ADOPTED: Nigel Dennis Kayaks (NDK) Romany Explorer
Praise for the Explorer --
Named Sea Kayaker magazine's 2011 Readers Choice:
Best Extended Touring Kayak
Wow. I was an NDK virgin until today. Two things just JUMP OUT about this boat. First, it is built like a tank. There is more fiberglass here than at a Corvette show. Second, it goes VERY straight VERY fast. The sharp bow and long stern keep a course so you can really pull on the paddle without wasting energy on course-correcting, even without the skeg. Apparantly the Explorer version is a tradeoff that gives up a bit of maneuverability for dragstrip speed. Bottom line is that if I were doing a week-long expedition around the Straight of Ishkabibble this would be my paddle mate of choice for speed and reliability.
This is a Romany Expedition with the rope skeg. The boat is a bit older but it is in time-warp condition. Really nice. Newer hatches.
The NDK EXPLORER may well be the most widely used expedition kayak on the planet, with circumnavigations of Britain, Ireland, Iceland, New Zealand and South Georgia Island and a number of the Aleutian islands to it’s credit. It is what an amazingly high percentage of high level coaches and expert paddlers choose to paddle, yet many novices find it to be very comfortable, responsive and forgiving.
The Explorer has a relatively high maximum hull speed and a good anount of cargo room. Simply stated, the Romany Explorer is a fun boat to paddle. It carves turns gracefully, and responds to paddler input with consistency and predictability. Its high volume bow stops the nose from plunging into waves and together with its soft rails and good maneuverability gives a paddler a geat deal of confidence in surf. The keyhole cockpit with thigh braces allows for good lower body contact and control. This is a very well rounded, user-friendly boat. It has good speed capability in all conditions, but is absolutely amazing in a following sea.
Length: 17' 8" (5.40m )
Width: 21.5" ( 0.54m )
The Explorer was designed in 1993 with the following features:
• A low rear deck for easy rolling.
• A white water cockpit. Gives excellent grip, control and a quick exit if needed!
• Three compartments, including an offset day hatch, allowing access at sea.
• Sloping rear bulkhead behind the seat, allowing the kayak to be emptied by
lifting the bow (no X rescue necessary).
• Polished deck recesses.
• Plenty of room for large feet or warm winter footwear.
• Exceptional manoeuvrability, with direction stability. Very fast in following seas.
• Large round hatches
• Minimum weather cocking in strong winds
Praise for the Explorer --
Named Sea Kayaker magazine's 2011 Readers Choice:
Best Extended Touring Kayak
In part Seakayaker reported — “ ...The kayak that our readers chose for extended touring does not have a huge cargo capacity, so for a long cruise you’ll have to think like a back-packer when it comes to the gear you carry. What was likely more important to those readers who voted for the Explorer was its ability to handle the rough conditions that you’re more exposed to the farther you paddle. In our review of the Explorer, one of our test paddlers took on 30-knot winds and 3-foot waves and concluded: “The handling in stronger winds and the behavior in confused seas are addressed admirably by this kayak.” A second reviewer, after paddling the Explorer in 20-knot winds and 2-foot waves, wrote simply: “It makes sloppy conditions uneventful.” You couldn’t ask for more.
The Explorer has a relatively high maximum hull speed and a good anount of cargo room. Simply stated, the Romany Explorer is a fun boat to paddle. It carves turns gracefully, and responds to paddler input with consistency and predictability. Its high volume bow stops the nose from plunging into waves and together with its soft rails and good maneuverability gives a paddler a geat deal of confidence in surf. The keyhole cockpit with thigh braces allows for good lower body contact and control. This is a very well rounded, user-friendly boat. It has good speed capability in all conditions, but is absolutely amazing in a following sea.
Length: 17' 8" (5.40m )
Width: 21.5" ( 0.54m )
The Explorer was designed in 1993 with the following features:
• A low rear deck for easy rolling.
• A white water cockpit. Gives excellent grip, control and a quick exit if needed!
• Three compartments, including an offset day hatch, allowing access at sea.
• Sloping rear bulkhead behind the seat, allowing the kayak to be emptied by
lifting the bow (no X rescue necessary).
• Polished deck recesses.
• Plenty of room for large feet or warm winter footwear.
• Exceptional manoeuvrability, with direction stability. Very fast in following seas.
• Large round hatches
• Minimum weather cocking in strong winds
Praise for the Explorer --
Named Sea Kayaker magazine's 2011 Readers Choice:
Best Extended Touring Kayak
In part Seakayaker reported — “ ...The kayak that our readers chose for extended touring does not have a huge cargo capacity, so for a long cruise you’ll have to think like a back-packer when it comes to the gear you carry. What was likely more important to those readers who voted for the Explorer was its ability to handle the rough conditions that you’re more exposed to the farther you paddle. In our review of the Explorer, one of our test paddlers took on 30-knot winds and 3-foot waves and concluded: “The handling in stronger winds and the behavior in confused seas are addressed admirably by this kayak.” A second reviewer, after paddling the Explorer in 20-knot winds and 2-foot waves, wrote simply: “It makes sloppy conditions uneventful.” You couldn’t ask for more.