The Chilco by Seaward Kayaks – Adventure kayak Magazine Summer 2002

Seaward kayaks has been building touring kayaks for twelve years and in keeping with the times in 2002 they are introducing their first multi-chine design, the Chilco. Popularity of multi-chine designs is based on the fact this style of hull allows a compromise between the speed of a rounded bottom kayak and the increased stability and greater maneuverability of a single hard-chine design. Add a low profile deck and some clever outfitting and the new Chilco by Seaward is a great addition to their existing line of round bottomed expedition boats.
The Chilco is based on the Seaward Ascente and from a distance it is difficult to tell them apart. The Chilco is 18.5 feet long, 22.5 inches wide and available in depths of 12 inches or the higher volume 13 inches. The Chilco’s multi-chine design with shallow V and low rocker also makes for good tracking. The hard chines and a quick tilt are excellent for small changes in direction. The Chilco doesn’t carve an arc, it holds its edge and continues on a course requiring further strokes to complete a full turn.
Because of the superb tracking, many of those who paddled the Chilco did not find it necessary to engage the proven Seaward rudder system. Those who did found the Seaward smartRUDDER foot pedals are braced solidly, with the rudder being controlled by tilting the pedals forward similar to the accelerator in a car instead of the more typical sliding action. We think this a step above the traditional sliding system because it provides solid pedals for correction strokes and rolling while maintaining foot operated rudder control. The tilting pedals do however take some getting used to, especially for paddlers with smaller feet who had to left their feet to tilt the pedals forward.
The attention to detail in the outfitting on the Chilco is excellent. The composite hatch covers and neoprene gaskets are tethered by bungee cords to prevent loss. The fastening system of the cover is quick and simple – set it in place and criss-cross the cover with bungee cords. Seawards Self Rescue System adds more rigidity than simply sliding your paddle under the stern bungee deck rigging when performing a paddle float rescue; and new quick release straps make it easier to disengage the paddle once back in the boat. In stead of molding a seat from fiber glass and bolting it in place, Seaward contours a piece of foam and places it in a nylon shell. In a pinch the seat can be removed from the boat and used as an emergency paddle float. Add to this set up the low wrap around backrest and the Chilco becomes one of the most nicely outfitted kayaks we’ve paddled.