little energy.

@grahamjordan8278 Год назад

@@wisenber I learned by asking Delta, that if I drill holes in the deck, I void the warranty.

@raivkka4313 3 месяца назад

How tough are delta. Looking for a boat but I am 6.4 and 270lbs. Not much choices out there.

@AdventureOtaku 3 месяца назад

Durability wise, pretty tough. Not as durable as a rotomolded boat, but more than a composite boat. Delta used to make an 18.5 which would have been perfect for you size wise. A buddy of mine test paddled it, he was 6’6” and probably 230. I would definitely try and sit in one to make sure the fit is good.

@JakkeLehtonen-Jagster Год назад

I reckon every long and high volume kayaks aren’t that good paddle when empty. Those just need extraweight. But I don’t think that would be any bigger issue as long a paddler knows it and can handle that.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

Well, some long boats just don’t paddle well empty, because they don’t sit low enough in the water. Obviously paddler weight enters into this.

@curtsmith7452 Год назад

You should think about custom making your Kayak. You are a very experienced kayaker and know what you want on a kayak. No affiliation, but Seaward for example will cater to your needs. I also agree as I hate day hatches.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

I’ve paddled Seaward boats at NOLS and they are actually really nice. It comes down to economics. I don’t have the income for a custom boat.

@curtsmith7452 Год назад

@@AdventureOtaku Wished you lived closer to me. I would buy you a high end kayak just to partner with you and learn from your skills. I also appreciate your prompt replies. I have a Seaward Tyee and love it. However, like you most kayak manufactures fail with seats. Especially, catering to a kayaker whom has great core and is a true touring kayaker. I just finished changing my seat to a flex 4, with the IR Backband. Taking it out today to see how it holds up.

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

I’ve been considering going to the IR backband FOR YEARS… Maybe I should make that a 2023 project. Where are you located?

@curtsmith7452 Год назад

@@AdventureOtaku British Columbia

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

yeah, that’s kind of a haul. great paddling though

@ckgarman Год назад

Just out of curiosity, if money was unlimited, which boat out there would you desire?

@AdventureOtaku Год назад

It’s a great question because I don’t think the right boat is out there. I would consider a Valley. I would consider a Seaward. I would consider the ND explorer….

@Kayaking_to_escape_family 2 месяца назад

I watch these video with interest. I've not seen a delta's here in the UK. People would buy good composite/fiberglass kayak for the price of a delta here. And i think that's the point I'm going to make. In Europe these kayaks have little resale value. My romany classic was found on ebay for 1/3 of the listed price and was only a year old. The question is will you save money buying a new boat in Europe and shipping it to Canada?

@AdventureOtaku 2 месяца назад

I think shipping to Canada would be pretty pricey.

@Kayaking_to_escape_family 2 месяца назад

@@AdventureOtaku I did see a P & H Quest MV Sea Kayak. It was priced at £1000, Description: This kayak was brought as a restoration project and after two years doing it it’s now ready for a new owner is medium to high volume . The boat is diolean & Kevlar built with Kevlar keelband the deck fittings where replaced last year it has a fully functional compass worth a £80 on its own or more the boat is gelcoat hull and 2 pack epoxy paint topsides and has ample storage capacity for exploration it handles the sea and rougher conditions like a thoroughbred. The boat is 17ft long. So for the right boat it maybe worth it.