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Date: 24 May 2004 12:07:03
From: Eric
Subject: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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I was just wondering what some opinions on these two kayaks that I am
considering were from those who have either owned them or paddled them
extensively.
How do they behave in rougher water?
Do you find you need a skeg or rudder?
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Date: 25 May 2004 21:08:39
From: Brian Nystrom
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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Eric wrote:
> I was just wondering what some opinions on these two kayaks that I am
> considering were from those who have either owned them or paddled them
> extensively.
>
> How do they behave in rougher water?
Both are good rough water boats.
> Do you find you need a skeg or rudder?
They both come with skegs. Rudder? Bite your tongue! ;-)
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Date: 25 May 2004 18:52:31
From: Eric
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@att.net > wrote:
> > Do you find you need a skeg or rudder?
>
> They both come with skegs.
Are you sure?
While I'm sure that one could have a skeg installed on the Romany, the
description of the Romany at:
http://www.nigeldenniskayaks.com/Pages/popups/romany.htm
does not mention a skeg and I don't recall seeing one on the boat I
paddled. Although, the description of the Currituck does.
I had one reply that questioned the quality of the construction of Impex
and NDK kayaks (leaks, etc...), but this largely goes against everything
else I've heard about them. Of course, every manufactured item is bound
to have the occasional defect. Any opinions?
> Rudder? Bite your tongue! ;-)
ouch.
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Date: 26 May 2004 11:13:02
From: Brian Nystrom
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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Eric wrote:
> Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@att.net> wrote:
>
>
>>>Do you find you need a skeg or rudder?
>>
>>They both come with skegs.
>
>
> Are you sure?
Yes.
> While I'm sure that one could have a skeg installed on the Romany, the
> description of the Romany at:
>
> http://www.nigeldenniskayaks.com/Pages/popups/romany.htm
>
> does not mention a skeg and I don't recall seeing one on the boat I
> paddled. Although, the description of the Currituck does.
>
Both come standard with skegs. The latest system that NDK has devised is
a real nightmare, so perhaps they don't intend for you to use it.
>
> I had one reply that questioned the quality of the construction of Impex
> and NDK kayaks (leaks, etc...), but this largely goes against everything
> else I've heard about them. Of course, every manufactured item is bound
> to have the occasional defect. Any opinions?
The two companies are pretty much polar opposites in terms of quality.
Impex boats are well built and have an good reputation. They did have
problems with leaky hatches when they were using fibglass covers, but
that's been dealt with by switching to rubber hatches. Their boats are
pretty lightly constructed and have thin gelcoat, but I haven't seen any
problems with durability with their vacuum bagged layups. The only
problem I've seen more than once on them is cracked cheek plates on the
seats, but that's on boats that are a few years old. This may have been
addressed, but I don't know for certain. They have a solid reputation
for customer service, so I wouldn't worry too much.
On the other hand, NDK has had absymal quality control for years and
their boats are known for having many types problems. Their web site
even provides instructions for repairing common defects. One of the
things they list is UNCURED HULL TO DECK SEAMS! Can you imagine that? I
haven't seen that, but I've seen numerous broken seats, coamings that
are installed so low that you can't get a spray skirt on them, hulls
with no fiberglass behind the skeg box, poorly installed (leaky)
hatches, leaking bulkheads and more. The boats are outrageously heavy,
due to the fact that they're built primarily of thick gelcoat and
chopped strand matt (weak, low-end material that's a real resin sponge)
and laid up by hand. According to a friend who's been to their shop in
Wales, the boats are built largely by minimum-wage kids right out of
high school who are more interested in collecting their pay and hitting
the local pub than building quality kayaks. "You want fries with that
Romany?"
Recently, they claim to have made great strides in quality, though I
have yet to see any boats produced since their new Q/C program started.
Interestingly, they filed for bankruptcy protection right around the
same time that they announced the Q/C program. Neither of these things
is surprising considering that their sales have taken a major beating in
the US market in the past couple of years, probably due to a combination
of their poor reputation and increased competition from North American
companies like Impex, Seaward, Necky and Wilderness Systems. Their major
distributor for years (GRO) dropped the line when the last container
they received last year had 50% defective boats. Bottom line? The
designs are excellent, but buying their boats is a crapshoot. You may
get a good one, or you may end up with a nightmare. It's truly a shame,
since they are outstanding performers when you get them out on the water.
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Date: 26 May 2004 13:19:51
From: Eric
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@att.net > wrote:
> Both come standard with skegs. The latest system that NDK has devised is
> a real nightmare, so perhaps they don't intend for you to use it.
Curious...How is it a nightmare?
> > I had one reply that questioned the quality of the construction of Impex
> > and NDK kayaks (leaks, etc...), but this largely goes against everything
> > else I've heard about them. Of course, every manufactured item is bound
> > to have the occasional defect. Any opinions?
>
> The two companies are pretty much polar opposites in terms of quality.
> Impex boats are well built and have an good reputation.
Thanks for the information. I have recently heard good things about the
quality of the NDK kayaks, but nothing I would consider conclusive
yet...not a large enough sample yet...
--
== Eric Gorr ========= http://www.ericgorr.net ========= ICQ:9293199 ===
"Therefore the considerations of the intelligent always include both
benefit and harm." - Sun Tzu
== Insults, like violence, are the last refuge of the incompetent... ===
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Date: 27 May 2004 14:19:34
From: Brian Nystrom
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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Eric wrote:
> Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@att.net> wrote:
>
>
>>Both come standard with skegs. The latest system that NDK has devised is
>>a real nightmare, so perhaps they don't intend for you to use it.
>
>
> Curious...How is it a nightmare?
Their new front deck mounted system uses a convoluted combination of
tubing and pulleys and cleats that simply add friction to the system.
The thinner cord that the system requires stretches more and is less
less durable than the thicker cord of the old system. Some people find
the new cleat to be counterintuitive and inconvenient to use.
>>>I had one reply that questioned the quality of the construction of Impex
>>>and NDK kayaks (leaks, etc...), but this largely goes against everything
>>>else I've heard about them. Of course, every manufactured item is bound
>>>to have the occasional defect. Any opinions?
>>
>>The two companies are pretty much polar opposites in terms of quality.
>>Impex boats are well built and have an good reputation.
>
>
> Thanks for the information. I have recently heard good things about the
> quality of the NDK kayaks, but nothing I would consider conclusive
> yet...not a large enough sample yet...
That's my feeling, too. NDK has a lot to prove. A couple of friend of
mine have new boats on order and it will be interesting to see what
they're like.
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Date: 27 May 2004 13:41:00
From: Alex Horvath
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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Is there anything that compares to a NDK design wise? The skeg, day
hatch, compass, pump, reccessed fittings are very useful features. I
was planning on buying an NDK this summer. I should probably ask my
retailer (he only sells NDK) if he will correct any defects upon
delivery.
Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@att.net > wrote in message news:<WNmtc.76512$hH.1413425@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net>...
> Eric wrote:
>
> > Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@att.net> wrote:
> >
> >
> >>Both come standard with skegs. The latest system that NDK has devised is
> >>a real nightmare, so perhaps they don't intend for you to use it.
> >
> >
> > Curious...How is it a nightmare?
>
> Their new front deck mounted system uses a convoluted combination of
> tubing and pulleys and cleats that simply add friction to the system.
> The thinner cord that the system requires stretches more and is less
> less durable than the thicker cord of the old system. Some people find
> the new cleat to be counterintuitive and inconvenient to use.
>
> >>>I had one reply that questioned the quality of the construction of Impex
> >>>and NDK kayaks (leaks, etc...), but this largely goes against everything
> >>>else I've heard about them. Of course, every manufactured item is bound
> >>>to have the occasional defect. Any opinions?
> >>
> >>The two companies are pretty much polar opposites in terms of quality.
> >>Impex boats are well built and have an good reputation.
> >
> >
> > Thanks for the information. I have recently heard good things about the
> > quality of the NDK kayaks, but nothing I would consider conclusive
> > yet...not a large enough sample yet...
>
> That's my feeling, too. NDK has a lot to prove. A couple of friend of
> mine have new boats on order and it will be interesting to see what
> they're like.
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Date: 27 May 2004 18:51:15
From: Alex Horvath
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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I had erroneously assumed that NDK and VCP kayaks were made in the
same factory. It appears that VCP kayaks don't have the quality
issues.
alexh1@sbcglobal.net (Alex Horvath) wrote in message news:<ab2306ad.0405271241.102a439e@posting.google.com >...
> Is there anything that compares to a NDK design wise? The skeg, day
> hatch, compass, pump, reccessed fittings are very useful features. I
> was planning on buying an NDK this summer. I should probably ask my
> retailer (he only sells NDK) if he will correct any defects upon
> delivery.
>
>
>
> Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@att.net> wrote in message news:<WNmtc.76512$hH.1413425@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net>...
> > Eric wrote:
> >
> > > Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@att.net> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >>Both come standard with skegs. The latest system that NDK has devised is
> > >>a real nightmare, so perhaps they don't intend for you to use it.
> > >
> > >
> > > Curious...How is it a nightmare?
> >
> > Their new front deck mounted system uses a convoluted combination of
> > tubing and pulleys and cleats that simply add friction to the system.
> > The thinner cord that the system requires stretches more and is less
> > less durable than the thicker cord of the old system. Some people find
> > the new cleat to be counterintuitive and inconvenient to use.
> >
> > >>>I had one reply that questioned the quality of the construction of Impex
> > >>>and NDK kayaks (leaks, etc...), but this largely goes against everything
> > >>>else I've heard about them. Of course, every manufactured item is bound
> > >>>to have the occasional defect. Any opinions?
> > >>
> > >>The two companies are pretty much polar opposites in terms of quality.
> > >>Impex boats are well built and have an good reputation.
> > >
> > >
> > > Thanks for the information. I have recently heard good things about the
> > > quality of the NDK kayaks, but nothing I would consider conclusive
> > > yet...not a large enough sample yet...
> >
> > That's my feeling, too. NDK has a lot to prove. A couple of friend of
> > mine have new boats on order and it will be interesting to see what
> > they're like.
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Date: 28 May 2004 10:58:19
From: Brian Nystrom
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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Alex Horvath wrote:
> I had erroneously assumed that NDK and VCP kayaks were made in the
> same factory. It appears that VCP kayaks don't have the quality
> issues.
AFAIK, the only connection between the companies was that they shared a
US distributor up until recently. VCP boats are much better built,
lighter weight and offer all the same options that NDK does. They're a
company that's made a lot of good moves in the last couple of years,
introducing new models that go head to head with NDK and upgrading some
of their older designs to give them more appeal to the US market. The
only lament I have about them is that they've reduced the number of
boats they offer with ocean cockpits, which I strongly prefer over
keyhole designs.
Another British company that produces nice boats is P&H. They've always
had a reputations for good quality and performance. Like VCP, they've
been introducing interesting new models recently. They're also pushing
the boundary of materials somewhat, with some designs offered in
carbon/Kevlar pre-preg construction. They're ultra-light by current
standards (under 40# for 17'-18' boats), more than double the price of
fiberglass and currently very scarce. A local dealer has a couple and
they're impressive. While they're out of the reach of most paddlers,
it's good to see a reputable company exploring the limits of kayak
construction. There's bound to be some "trickle down" from these to
their more affordable layups.
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Date: 27 May 2004 23:56:18
From: Brian Nystrom
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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Alex Horvath wrote:
> Is there anything that compares to a NDK design wise? The skeg, day
> hatch, compass, pump, reccessed fittings are very useful features. I
> was planning on buying an NDK this summer.
Skegs, day hatches and recessed deck fitting are standard features on
most sea kayaks. Compasses are optional on many other boats, as they are
on NDKs. Foot or deck pumps are not as common, but few people feel they
need them. I had a deck pump in a Nordkapp and never found it all that
useful, especially for the weight penatly involved. I'm contemplating
installing a foot pump in the only boat I own with enough footroom for
it to work, but I haven't decided yet.
> I should probably ask my
> retailer (he only sells NDK) if he will correct any defects upon
> delivery.
Don't ask, insist on it. Better yet, insist on a defect free boat.
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Date: 29 May 2004 07:31:31
From: Alex McGruer
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@att.net > wrote in message news:<Cevtc.1554$_k3.31475@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net>...
> Alex Horvath wrote:
> > Is there anything that compares to a NDK design wise? The skeg, day
> > hatch, compass, pump, reccessed fittings are very useful features. I
> > was planning on buying an NDK this summer.
OK here is the deal.
NDK Explorer and Romany are the best boats I have ever paddled. They
spin like a top when you want them to , have OK initial stability and
spectacular secondery stability. When the sea goes to crap you have
the finest boat in the water. The covers for the hatches DON'T leak,
They are from Valley anyway.
P & H Capella is every bit as good ( but no better ) in the water as
the Romany.
Now here is the problem. NDK skegs are not as reliable as say the
Capellas'. The NDK lay up is rough: Mine had a bubble in the recessed
fitting for the day hatch and it leaked almost filling that hatch
soaking my walking shoes and floating my emergency kit in a dry bag.
It filled well past the water line in a three or four hour paddle.
NDK sent new hatch covers but when we found the leak they ( NDK the
manufacturers ) were useless. The local dealer ( Base Camp Outfitters
) were great. ( It was a flaw in the lay up ) A bubble in a recessed
fitting opened a way for water not only to be funneled in but with the
contraction of cooling air in the compartment it sucked water in and a
very high rate and remained a bugger to find. I had to epoxy it myself
. ( Thanks NDK! )
My skeg cable has failed twice, once because of a flaw in the wire
when I got it and once because it was jammed and the weak set up
allowed it to buckle. The string operations are no better. perhaps
worse. You hardly need a skeg anyway on the explorer. I have not fixed
mine and though I paddle twice a week on the off season it remains
unimportant.
In hind site I could ( Should ) have done without one. It would have
saved no money but I would have ad a little more room for stuff.
The story that the boat is heavily laid up for expeditions is sort of
lost on me. There are resin runs on the inside of the boat. They add
weight but no strength. I have the odd star crack and fixed a large
one that I have no idea how I got . I deserve all the scratches and
the two chips on the bow.
The Day hatch is not usefull in a loaded boat or in any waves. ( When
you are going to want it. ) It is too close to the water. It is
something you just don't need.
It would be nice to have another bungee over the area behind the seat
for a paddle float rescue brace , for those of us not into Yoga. Oh
yes ,, I have a roll and a reentry roll but amongst Ice Bergs I want
my head out of the water as much as possible.
The NDK 's are heavy, The outfitting is OK , Price is the same as say
CD's Gulf Stream ( Which is comparable ) the NDK lay up is 1970's
technology, the cockpit is a little larger than need be, ( Not all my
spray decks will fit. ) the hatches are tiny ( Tent and poles must go
in seperately and my down sleeping bag has to get stuffed into the dry
bag inside the hatches.) That said they don't leak.
I have a plastic P & H Capella , P & H are great at service. A good
friend has a Capella in glass and she loves it.
CD has the Gulf Stream , That deserves a look, the finish is CD
quality.
Now remember what I said about the NDK in the beginning??
Once in the water it is the best boat likely on the planet: But on top
of your car it is a quality control nightmare. You have to paddle it
to like it and you either love or hate it. ( Perhaps like a Harley )
I would not swap My NDK for any other boat; but I would not subject a
friend to a diatribe of how wonderfull this thing is and have someone
who does less paddling than me look closely at their very expensive
boat and spot flaw after flaw.
Oh IMPEX , I had one of those once. I still own the NDK!
Good luck, Valley has fine boat as does P & H . Watch the CD line up
as well. The WS Tempest is an unknown quantity to me but it is another
attempt at a UK / Greenland design.
NDK does lead the way once it its in the water though.
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Date: 30 May 2004 00:22:00
From: Brian Nystrom
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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Alex McGruer wrote:
> Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@att.net> wrote in message news:<Cevtc.1554$_k3.31475@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net>...
>
>>Alex Horvath wrote:
>>
>>>Is there anything that compares to a NDK design wise? The skeg, day
>>>hatch, compass, pump, reccessed fittings are very useful features. I
>>>was planning on buying an NDK this summer.
>
>
> OK here is the deal.
> NDK Explorer and Romany are the best boats I have ever paddled. They
> spin like a top when you want them to , have OK initial stability and
> spectacular secondery stability. When the sea goes to crap you have
> the finest boat in the water.
Funny, I feel the same way about my Pintail. I had it out in some
seriously nasty winds today and there's no boat I'd rather be in. The
truth is that there are plenty of good rough water boats.
> The covers for the hatches DON'T leak,
> They are from Valley anyway.
No, they're mostly from Kajak Sport, though they use VCP's for day hatches.
> P & H Capella is every bit as good ( but no better ) in the water as
> the Romany.
>
> Now here is the problem. NDK skegs are not as reliable as say the
> Capellas'. The NDK lay up is rough: Mine had a bubble in the recessed
> fitting for the day hatch and it leaked almost filling that hatch
> soaking my walking shoes and floating my emergency kit in a dry bag.
> It filled well past the water line in a three or four hour paddle.
> NDK sent new hatch covers but when we found the leak they ( NDK the
> manufacturers ) were useless. The local dealer ( Base Camp Outfitters
> ) were great. ( It was a flaw in the lay up ) A bubble in a recessed
> fitting opened a way for water not only to be funneled in but with the
> contraction of cooling air in the compartment it sucked water in and a
> very high rate and remained a bugger to find. I had to epoxy it myself
> . ( Thanks NDK! )
I've seen the same thing on a Nordkapp, though that was a '92. On a VCP
boat, I would consider it an anomaly. On an NDK, it's par for the course.
> My skeg cable has failed twice, once because of a flaw in the wire
> when I got it and once because it was jammed and the weak set up
> allowed it to buckle. The string operations are no better. perhaps
> worse. You hardly need a skeg anyway on the explorer. I have not fixed
> mine and though I paddle twice a week on the off season it remains
> unimportant.
I've heard the same thing (about not needing the skeg) from other
Explorer owners. I've also heard that skegless Romanys don't handle
well, but I can't verify that.
> In hind site I could ( Should ) have done without one. It would have
> saved no money but I would have ad a little more room for stuff.
> The story that the boat is heavily laid up for expeditions is sort of
> lost on me. There are resin runs on the inside of the boat. They add
> weight but no strength. I have the odd star crack and fixed a large
> one that I have no idea how I got . I deserve all the scratches and
> the two chips on the bow.
NDK's claim that weight=strength is pure BS. They use crappy materials
like chopped strand mat that soaks up resin like a sponge. They use at
least twice as much gelcoat as is necessary. It results in weak, heavy
and overly stiff layup. VCP builds boats that are every bit as rugged
and weight ~10# less.
> The Day hatch is not usefull in a loaded boat or in any waves. ( When
> you are going to want it. ) It is too close to the water. It is
> something you just don't need.
I differ with you on this in one sense. I agree that day hatches are not
that useful on the water. However, I find them very useful for what
their name implies, carrying the gear you need for a day trip. With a
single large aft compartment with the hatch in the typical location,
it's a pain to keep small amounts of day trip gear from sliding around
unless you want to pack it full of float bags. It's even more of a pain
to access gear that's packed right behind the aft bulkhead, which is
where you want it in order to minimize the effect on the boat's
handling. The day hatch does a great job of containing this stuff and
making it more accessible. I rarely access a day hatch while on the
water, but it is possible.
> It would be nice to have another bungee over the area behind the seat
> for a paddle float rescue brace , for those of us not into Yoga. Oh
> yes ,, I have a roll and a reentry roll but amongst Ice Bergs I want
> my head out of the water as much as possible.
> The NDK 's are heavy, The outfitting is OK , Price is the same as say
> CD's Gulf Stream ( Which is comparable ) the NDK lay up is 1970's
> technology, the cockpit is a little larger than need be, ( Not all my
> spray decks will fit. ) the hatches are tiny ( Tent and poles must go
> in seperately and my down sleeping bag has to get stuffed into the dry
> bag inside the hatches.) That said they don't leak.
> I have a plastic P & H Capella , P & H are great at service. A good
> friend has a Capella in glass and she loves it.
> CD has the Gulf Stream , That deserves a look, the finish is CD
> quality.
A couple of observations on CD boats. The gelcoat on them is quite thin,
which can be a problem for a boat that's used hard. Somewhere between CD
and NDK, there's a good balance of gelcoat thickness.
I've seen several skeg problems with CD boats and I don't mean kinked
cables from operator error. An old girlfriend of mine's Slipstream was
shipped from the factory with the wrong skeg installed. That ultimately
resulted in the the fitting in the skeg box getting punched out and her
aft compartment filling ~1/3 with water during a trip. A friend
literally had the plastic skeg surround fall off his Andromeda last
weekend. The goop holding it in place simply let go. While we were
poking around at it, the pivot bar fell out. It was only held in by the
same goop. I can't see any excuse for any of these problems. Other than
this, CD boats seem to be good quality and they're quite popular.
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Date: 30 May 2004 15:45:14
From: Michael Daly
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
|
On 29-May-2004, Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@att.net > wrote:
> I agree that day hatches are not
> that useful on the water. However, I find them very useful for what
> their name implies, carrying the gear you need for a day trip.
I don't have a day hatch, but used on on an Explorer on a four-night
trip once.
Since I paddle in bear country, I like the idea of using the day hatch
to carry all food and cooking equipment. This would allow me to
separate the smelly stuff from all the tents, clothes etc. Since
cooking equipment tends to be heavy (pots, stove) as does food (well,
liquids) it puts the heavy stuff close to the cockpit.
Having used the Explorer after buying my Ellesmere, I kind of wish I'd
bought mine with a day hatch.
Mike
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Date: 30 May 2004 16:40:10
From: Brian Nystrom
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
|
Michael Daly wrote:
> On 29-May-2004, Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@att.net> wrote:
>
>
>> I agree that day hatches are not
>>that useful on the water. However, I find them very useful for what
>>their name implies, carrying the gear you need for a day trip.
>
>
> I don't have a day hatch, but used on on an Explorer on a four-night
> trip once.
>
> Since I paddle in bear country, I like the idea of using the day hatch
> to carry all food and cooking equipment. This would allow me to
> separate the smelly stuff from all the tents, clothes etc. Since
> cooking equipment tends to be heavy (pots, stove) as does food (well,
> liquids) it puts the heavy stuff close to the cockpit.
>
> Having used the Explorer after buying my Ellesmere, I kind of wish I'd
> bought mine with a day hatch.
Why not add one? The Ellesmere has a flat aft deck that's perfect for
installing a day hatch. Add a third bulkhead and you're good to go.
That's what I did with my Pintail, which originally came with a Chimp
pump, which was truly useless. It's easier than you might imagine.
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Date: 30 May 2004 18:57:01
From: Michael Daly
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
|
On 30-May-2004, Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@att.net > wrote:
> Why not add one? The Ellesmere has a flat aft deck that's perfect for
> installing a day hatch. Add a third bulkhead and you're good to go.
If the kayak needs major work, I'd consider it. I'd consider a curved
bulkhead behind the seat as well (though that would affect the position
of the electric pump. Right now, I'd rather be paddling and I've got
far too many projects to add this to my list. Having done new bulkheads
on my (now sold) Solstice, I know how much/little work is entailed.
Mike
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Date: 26 May 2004 12:51:28
From: Dave Van
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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in article 2Z_sc.29687$fF3.765615@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net, Brian
Nystrom at brian.nystrom@att.net wrote on 5/26/04 6:13 AM:
> Impex boats are well built and have an good reputation. They did have
> problems with leaky hatches when they were using fibglass covers, but
> that's been dealt with by switching to rubber hatches. Their boats are
> pretty lightly constructed and have thin gelcoat, but I haven't seen any
> problems with durability with their vacuum bagged layups. The only
> problem I've seen more than once on them is cracked cheek plates on the
> seats, but that's on boats that are a few years old. This may have been
> addressed, but I don't know for certain. They have a solid reputation
> for customer service, so I wouldn't worry too much.
Hi Brian,
Good supportive statements about Impex. Every day I get a little closer to
taking the steps to buy an Impex kayak and this kind of statement from a
person I respect helps a lot.
Currituck or Assateague, that is the question that only test paddles can
answer. Too bad the nearest Impex dealer is 250 miles away!
Cheers!
DV
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Date: 29 May 2004 23:28:29
From: John Fereira
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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Dave Van <dave@brick-nospam-garage.com > wrote in
news:BCD9FC19.3DDB7%dave@brick-nospam-garage.com:
> in article 2Z_sc.29687$fF3.765615@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net,
> Brian Nystrom at brian.nystrom@att.net wrote on 5/26/04 6:13 AM:
>
>
>> Impex boats are well built and have an good reputation. They did have
>> problems with leaky hatches when they were using fibglass covers, but
>> that's been dealt with by switching to rubber hatches. Their boats are
>> pretty lightly constructed and have thin gelcoat, but I haven't seen
>> any problems with durability with their vacuum bagged layups. The only
>> problem I've seen more than once on them is cracked cheek plates on
>> the seats, but that's on boats that are a few years old. This may have
>> been addressed, but I don't know for certain. They have a solid
>> reputation for customer service, so I wouldn't worry too much.
>
>
> Hi Brian,
>
> Good supportive statements about Impex. Every day I get a little closer
> to taking the steps to buy an Impex kayak and this kind of statement
> from a person I respect helps a lot.
>
> Currituck or Assateague, that is the question that only test paddles
> can answer. Too bad the nearest Impex dealer is 250 miles away!
Where do you live?
Yesterday I looked at a Currituck and Assateague side by side. I've only
paddled the Currituck but the Assateague look much bigger. Which one is
best will more likely be determined by your body size as much as how each
boat paddles.
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Date: 31 May 2004 02:29:09
From: Eric
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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John Fereira <jaf30@cornell.edu > wrote:
> Yesterday I looked at a Currituck and Assateague side by side. I've only
> paddled the Currituck but the Assateague look much bigger.
If anyone is interested, the Currituck is 17' and the Assateague is 17'
10"
--
== Eric Gorr ========= http://www.ericgorr.net ========= ICQ:9293199 ===
"Therefore the considerations of the intelligent always include both
benefit and harm." - Sun Tzu
== Insults, like violence, are the last refuge of the incompetent... ===
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Date: 30 May 2004 03:15:46
From: Dave Van
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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in article Xns94F8C61BD4250jaf30cornelledu@24.24.2.167, John Fereira at
jaf30@cornell.edu wrote on 5/29/04 6:28 PM:
> Dave Van <dave@brick-nospam-garage.com> wrote in
> news:BCD9FC19.3DDB7%dave@brick-nospam-garage.com:
>
>> in article 2Z_sc.29687$fF3.765615@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net,
>> Brian Nystrom at brian.nystrom@att.net wrote on 5/26/04 6:13 AM:
>>
>>
>>> Impex boats are well built and have an good reputation. They did have
>>> problems with leaky hatches when they were using fibglass covers, but
>>> that's been dealt with by switching to rubber hatches. Their boats are
>>> pretty lightly constructed and have thin gelcoat, but I haven't seen
>>> any problems with durability with their vacuum bagged layups. The only
>>> problem I've seen more than once on them is cracked cheek plates on
>>> the seats, but that's on boats that are a few years old. This may have
>>> been addressed, but I don't know for certain. They have a solid
>>> reputation for customer service, so I wouldn't worry too much.
>>
>>
>> Hi Brian,
>>
>> Good supportive statements about Impex. Every day I get a little closer
>> to taking the steps to buy an Impex kayak and this kind of statement
>> from a person I respect helps a lot.
>>
>> Currituck or Assateague, that is the question that only test paddles
>> can answer. Too bad the nearest Impex dealer is 250 miles away!
>
> Where do you live?
Chicago, IL. I paddle on Lake Michigan. Most of the time, the lake
conditions here are probably childs play compared to what you are used to
paddling, but we do get days where the waves get kicked up to several feet.
Yesterday we had 6 to 8 footers for example. I'd like a boat that can handle
conditions better than what I have now, a plastic Prijon Kodiak which has
very little rocker and nearly plumb bow and stern.
>
> Yesterday I looked at a Currituck and Assateague side by side. I've only
> paddled the Currituck but the Assateague look much bigger. Which one is
> best will more likely be determined by your body size as much as how each
> boat paddles.
It's absolutely a size issue. I'm 6'1" tall and 210lbs. With cold water
clothing on, I am a good size creature.
But, I'm in no rush, I test paddle kayaks when I can. I'll get around to
driving to Michigan to take a look and try out the Impex kayaks eventually.
All of the info being exchanged right now in this thread is extremely
helpful so thanks for that.
Peace
DV
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Date: 26 May 2004 13:33:07
From: Eric
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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Dave Van <dave@brick-nospam-garage.com > wrote:
> Currituck or Assateague, that is the question that only test paddles can
> answer. Too bad the nearest Impex dealer is 250 miles away!
I didn't paddle the Assateague, so I cannot comment on that.
However, I was impressed with the Currituck. It had good initial
stability ... whereas the VCP Avocet felt tippy. It also tracked really
well for me and yet I was able to turn it with just seven sweep
strokes...most boats I have paddled take 8. It also seemed to be pretty
fast boat compared to others I have paddled.
Hopefully you'll be able to find someone a bit closer who owns these
boats and will let you try them out. I am a big believer in actually
paddling a boat before you purchase it as they do all behave a bit
differently depending on who is sitting in it. Where are you at? Perhaps
there is someone reading this group who could help you out.
--
== Eric Gorr ========= http://www.ericgorr.net ========= ICQ:9293199 ===
"Therefore the considerations of the intelligent always include both
benefit and harm." - Sun Tzu
== Insults, like violence, are the last refuge of the incompetent... ===
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Date: 26 May 2004 22:29:00
From: Dave Van
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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"Eric" <egDfAusenetE5fz@verizon.net > wrote in message
news:1gedzgm.1kbecvp1c7o3oiN%egDfAusenetE5fz@verizon.net...
> Hopefully you'll be able to find someone a bit closer who owns these
> boats and will let you try them out.
> Where are you at? Perhaps
> there is someone reading this group who could help you out.
>
I think I did post a message last year but I'm not sure. Perhaps it's worth
another try.
So...
Any regulars or lurkers reading this own an Impex Currituck or Assateague
and live in the Chicago area? If so, would you be willing to get together
for an evening paddle on Lake Michigan some time? The post paddle
refreshments are on me.
Drop me a line at dave@brickgarage.com
Cheers!
DV
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Date: 25 May 2004 20:12:24
From: Steve Cramer
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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Eric wrote:
> Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@att.net> wrote:
>
>>>Do you find you need a skeg or rudder?
>>
>>They both come with skegs.
>
> Are you sure?
>
> While I'm sure that one could have a skeg installed on the Romany, the
> description of the Romany at:
> http://www.nigeldenniskayaks.com/Pages/popups/romany.htm
> does not mention a skeg and I don't recall seeing one on the boat I
> paddled.
Did you look at the hull?
There are four pictures of Romanys on the NDK site. You gave us a link
to the only one that does not clearly show an extended skeg. If you look
at the stern deck you can see the lines for it.
If you'd explored the site at all you would have found the order form
http://www.nigeldenniskayaks.com/Pages/NDK_boat_orderform.pdf and seen
that you have to check a box to NOT get a skeg.
I've never seen a Romany that DIDN'T have a skeg.
--
Steve Cramer
Athens, GA
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Date: 26 May 2004 14:26:14
From: Eric
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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Steve Cramer <cramersec@charter.net > wrote:
> If you'd explored the site at all you would have found the order form
> http://www.nigeldenniskayaks.com/Pages/NDK_boat_orderform.pdf and seen
> that you have to check a box to NOT get a skeg.
If anyone is interested, I wrote to NDK about whether the 16' Romany
automatically came with a skeg. Apparently, it does not. It apparently
must be specifically ordered with the boat.
The specific question I asked was:
----
Does the 16' Romany come with a skeg by default or must it be special
ordered?
----
Here's the brief reply I got back:
----
Dear Sir,
You need to order one.
Regards,
Dave
Nigel Dennis Kayaks Ltd.
davewilliams@nigeldenniskayaks.com
nigeldenniskayaks@hotmail.com
----
--
== Eric Gorr ========= http://www.ericgorr.net ========= ICQ:9293199 ===
"Therefore the considerations of the intelligent always include both
benefit and harm." - Sun Tzu
== Insults, like violence, are the last refuge of the incompetent... ===
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Date: 29 May 2004 23:19:08
From: John Fereira
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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egDfAusenetE5fz@verizon.net (Eric) wrote in news:1gee272.jpse5m1fzltqpN%
egDfAusenetE5fz@verizon.net:
> Steve Cramer <cramersec@charter.net> wrote:
>
>> If you'd explored the site at all you would have found the order form
>> http://www.nigeldenniskayaks.com/Pages/NDK_boat_orderform.pdf and seen
>> that you have to check a box to NOT get a skeg.
>
> If anyone is interested, I wrote to NDK about whether the 16' Romany
> automatically came with a skeg. Apparently, it does not. It apparently
> must be specifically ordered with the boat.
>
> The specific question I asked was:
>
> ----
> Does the 16' Romany come with a skeg by default or must it be special
> ordered?
> ----
>
> Here's the brief reply I got back:
>
> ----
> Dear Sir,
> You need to order one.
> Regards,
> Dave
>
I you were in the market to buy a new car and picked out a couple of models
you were interested in most would be available as a basic model with out any
options. However, if you visit a new car dealership most of the cars on the
lot are going to have at least some options included. While it may be
possible to buy a new car without a radio/cd player most dealership don't
have vehicles on the lot because most people want a radio/cd player in their
new car. As Brian said, Romany's are not much different. Most of them
you'd find at a dealer have a skeg because that is how they order them. If
you're ordering directly from the dealer you have more options as to how the
boat is layed up, the color scheme, or outfitted.
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Date: 27 May 2004 14:12:29
From: Brian Nystrom
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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Eric wrote:
> Steve Cramer <cramersec@charter.net> wrote:
>
>
>>If you'd explored the site at all you would have found the order form
>>http://www.nigeldenniskayaks.com/Pages/NDK_boat_orderform.pdf and seen
>>that you have to check a box to NOT get a skeg.
>
>
> If anyone is interested, I wrote to NDK about whether the 16' Romany
> automatically came with a skeg. Apparently, it does not. It apparently
> must be specifically ordered with the boat.
>
> The specific question I asked was:
>
> ----
> Does the 16' Romany come with a skeg by default or must it be special
> ordered?
> ----
>
> Here's the brief reply I got back:
>
> ----
> Dear Sir,
> You need to order one.
> Regards,
> Dave
>
> Nigel Dennis Kayaks Ltd.
> davewilliams@nigeldenniskayaks.com
> nigeldenniskayaks@hotmail.com
Fair enough. I guess the more salient question is whether any of the
importers will actually bring in any without skegs unless they're
special ordered. Skeg-less Romanys seem to become "white elephants" in a
hurry.
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Date: 29 May 2004 23:06:51
From: John Fereira
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@att.net > wrote in news:hHmtc.76477$hH.1413324
@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net:
>
>
> Eric wrote:
>
>> Steve Cramer <cramersec@charter.net> wrote:
>>
>>
>>>If you'd explored the site at all you would have found the order form
>>>http://www.nigeldenniskayaks.com/Pages/NDK_boat_orderform.pdf and seen
>>>that you have to check a box to NOT get a skeg.
>>
>>
>> If anyone is interested, I wrote to NDK about whether the 16' Romany
>> automatically came with a skeg. Apparently, it does not. It apparently
>> must be specifically ordered with the boat.
>>
>> The specific question I asked was:
>>
>> ----
>> Does the 16' Romany come with a skeg by default or must it be special
>> ordered? ----
>>
>> Here's the brief reply I got back:
>>
>> ----
>> Dear Sir,
>> You need to order one.
>> Regards,
>> Dave
>>
>> Nigel Dennis Kayaks Ltd.
>> davewilliams@nigeldenniskayaks.com nigeldenniskayaks@hotmail.com
>
> Fair enough. I guess the more salient question is whether any of the
> importers will actually bring in any without skegs unless they're
> special ordered. Skeg-less Romanys seem to become "white elephants" in a
> hurry.
The VCP Skerray typically came with a skeg but I managed to find one that
didn't have one. I bought the boat used and really have no idea how old it
is. It had (it eventually fell apart) a moulded rubber seat (not foam) and
the newer ones all have a fiberglass seat. There have been a few times when
I wish I had a skeg on it but it hasn't bothered me enough not to keep the
boat for six some years.
My friend just got three new Curritucks in his shop. It looks like they've
improved the seat a bit and the outfitting in general looks better. They've
all got day hatches (VCP hatches). He also got in a carbon kevlar Mystic
and one of the Curritucks has the expedition glass layup. The upgrade cost
from a standard glass to kevlar or carbon kevlar is pretty reasonable. I
know that Romany's can be custom ordered (a friend has one with a metallic
purple/silver deck) but it's nice to see another company offer several
standard and custom options for a layup. The Impex site indicates one can
order an "Exotic layup" to suit your taste. For example, if you want a boat
without gel coat they'll build one for you. From what I've seen, Impex has
been doing a lot of things right since they entered the market.
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Date: 26 May 2004 02:14:33
From: Eric
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
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Steve Cramer <cramersec@charter.net > wrote:
> I've never seen a Romany that DIDN'T have a skeg.
Interesting. This would then seem to imply that most, if not everyone,
believes that a skeg is required for the Romany.
--
== Eric Gorr ========= http://www.ericgorr.net ========= ICQ:9293199 ===
"Therefore the considerations of the intelligent always include both
benefit and harm." - Sun Tzu
== Insults, like violence, are the last refuge of the incompetent... ===
|
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Date: 26 May 2004 10:40:49
From: Brian Nystrom
Subject: Re: Kayaks: Impex Currituck & NDK Romany
|
Eric wrote:
> Steve Cramer <cramersec@charter.net> wrote:
>
>
>>I've never seen a Romany that DIDN'T have a skeg.
>
>
> Interesting. This would then seem to imply that most, if not everyone,
> believes that a skeg is required for the Romany.
The only person I know who had one without a skeg sold it and bought a
new one WITH a skeg. He's an accomplished paddler, so I'd take that as a
sign.
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