"The Chinook TX" in Adventure Kayak (2009-08-02) » View as PDF

"November 3, 2010 Seaward Chinook TX For several years I have provided my kayak tour guests and guide course participants with Seaward’s thermoformed kayaks. My clients and I have consistently enjoyed positive experiences with the kayaks’ performance and overall durability. There are three Seaward kayak models in my Haida Gwaii fleet; the Chinook TX, Tyee TX and Cosma TX. The Chinook TX is the most popular and versatile boat in my fleet. The boat handles very well; it is pleasingly responsive, yet predictable and forgiving in a wide range of sea conditions, making it a suitable craft for a variety of paddlers and skill levels. The Chinook TX’s generous cargo capacity makes a huge difference when packing for multi-day tours. The kayak comfortably fits tall, long-legged people. Small paddlers can also fit very well (especially when provided with an additional thick padded backrest, which enables shorter paddlers to more easily reach the foot pedals). After numerous cumulative months of fully loaded expedition use, including many surge landings on boulder-beaches, I have had no major issues with the durability of these kayaks. Every type of boat I’ve ever owned has required minor maintenance. Once I was equipped with the proper tools and materials, it was very quick and easy to make small and permanently seaworthy repairs to thermoformed plastic. Thermoformed kayaks provide several benefits over the few remaining rotomolded boats in my fleet. When my entire fleet is displayed on a beach, most of my clients are immediately drawn to the Seaward thermoformed kayaks. They simply look better! A thermoformed hull is not subject to the “oil-can” syndrome that affects rotomolded boats. (When a hull distorts over time into undulating waves of plastic that act as velocity-diminishing suction cups on the bottom of a vessel.) Weight is an important factor; thermoformed kayaks are significantly lighter than rotomolded boats. Overall, the Chinook TX has proven itself as an entirely worthy vessel in my Haida Gwaii fleet. I enjoy working with Seaward Kayaks; they make quality boats, provide discount pricing to outfitters and offer consistently excellent customer service. I’m pleased to support this innovative Canadian manufacturer of kayaks. Gord Pincock Butterfly Tours - Sea Kayak Haida Gwaii IslandsofBeauty.com Evolution Guide School - Certified Kayak Leadership Training EvolutionGuides.com" ~ Gord Pincock