FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I paddled an NDK explorer HV when I was shopping around for a kayak, and make the drive to Sweetwater Kayaks in Tampa. I found that it's an easy boat to roll and maneuverable, however, I did not feel that it was a comfortable boat to sit in for hours at a time. This is an issue with most British made boats that use the backband system.
SPECIFICATIONS
Explorer LV | Explorer | Explorer HV | |
LENGTH | 17FT 6IN (532CM) | 17FT 6IN (533CM) | 17FT 6IN (533CM) |
WIDTH | 21.5IN (54.5CM) | 21.25IN (54CM) | 22.0IN (56CM) |
DEPTH | 12.2IN (31CM) | 13.6IN (34CM) | 13.8IN (35CM) |
STERN HATCH | 14.5gal (55L) | 14.5gal (56L) | 14.7gal (56L) |
DAY HATCH | 9.8gal (37L) | 9.9gal (37L) | 10.0gal (38L) |
BOW HATCH | 21.1gal (80L) | 19.3gal (73L) | 19.3gal (73L) |
COCKPIT | 29.0gal (110L) | 38.8gal (147L) | 40.1gal (152L) |
TOTAL VOLUME | 74.5gal (282L) | 82.8gal (313L) | 84.3gal (319L) |
CARGO CAPACITY
The explorer has great cargo capacity, especially the HV variant. However, the lack of an oval hatch makes it a bit difficult to store long items such as tent poles. Other than that you should have no issues getting in all the gear you need for a week long trip.
SPEED AND TRACKING
This is a boat made for covering long distances. On strong cross winds you might notices some weather cocking but the skegg will compensate for it.
MANUVERABILITY AND SURFING
For a 17FT boat it is very responsive to edging and surfing. It has a good compromise between speed and maneuverability.
The YouTube Videos below from Sea Kayaking Cornwall shows the NDK in a variety of sea conditions.
COMFORT
I'm not a fan of the backband seat, but you can get a customized foam seat from Red Fish Kayaks, which will more than solve the problem. You may also want to customize the knee braces as well. I felt bit too tight even in the HV version.
ROLLING
The explorer hull is torpedo shaped, which makes rolling the kayak a smooth and continuous experience. If you don't have the best rolling technique, (maybe you get your head out of the water a little too early), this boat will forgiving enough that you'll make it all the way around, most of the time.
The YouTube videos below from Dynarobin shows a gentleman bracing and rolling the NDK explorer.
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