NYCkayaker CLC 17 Feedback

[Rick Langer]

Hi Alan,

Thanks for the review.  Geoff K. also suggested that I consider the CLC 
Chesapeake 17 LT model, which I will.

Can you tell me about the skeg kit?  Is that an option from CLC?  Is it a 
fixed skeg  or retractable type like I've seen on some fiberglass kayaks?

I agree the straddle and sit mount is the best.  Of course a couple of dumps 
using the gunnel grab and one foot in is  a prerequisite to this opinion.

Yours for a fair tide,

Rick


> Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2006 22:30:03 -0400
> From: "Alan Mapes" <aamapes at nycap.rr.com>
> Subject: NYCkayaker CLC 17 Feedback
> To: <nyckayaker at rockandwater.net>
> Message-ID: <000e01c6c012$b74dee80$6401a8c0 at jeffwuchnf0a84>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Rick and all,
>
> On your question about this boat, I can tell you about my experience with 
> it.  I built the Chesapeake 17 as my first kayak back in 2000 and it's 
> served very well.  It came out at 47 lbs., pretty good for a first time 
> builder (who tend to overdo it on epoxy).  It's been fairly fast, very 
> stable and well behaved boat.  It's a bit high-decked, so is effected by 
> wind, showing more weathercocking than some kayaks.  I installed a skeg 
> kit last year, which corrects this.  Hatch space is huge, so it's a good 
> camping boat.  Size 13 feet are no problem, and the keyhole coaming lets 
> you straddle, sit and then pull your feet in last - a superior way of 
> getting into the boat.
>
> I did the Great Hudson River Paddle with the Chessie in 2002, and you'll 
> see us on the cover of Sea Kayaker magazine in a photo from that trip 
> (October 2003 issue).  I really like the feel of a hard chine boat - it 
> allows you to correct your direction by just dropping a hip, edging the 
> boat.
>
> If I were building a Chesapeake again, I would definately build the CH17 
> LT model.  The full 17 is very deep at the cockpit, and limits your 
> learning on bracing and rolling.  Of course, for my current paddling 
> style, I'd might go for the new CLC Shearwater or the Arctic Hawk.
>
> I built a Pygmy Arctic Tern for my wife last winter - it's a great boat, 
> and a bit lighter than the Chessie design.  That said, the Chessie builds 
> a lot faster and easier.  The Tern has some design advances over the CLC, 
> but has a lot more deck pieces.
>
> My overall suggestion - paddle as many boats as you possibly can before 
> deciding.  If you're in the Albany area, you can try mine.
>
> Alan Mapes