journal k ayaker’s


A sweet sixteen. PHOTO: STEPHANIE PARK


INSIDE OUT BY VIRGINIA MARSHALL The


Sixteen


BY DELTA


When Delta Kayaks launched in 2005, its line- up of exclusively thermoformed plastic kayaks was quickly recognized as being among the finest. The company’s latest offering, the Delta Sixteen, continues to vault this lofty reputation. Delta’s wizardry with the thermal forming


process stems from over 30 years’ experience stretching plastic for other industries. Under the direction of kayak industry veteran Mark Hall, Delta boats leave the factory with smooth lines, impeccable detailing and a high gloss finish to rival any quadruple-clear-coated sports car. All this at considerably less cost, and less weight even, than comparable composite kayaks. Delta says the Sixteen caters to paddlers


“who have been waiting for a full-figured Brit- ish style design with more dry storage typical of North American designs.” At 16 feet long and 22 inches wide, the Sixteen feels sporty but packs an impressive 55 gallons dry storage into three voluminous hatches—50 percent more than many similarly proportioned Brit boats. While some aspects of the design are in-


formed by the Atlantic approach—the shal- low-V, soft chined hull and optional skeg, for example—the Sixteen shows a healthy dose of Delta’s West Coast roots, albeit in a trimmer package than the standard Pacific tourer. The front and rear decks are high to aid expedition capacity, a rudder comes standard and the seat is outfitted with an adjustable-height backrest.


32 ADVENTURE KAYAK | EARLY SUMMER 2011 Even with the front deck pod (more on that


below), the cockpit is comfortable for pad- dlers up to six feet tall. Trimming on the fly is easy with the sliding seat. Hip padding is non-existent so smaller paddlers should invest in Delta’s optional hip pad fit kit, or an hour shaping custom inserts. The Sixteen moves the day hatch from be-


hind the cockpit to the front deck for easier, drier access. Even better, it’s watertight and roomy enough for more than just a PB&J sandwich, easily swallowing a paddling jacket, SLR camera or even 10-liter dry bag. On-water acceleration is quick for a 16-foot


boat, thanks to a sharp entry point low on the bow. Combined with moderate rocker, the hull tracks well even without deploying the skeg or rudder. With a light paddler and empty hatches, the


Sixteen sits quite high in the water, but adding some payload increases primary stability. Edg- ing feels confident and releases the Sixteen’s sporty side. I threw it on edge for a low brace turn and was surprised to find myself quickly facing back the way I came. The Sixteen combines some of the latest


great ideas in sea kayak design with the tried- and-true characteristics of an elegant tourer. It’s best suited to intermediate paddlers who want a light, nimble kayak that still knows how to go the distance.


CLEVER COVERS


Unique hatch covers use ¼-turn lock- ing knobs, bungees and integrated rubber rim gaskets for a seal that’s dry and user-friendly, even with numb fingers.


SAFETY FIRST Standard features reflect Delta’s commitment to detailing: self-rescue straps and easy-draining curved bulkhead behind the cockpit, full decklines and leashed hatches.


SKEG OR RUDDER, YOUR CHOICE


The optional skeg is deployed with a string to eliminate cable kink. Molded- in cable routings are rudder ready.


Length .............................. 16 ft Width ................................ 22 in Weight .............................. 50 lbs Max. load rating .............. 275 lbs Price .................................. $2,495 CDN / ........................................... $2,350 US www.deltakayaks.com


PHOTOS: VIRGINIA MARSHALL


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