The
Alchemy 14.0S
BY DAGGER
of a performance-minded, light-touring kayak in affordable and durable polyethylene. With one master stroke the company nailed the gold- en crossover segment where high-performance meets recreational day paddling, filling the niche where most of us paddle most of the time. At 14 feet, the Alchemy is small, but not to
L
be underestimated. Paddlers will want to choose the size that fits
them best. Small- to medium-sized folks will mesh perfectly into the sportier dimensions of the 14.0S, the model reviewed here. Ours re- quired removal of the foot braces to fit a six- footer. Te equally priced L version is the same length but with added capacity from an extra inch of width and inch-and-a-quarter of deck height. Both sizes are designed to have a snug- fitting cockpit for solid control in rough water. A combination of long waterline, low rocker
and a swede form shape result in impressive acceleration and cruising speed. We cranked out a consistent five to six kilometres per hour and topped out at 10 in a sprint—performance we’re accustomed to in much longer kayaks. Te shallow-V hull with hard chines offers
an excellent compromise of stability and edge- ability—moderate primary stability for a perfor- mance feel without being twitchy, and great, con- fidence-inspiring secondary stability on edge. Te Alchemy compensates for its short length
by reducing the rocker. Te result is something that feels longer than it is—more like a highly rockered long boat than other 14-footers we’ve paddled. Te effect is that the Alchemy tracks well and isn’t too skittish unless you get some speed and put it up on edge, or edge it in follow- ing seas, in which case the stern will skid out as you would expect from a short kayak. Te skeg reduces the skid effect and also
helps tracking in crosswinds and following seas, although weathercocking or leecocking are minimal because of the low windage of the 14.0S profile. Te skeg slider is conveniently positioned in a tightly recessed groove that keeps it out of the way of fingers and knuckles but makes it a trick to dial on the go until you get used to it. Te capacity of this kayak favours perfor-
mance day paddling over gear-hauling. It’s perfect for day trips or meticulously planned weekends. In the recreational price range with high-performance features, it best suits adven- turous, small- to mid-sized paddlers who want a kayak that will encourage them to grow and keep up with them every step of the way.
SLICK The deck is nicely appointed with three rubber hatch covers, bungies, a locking bar and recessed fittings. The day hatch is a bit of a far reach from the paddling position (there’s ample space behind the seat for provisions) but it’s yet another sign of the Alchemy’s full complement of sea kayak features.
SIT The seat offers multiple adjustments for hips, thighs, leg height and backrest ten- sion. A plastic rail adds rigidity to the hull in the cockpit areas.
SPEED AND SPIN A combination of a long waterline, low rocker, swede form shape, shallow-V cross-section and a hard chine stretches the speed limit of the 14-foot hull length while dialing in precision edging and quick turning.
length .................... 14 ft (427 cm) width ...................... 23 in (58 cm) deck height........... 13 in (33 cm) cockpit .................. 35 x 18.5 in (89 x 47 cm) capacity................ 275 lbs (125 kg) weight .................... 51 lbs (23 kg) price....................... $1,450 Cdn, 1,295 US
www.dagger.com
www.adventurekayakmag.com 29
ast year Dagger launched the Alchemy 14.0S and 14.0L, small and large versions
PHOTOS: TIM SHUFF
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