Well it is finally here and in stock. I had to take it out for a paddle of course, WOW! What a very different boat. It seems every bit as fast as a modern ICF K-1 and every bit as tippy! (Note: These boats are designed for paddlers 165 pounds and up, If you are skinny like me at 150 pounds the boat will have a much smaller waterline beam making it tippier.)It is about 2 and a half feet longer than a ICF boat making it just under 20 feet long. Even though it is about 18 inches wide it is only about 13 inches wide at the waterline. I knew it would be tippy when I put it in the water and it tipped over just sitting by itself! It was very hard to for me to ballance sitting still unless I let it lean 20 degrees over. That is the big difference between it and a pure Vanquish - you can lean it and gain some stability like a wildwater boat. Once I was moving it was a lot of fun and of course very fast. The paddle entry is great and that skinny bow just knifes through any chop. I did about 6 laps on the lake and toweled it off. Would I buy one for myself? Not me as I just don't weigh enough, plus I'd give up a bit of speed for some stability (like the Viper 51 thank you). The person that should by one is a sprinter (over 165 pounds) that wants a boat to paddle when it is too bumpy for their regular K-1 or wants a higher cruise speed to race in the unlimited class. I also think every sprint club should have one of these as they feel just as tippy but you can save it at 20 degrees unlike a normal sprint kayak, what a great way for beginners to learn without constantly rescuing them.
Check out the skinny bow and the flare at the cockpit.
This shot shows the hi performance spade rudder and the wierd stern that allows a kick up rudder to be added later.
Here you can see the skinny hull profile.
The photos here are the one we currently have in stock. It weighs 24 pounds on our scale. It comes with 2 spade rudders and a high and low seat. Nelos retail price on this boat is $3,100 plus we will add the shipping we paid ($180.00) to get it to our shop and sales tax of 7.25% if you live in California. I can order these in other colors but please allow about 8 - 12 weeks delivery time.
If you want to buy one call my cell at(805)441-7463 or email me.
Check out the other race kayaks we have available at the bottom of our wing paddle website here.