Kayak Touring Outward Bound 2007 Edition

The Delta Eighteen 5

Manufacturer’s Statement: A serious contender for those spending long weeks on the water, or an enthusiast looking to go fast when you get that need for speed.  Be comfortable, be safe, be in a Delta kayak.
Comfort: Great fit in the thighs and hips.  The seat is padded, and the back band gives plenty of support.  The Eighteen 5 has a very large cockpit and will provide plenty of room for larger paddlers.  Handling: Initial stability is “like a rock,” said JM.  The Eighteen 5 is most efficient when loaded.  Otherwise, the length of the boat and its overall featherlike lightness give it a tendency to skid slightly.  “Didn’t take much to get this long boat moving,” said LB “And even though I’m on the smaller end of the ideal paddler for this boat, I surfed a boat wake for a nice long ride, in pretty benign conditions, which was a lot of fun”
Details: The Eighteen 5 has two storage hatches, but no day hatch.  Bungee cords behind the seat are in recessed troughs.  Nifty bungee-cord configurations hold down the hatch covers.  Deck lines are clean, and rudder operation was very smooth and easy.  Bottom Line: “The mini-van of the kayak set,” said DR.  There’s plenty of room for gear, it’s stable and easy to handle, and it will likely get a lot of use.