Aquatec Ottowa Kayak - Long Term Review

[@Hollycroft]

Great review. I bought the Aquatec Ottowa in June 2022. My first ever Kayak and I love it. Your review has reassured me that i made a good choice. I look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@TheKayakCrew]

Thanks. Yes, we are pleased with the Ottowa. We using the Story drop stitch kayak more at the moment simply to fully evaluate it with a view to reviewing it. It does have some advantages over the Ottowa but we still definitely prefer the Ottowa for it's stability and comfort. Glad to hear you are enjoying the Ottowa too.

[@spandex5]

I got the tandem. Works great for solo with kit or for 2 people. Amazing Kayak and so robust.

[@TheKayakCrew]

They are nice kayaks, stable and robust. Got the tandem version of the Sandbanks Optimal which is a similar shape but the Sandbanks has a slight V along the keel so it tracks a bit better. The Aquatec and other ‘clamshell’ shaped kayaks are great all rounders

[@andrewclemmit2042]

That drain well is a great cup holder.

[@TheKayakCrew]

It certainly is, best feature of the kayak 😂

[@peterhansen767]

Thank you so very much for your excellent reviews! Very informative and inspiring. In my opinion the best channel for kayaking. I consider to buy the AquTec Ottawa. I'm still thinking about whether to buy the single-seater or the two-seater. I'll be riding solo about 50% of the time.

[@TheKayakCrew]

Thanks, very kind of you. We have much improved the sound quality on our videos since we did the Aquatec review a while back. We also did a review of the tandem version of a similar kayak called the Sandbanks Optimal on our Product Reviews playlist. That shows the Sandbanks being used tandem and solo. The Sandbanks is worth checking out, it has better seats and carry bag than the Aquatec and also has a slight V shape to the keel to help tracking. Ultimately, if you want to use the kayak tandem and solo, you will have to get the tandem version, since you cannot fit 2 people in the solo version of either the Aquatec or Sandbanks Optimal. The tandem is about 60cm longer, about 4-5kg heavier to carry and more cumbersome to paddle on your own than the solo, but if you want to paddle tandem and solo then it's your only option (unless you bought both the tandem and solo versions. You can paddle the larger Aquatec/Sandbanks solo, just pointing out that you'll be paddling a lot bigger kayak on your own some of the time. If you are set on a kayak to use both tandem and solo, you can get kayaks such as the Itiwit X100 1-2 person which are a different type of kayak to the Aquatec/Sandbanks but they are a good size to use both tandem and solo. We did a review of that and are just about to upload our review of the larger 2-3 person X100 which is a more in depth review

[@CharlieChapling]

Great review. Can you wipe this with a towel when finished and fold it away? Thanks

[@TheKayakCrew]

Thanks. You clean the Aquatec in a similar way to other full drop stitch kayaks. We hose it down to get the sea/river/canal water off, using a brush and sponge to get stubborn mud/sand off. They take a while to dry out then. We just leave it on the patio and let the wind and sun do its job. We use old towels to try and mop out and residual water before folding it up and packing it away. It's important to get it as dry as possible since you could otherwise get mould issues if it's packed away and its still damp.

[@kokopelli314]

I like the concept but IMO a velcro attached spray skirt would make the boat more seaworthy.

[@TheKayakCrew]

That is a fair point and a spray skirt would stop a lot of water coming into the cockpit. However, it is very rare for inflatable kayaks to have spray skirts since it’s difficult to implement on inflatables. On the Aquatec, you would probably need some sort of rim around the cockpit to attach the spray skirt to. When I use the Aquatech or other similar inflatables in fairly rough conditions, I tend to just bail out water which collects in the drain well in the floor of the cockpit. The similarly shaped Airvolution kayaks have a rim around the cockpit but I do not think that they have yet brought out a spray skirt for it.

[@henryfletcher2806]

Brilliant review ! Brought the tandem and loving it so far! Liked and subscribed ! Could you do a video of your top places to kayak in the UK ? Cheers

[@TheKayakCrew]

Thanks Henry, thanks, very kind of you. We also have a kayak which is very similar to the Aquatec Ottowa tandem (I think it featured in our video review of the Ottowa solo?). Yes, they are good, stable kayaks. How do you find the portability of yours? We find the tandem heavy but it depends how far you have to carry it and our tandem is a couple of kilos heavier than the Ottowa tandem because its slighly wider and has a splashuard rim around the cockpit (like the Airvolution 2 has). We have mostly done the Wales Coast, Welsh rivers and canals, the Wye and some of County Cork and County Kerry in Ireland so far. We do though plan do go further afield to do the Severn, the Thames and some of the English coast too and your video of our top places we have kayaked is a great idea.

[@moody_blue682]

A really good review and very useful. The only improvement I would suggest is to try to sound more natural and expressive in your commentary and a little less monotone.

[@TheKayakCrew]

Thanks. Yeh, I know, the commentary wasn’t the best, not helped my a poor mic (have since upgraded to a much better one)

[@pipstersim4421]

Hi, great channel with lots of useful information. We are looking to purchase 2 x tandem inflatables and are torn between the Sandybanks Optimal or the Aquatec Ottawa. Which ones would you recommend?.....really struggling 😂

[@TheKayakCrew]

Thanks! The Sandbanks Style Optimal and the Aquatec Ottawa are similar kayaks. I have only got the solo version of the Aquatec and the tandem version of the Sandbanks. There is a full review of the Sandbanks tandem on our channel, not sure if you've seen it? Anyhow, the differences are that the Sandbanks has a slight ridge along the keel which helps with tracking and has better quality accessories such as the seats and carry bag. There is a slight trough along the floor of the Sandbanks for the water to run to the drain plug on the cockpit floor. The Aquatec has a flat hull and flat cockpit floor and the drain hole is in a different position. The Sandbanks Optimal tandem is currently on offer for £599. I have enjoyed using the Aquatec solo and they are similar kayaks but I would recommend the Sandbanks Optimal tandem for the above reasons.

[@pipstersim4421]

@@TheKayakCrew oh wow, thank you so much for the quick reply. I'll take a look at your full review. Cheers.

[@TheKayakCrew]

@@pipstersim4421 you’re welcome. The Sandbanks Optimal review is on our Product Reviews playlist

[@pipstersim4421]

@@TheKayakCrew bought them, bought the licences.....can't wait

[@TheKayakCrew]

@@pipstersim4421 Great. You’ll have so much fun with them. If you have the waterways licence then a lot of the lock keepers on the canals and rivers will open the locks to let you paddle through

[@drdangerouspenguin]

Great information, thank you!

[@TheKayakCrew]

Thanks, glad you found it useful!

[@aydee99]

Excellent and thorough review.

[@TheKayakCrew]

Thanks, we wanted to use the kayak a lot of times before doing the review so we could try and cover every pro and con that we noticed after extended usage

[@iansimpson8309]

Great review. Really tempted by this but do you think it would be stable enough for someone new to kayaking but planning to use it solo on river and lake outings? I'm debating between this and the Hudson. I prefer the look and style of this but am wondering if it might be a little much for a first kayak.

[@TheKayakCrew]

Hi Ian, many thanks. We find the Ottowa stable and easy to get into/out of, espcially when getting in/out from a bank. We have not used the Hudson but know of it and have used similar hybrid kayaks with a drop stitch floor and tube sides. Hybrid kayaks such as the Hudson are usually also quite stable but maybe not quite as easy to get in/out of due to the tube sides. The Ottowa will be marginally faster but will weigh a fair bit more since drop stitch is quite dense (an extra 6kg according to their website). If you do not mind paying more for the Ottowa and are happy with the extra weight to carry to/from the waterside then I'm sure you'll enjoy it. You will also be happy with the Hudson, which is cheaper, lighter and will have more storage in the cockpit (you cannot store anything under the deck wells of the Ottowa, so you need to use the bungees on top of the decks to store stuff there). Hope this helps.

[@iansimpson8309]

@@TheKayakCrew Hi. Thankyou for such a thorough and comprehensive reply. How does the itiwit x100 1/2 person kayak compare? The reality is I imagine most of my trips will be solo, but I also know there will be occasions when one of the kids wants to join in. I was about to pull the trigger on it, but some of the reviews highlighted potential build quality issues. It seems post covid the manufacturing was relocated to China rather than France as before and this doesn't appear to have been an entirely positive thing.

[@TheKayakCrew]

@@iansimpson8309 Hi Ian, the Ottowa can only by used solo. They sell a tandem version but that is pretty big and while that can be used solo, it would be very unweildy. The Itiwit X100 1-2 person version (the yellow one) is 370cm long so it's a good size to used solo and tandem. If that is what you want to do you'd probably be better off with the above Itiwit or a similarly sized kayak such as the Aqua Marina Memba 390 (390cm long). We did have some issues with the Itiwit X100. First one had some sort of a failed seam on the hull which let water into the base of the cockpit. Have also very small punctures on the side tubes. That said, Decathlon customer services were good. I suspect all kayaks no matter what the brand are made in China tbh. In summary, if you want to go with your son on some occasions you'd probably be best with a hybrid kayak about 370-390cm long. Below is the link to our review of the Itiwit X100, if that helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWOvaaWGit2WhsU Below is the Itiwit Users Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/1404473223071447/

[@Ad-ventures-out]

Great review Carlos. I am going to do a review of my Sandbanks at some point but I might just put up a link to this video instead as it all applies to that one too. 😅

[@TheKayakCrew]

Thanks. I think the Sandbanks and Aquatec are basically the same other than a few minor differences and the branding of course. The tandem is essentially just a bigger version with a longer cockpit to accommodate 2 people.

[@Ad-ventures-out]

@@TheKayakCrew If you ever need another person for one of your trips, give me a shout.

[@TheKayakCrew]

@@Ad-ventures-out Sure, will do. Whereabouts do you normally paddle? Hoping to complete the Wales coast later this year by doing the North Wales sections

[@Ad-ventures-out]

@@TheKayakCrew I live in Shrewsbury so the majority of my paddling is on the Severn at the moment but I am very familiar with the North Wales coast as I went to uni in Bangor and studied Geology and Oceanography there.

[@TheKayakCrew]

@@Ad-ventures-out We are hoping to finish paddling every section of the Wye in the next month or so and then planned to start on the Severn which looks like an awesome river to paddle.

[@andrewclemmit2042]

Hi im 5'10" my feet fit against the front of the cockpit. I swapped the seat for an aquatec high back seat it feels and looks great. I love this kayak

[@TheKayakCrew]

The front well of the cockpit does act as a good foot support, but not that comfortable due to thefact that it's curved (which is why I wedge the backpack in as a buffer). I have copied a link below from someone called Rick Sparger who setup a foot support for the front of the cockpit of the Airvolution kayak. Its page 7 of his pdf. The Airvolution is almost the same as the Aquatec, so I guess a similar foot support could be rigged up for that (I've not tried it yet) myself). rick.sparber.org/TipsAndTricks.pdf

[@stevej6892]

That is a superbly useful video. Thank you for taking the time to create it. The long-term testing in multiple conditions is very reassuring. Definitely going to look at getting this or the Sandbank Optimal if I can work out what the difference is and how the handling/stability is affected (if at all). Also, do you have a recommendation for a suitable low-profile waterproof seat cushion! THANKS AGAIN. Really appreciate it :-)

[@TheKayakCrew]

Thanks for your comment. I do not think that they sell the Aquatec Ottowa any more but maybe you can still get one on Ebay or Amazon? Otherwise, the only option to buy them in the UK would be Sandbanks Optimal or the Airvolution. There is a UK dealer who imports the Advanced Elements Airvolution. I think the only difference is that the Aquatec has a U shaped hull while the Sandbanks is V shaped. I think Airvolution are slightly different again. I'd say that they all probably handle about 80-90% the same though. What sort of kayaking do you mainly do and where? There are a few European sellers of similar brands but problem with buying from Europe post Brexit is having to pay import tax. We still use the Ottowa and the tandem version of it but we are also now using hybrid kayaks (drop stitch floor with tube sides) which in some ways are the best of both worlds. I've tried a few seat cushions. I think the one I mainly use is a rubber one I got off of eBay. Not sure if KZbin allows you to post links to products but if you search Seat Pad Cushioning for Kayak' on eBay you will see them. They keep you dry and are more forgiving than unpadded seats but you do start to get a bit numb after a few hours paddling. I was going to try the honeycomb gel car seat cushion since I remember someone else recommending them as being great. If so, I will let you know what it is like

[@stevej6892]

@@TheKayakCrew Thank you again. I have now purchased a Sandbanks Style Optimal (version 1, £649) ex-demo from their shop for £399 including a 3 year warranty which was a bargain as the kayak hull is the same as their version 2 (£749) which I was preparing to purchase before the ex-demo appeared. For the benefit of other readers I believe the differences with the Version 2 over the Version 1 are a slightly better padded seat with pocket on the rear, bag modified with the shoulder straps on the opposite side to the wheels, and purely cosmetic changes to the paddle and kayak finish. The online service I received from "Richard" at Sandbanks Style in Poole was also very helpful. Thank you for you help in arriving at this decision. 👍

[@TheKayakCrew]

@@stevej6892 Glad you got a good deal on the ex demo model. The reason they moved the shoulder straps to the other side is because they can otherwise droop down and get caught in the wheels when you are dragging the bag. If you are dragging the bag then make sure you tie up the shoulder straps to avoid this, otherwise they may get caught in the wheels and it can chew the straps up. Hope you enjoy the Sandbanks. We are quite objective in our reviews. The Aquatec/Sandbanks Optimal have some drawbacks like any kayak but we'd definitely go for a 2 panel full drop stitch kayak or a hybrid kayak over a 3 panel full drop stitch any day. Happy paddling!

[@TheKayakCrew]

​@@stevej6892 Glad you got a good deal on the ex demo model. Yes, seems other than colours and the changes you refer to, its same as this year's model. They moved the straps to the other side to prevent them getting caught up in the wheels when you drag the bag. Suggest you tie up the straps when wheeling the bag to avoid this or it can damage the straps. The Aquatec/Optimal have some drawbacks but we would prefer a 2 panel full DS kayak or a hybrid kayak to a 3 panel full DS kayak any day.

[@seanpatrick1243]

Cheers for the very informative video! I’m 6’3” and am considering the tandem for solo and some tandem use. Are you able to position the seat well for solo use by a tall paddler on the tandem you have?

[@TheKayakCrew]

Hi Sean. Thanks. We used the tandem about 5-6 times as as a solo kayak. In the video, we included a photo showing the tandem with the one seat positioned towards the middle on an occasion when it was used solo (it's in the 'compared to the tandem version' section from memory). To answer you question, yes you can position the seat OK to use the tandem on your own. I checked out the D-ring positions on a photo of the Aquatec tandem and it's similar to the ones on our tandem. You would attach the rear straps of the seat to the second set of D-rings from the rear of the cockpit. You would attach the front seat straps to the third set of D-rings from the rear of the cockpit. That way, you can position the seat about a third of the way from the rear of the cockpit. You will find the seat back not as firm when using it solo since it will not be supported by the back of the cockpit (as it is in the Aquatec single kayak) but as long as you get the straps tight enough it should be ok. You can wedge the carry bag between the rear of the cockpit and the back of the seat to help give support to the seat back. Alternatively, you could I guess at 6 foot 3 just use the rear seat against the back of the cockpit although you may find the weight to be too much towards the rear then. I found the tandem to be manageable as a solo and I did a few quite long sea and river kayaks with it solo but it's too big for me since I'm only 5 foot 9 and about 60KG. The tandem is definitely slower and more cumbersome than using the single seat version when used solo. On the flip side, when you used the tandem with 2 people you will fly due to the 2X combined paddling power. At 6 foot 3 you may find it ok. The tandem is noticeably heavier than the solo, I could carry it on my shoulder when inflated but not very far! That said, you will no doubt wheel it in the bag whenever possible (which we even do with the single seater version). If you bought the single seat version then you would probably just about fit in the cockpit but it may be a slightly tight fit due to leg length. The cockpit on the solo is 125cm long. Hope this helps.

[@seanpatrick1243]

@@TheKayakCrew It does indeed help. Cheers for the detailed and very informative reply! The weight is definitely one big drawback which may push me to a hybrid in the end.

[@---sf5cf]

Which of these two kayaks will combine high stability and speed, safety and comfort of paddling: Aqua Tec - Ottawa pro Double or Advanced Elements - AirVolution 2. ???

[@TheKayakCrew]

Firstly apologies for the long delay replying, I'm afraid that I only just saw your comment when reviewing the comments on my videos. I've not used the Airvolution 2 kayak. I have used a Sandbanks Style Optimal tandem which is another similar type of kayak which is available in the UK (unsure what country you are from). The Sandbanks differs from the Aquatec in that it has a slight V along the keel which helps with tracking and it has better quality seats and carry bag. The Airvolution 2 looks to be very similar to the Sandbanks and the Aquatec. One difference is that it has a hard rubber rim around the cockpit. This is intended to help keep water out of the cockpit but not sure how effective it is since it's

[@clivecook7193]

thanks for that my wife and I are looking at buying a bluewave glyder we are on the river dart Devon and would like to take it on the sea too . we have had prospector hard shell Royalex . can you give advice thanks

[@TheKayakCrew]

Hi, I am not familiar with the Dart but it looks a bit similar to the Cleddau not so far from us, viz, flat water paddling on a tidal ria (flooded valley)? The Glider is a 3 panel drop stitch kayak and will handle differently from the Ottawa/Airvolution/Sandbanks which are 2 panel drop stitch. The Glider will be marginally faster but less stable. I have a 3 panel drop stitch similar to the Glider. It’s ok on canals and sheltered rivers but it’s wobbly and I don’t like taking it on the sea unless it’s super calm. Other option is a hybrid tandem kayak with tube sides and a drop stitch floor? They are more stable than full drop stitch kayaks and lighter but they are marginally slower. My gut feeling is that you won’t feel comfortable on the sea in a Glider or any 3 panel drop stitch due to the ‘wobble’ they have. They have ‘secondary stability’ and a lot of people find them ok but they seem to use them on canals and sheltered rivers. Maybe a hybrid would be the best of both worlds for you? Lots of brands of hybrid kayak (Itiwit, Aqua Marina, etc)

[@clivecook7193]

@@TheKayakCrew thanks for that I would like to sea fish as well so what you have said was really helpful cheers

[@Obliticus]

Informative video, thanks! But, was it your intention to sound like a monotone drone? I suggest just talking to us like a casual conversation... it's far more relaxing.

[@TheKayakCrew]

Lol, I know what you mean. Trying to learn the ropes with the narrative for the videos, so bare with me, it can only get better (surely can’t get much worse 😂)

[@stuartsneddon8919]

I would like your advice if possible please. I'm looking at either this or the Hudsun as a first kayak. I'm looking to mainly use on the canal and take my camera along for photography. However, I would also like something that I could take out on a calm sea. Do you think it is worth the extra cash for the Ottowa? Also, is this ok as a first kayak?

[@TheKayakCrew]

Hi, if you look at the specs of the Ottowa and Hudson on the Networldsports website then you will notice that the Ottowa kayaks are longer and also a lot heavier than the Hudson. This is primarily due to the Ottowa being full drop stitch while the Hudson is a 'hybrid' kayak which has a drop stitch floors and tube side pontoons. We do not own the Hudson but do own a similar hybrid kayak with drop stitch floors and tube sides. Are you looking for a tandem or solo kayak? If you are primarily doing canals and calm seas then both will be ok. It is probably not worth the extra for the Ottowa unless you really want full drop stitch. The other issue is whether the extra weight of the Ottowa is an issue for you to carry? You will get a bit more cockpit room in the Ottowa due to the tube sides on hybrid kayaks like the Hudson. Performance wise, not much in it. The Ottowa may be a bit faster due to the firmness of the drop stitch hull.

[@stuartsneddon8919]

@@TheKayakCrew thanks for your detailed reply. I'm looking for a solo kayak, that I can use to get me to places I wouldn't be able to take my camera. My only query with the Hudson is that the nose and tail (not sure of the correct terms) seem to be quite angular and out of the water. Would this be an issue? I'm also wonder like you say if the extra money is worth it, but then I think would I want to upgrade the Hudson sooner. So many questions 🤣

[@TheKayakCrew]

@@stuartsneddon8919 at the moment the solo Hudson is £250 plus postage. The Ottawa is £400 plus postage. Both are on offer. I have used the solo Ottawa a lot and like it. It’s got it’s faults but it seems to be better value than the Hudson if you’re willing to drop an extra £150 on it. As I said, the Ottawa is significantly heavier and longer though. 18kg vs 12kg and 380cm vs 300cm. I’ve used the Ottowa on the sea and estuaries mostly with some river paddles too. Don’t think I’ve used it on a canal. It’s stable but low sides to the cockpit so you can get a lot of water splashing in if it’s choppy but I just bale the drain well out. It’s prone to strong cross winds so I added an extra skeg to the front which makes it track way better on the sea when it’s a bit windy. I think you’d be happy with both though.

[@TheKayakCrew]

@@stuartsneddon8919 ps, I see what you mean about the nose (bow) and tail (stern) on the Hudson. Only advantage of that is if you are ploughing through swell on a choppy stretch of water. Otherwise, having the bow and stern so high above the water line just seems to make them more prone to cross winds. On canals though, cross winds will very rarely be in issue I guess

[@stuartsneddon8919]

@@TheKayakCrew thank you for your help, my only other consideration is storage for my camera. But I guess they both have room for that. I think I may well drop the extra £150 as I think it will save upgrading later down the line. I will mainly be on canals but would like the option of using at sea.

[@labtested1]

It sounds a little like it might be a little tight for a 188cm (~6ft 2in?) dude and a labrador? Probably better to get the tandem version? 🤔

[@TheKayakCrew]

Hi, at 6 foot 2, I think lengthwise you will just about be ok. You can rest your feet against the front well of the cockpit and use it as a foot rest. I am 5 foot 9 and my feet are about 5 inches short of the front of the cockpit but I wedge the carry bag in the gap and use that as the foot rest. It will be a bit of a squeeze getting your dog in too but the cockpit is quite wide and roomy due to the full drop stitch construction. I often have a large dry bag and a bag with drinks/food which I have in the cockpit next to my legs. The dog would need to either sit/lay between your legs or to the side of your legs. The decks are long with lots of storage space on top but presume the dog would need to be in the cockpit with you. The tandem would afford a lot more room but it's heavier and more sluggish than the solo. Labs are quite big dogs but as long as you didn't mind it being down next to your legs in the cockpit then it would be ok. If you wanted the dog totally out of the way though then you'd need to get the tandem. I think the solo would probably be ok, with the dog down in the gap between your feet at the front of the cockpit

[@labtested1]

@@TheKayakCrew Thank you for the quick reply. That's very helpful (so was your extensive review, by the way!). I currently use a AquaMarina Steam 412 so I know sluggish. 😉 It's not a bad kayak but the dropstitch floor has a relatively low pressure and you still sink in which is not great for the seating position and the speed. The outer size of the Steam 412 is pretty much the same as for the Aquatec tandem version. But inside the Ottawa should be more comfy with the thinner dropstitch sides compared to the pontoon style sides of the Steam. Couldn't find the measurements for the inside space for the Aquatec anywhere, though. But you sound like it's a quite significant difference compared to the non-dropstitch-side kayaks you are using? I'm wondering if the space in the Ottawa single kayak is actually larger than the space in the tandem Steam. That would be quite neat! Dog between the legs is fine for some time... but after a few hours it gets annoying and uncomfortable in the Steam because you can't reposition yourself, it's very tight in there: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYi8kGmQpaaZetk

[@TheKayakCrew]

Hi, I checked out our website review of the Aquatec solo which says; ‘The cockpit area of the kayak that you sit in is about 125cm (50 inches) long in the Ottowa solo kayak and it is about 50cm (19 inches) wide at it’s widest point in the middle.’ The cockpits of 2 panel clamshell design kayaks like the Aquatec are roomier compared to similar size pontoon side kayaks. Essentially, the cockpits taper less towards the front and rear. Not sure of the dimensions of the cockpit of the Aqua Marina Steam 412? I have a tandem very similar to the Aquatec/Airvolution 2 that I have used solo a few times but it’s too big and heavy for me to use solo. @@labtested1

[@TheKayakCrew]

@@labtested1 kayakcrew.co.uk/blog/aquatec-ottowa-kayak-review-%ef%bf%bc/

[@labtested1]

@@TheKayakCrew Thanks! I measured the usable space of the Steam-412 - the kayak has a bit of a banana shape with the front and back slightly bent up so you can't sit there, just suitable for a smaller dry bag. The usable area of the Ottawa seems to be only ~5-10cm shorter but also about 10cm wider at the same time (it's only ~40cm in the Steam). You're right, that should work out with my dog, the issue in the Steam is that I can't move my legs because it's all wedged in with the dog between my legs. The 10 extra cm will (probably!) solve that issue, I guess. 🙂

[@laddanerskit3199]

I have the Sandbanks Style one which is identical from what I can tell to this one. The only thing I don't like is the seat, it's awful. It's impossible not to get any water in the kayak and since you are sitting on the floor the seat soaks up water so that rules out use outside of summer pretty much. Another problem with the seat is that the back rest flips over easily when you are entering and exiting the kayak and gets wet. What that does is it causes the back rest to bend at the wet/dry line compromising the support. My solution was getting an actual seat that sits 8 cm above the floor. This way I stay dry and makes it a lot more comfortable for longer paddles. Yes I'm not as fast but I happily give up speed for comfort, you are not going to be beating any records in an inflatable anyway. Another thing that the seat allows me to do is fish and use it before and after summer as well since I don't have to sit in water. I will be adding a rod holder to it at some point too and perhaps even some kind of a paddle rest/clip.

[@TheKayakCrew]

Interesting to hear how you got on with the Sandbanks which is essentially the same kayak other than a few very minor differences (the main one being the V hull rather than the U hull). The seat on the Aquatec serves its purpose but could do with some padding in the base. I do not find water collecting in the floor of the cockpit an issue with the Aquatec, any water coming in seems to run into the drain well which is positioned between your legs. I think on the Sandbanks the drain well is behind the seat so maybe it is not as effective there? 8cm off of the floor is very high to sit, do you find it effects your stability? You could get some kayaking dry trousers for winter kayaking, they keep your legs and feet dry. I’m am trying out a few pairs at the moment.

[@laddanerskit3199]

@@TheKayakCrew I'm not sure how much the v-shaped hull actually matters, the Sandbanks is a spinning machine without the skeg anyway. Yes the drain well being behind the seat in the Sandbanks is probably what causes my issue or at least makes it worse. Btw do you have the drain open when paddling? The aftermarket seat that I got is a full aluminium seat so once I got it strapped it's very secure in there. The width in these kayaks is just about enough to fit these seats. The stability is probably affected however it's still not to a point where it matters I would say, these kayaks are too stable really. I'm happy with the solution as like I said it allows me to fish more comfortably but it does make me a little bit slower as it adds more weight to the kayak than the original seat.

[@TheKayakCrew]

@@laddanerskit3199 The Aquatec tracks ok with the skeg on but is affected by cross winds on open water. Just glued on another skeg slot to the front of the hull and hope to try it with 2 skegs tomorrow to see if it improves the tracking in cross winds. For fishing I guess you need to be sat higher up. I’ve never opened the drain well plug even when draining residual water out of the kayak at the end of a paddle. I would presume water would come into the cockpit if you opened it on the water? The floor of the Aquatec cockpit is kept pretty dry. On one occasion I dropped a battery for my drone on the cockpit floor and didn’t realise for about 25 mins. I thought it would be bricked by moisture on the cockpit floor but it was ok. Yes, they are very stable kayaks, feels like it would take a lot to tip them over.

[@laddanerskit3199]

@@TheKayakCrew Huh that's actually a good idea with the additional skeg... should add to the tracking. Might do that myself when I get the chance. Do you use the long narrow skegs (like the one that comes with the kayak)? Logic is telling me that the wider shorter ones would be better tracking. They should be right? The wider shorter ones give you more clearance as well as should be less prone to snapping off. I actually tried paddling with the drain plug open at the end of one of my trips and it didn't really seem to make a difference, the water level in the drain remained the same. I had about half the drain filled. The drain should work the same way as kayaks with those "self-bailing" drains I think, the bottom of the drain is just the canvas resting on the water and the dropstitch floor is obviously not going to submerge easily. Probably not a whitewater monster by any means but technically it should work the same way. I did manage to somewhat flood the cockpit by leaning and putting my entire bodyweight on one side but as soon as I was out the thing bounced out of the water and basically drained itself.

[@TheKayakCrew]

Sorry for the late reply, have only just seen your message. Very interesting to hear how you got on with opening the drain plug. I just assumed that it would flood the cockpit so have not opened mine on the water (or off the water for that matter). I have seen inflatable kayaks with self draining plugs but thought that they would only work if the plugs were above the water line so that water would pour out but not come back in. It may be that the plug in the Sandbanks is at the same level as the water so that water comes in but does not rise any higher so as to flood the cockpit? I have never opened the plug on my Aquatec, even when draining any water out after the paddle, I just turn the kayak upside down. On rough paddles where waves are breaking over the sides and splashing into the cockpit, I sometimes have to empty the drain well every once in a while by using a small cup to bail it out. Re the skeg, I did try the kayak last Thursday with the second skeg on. It did feel more 'grounded' and less prone to being spun by the wind but it turned out to be quite a sheltered stretch of estuary anyhow. I need to do some more testing using 2 skegs compared to having just the rear skeg to come to a definite conclusion, taking the kayak out in windier conditions. I will be doing a video about installing the skeg and what difference it made in due course. I know the wider but shorter type of skeg you mean, I think Aqua Marina use them on their kayaks. They certainly would be less prone to snapping and getting fouled on the bed of the river and they seem to be a more sensible shape than the long narrow skegs which are often a worry when paddling in shallow sections of river or canal or even landing on a beach. I have not been able to find shorter skegs online so have only been using the longer ones to date. I think having 2 wider but shorter skegs would be the optimal solution. We bought an Itiwit which had 3 built in short skegs, 2 either side and one further forward. They seem very durable compared to the slot in skegs. @@laddanerskit3199

[@lysan1445]

This was an excellent review of the kayak, with many good tips. Thank you! Just be aware: often, the paddlers had the paddle upside down. The shorter, more rounded and slightly broader part of the paddle has to face downwards. Only one paddler used his whole body to paddle, while the others just paddled with their arms. A paddling workshop helps you learn a more efficient paddling technique. It is easier to paddle with whole-body movement.

[@TheKayakCrew]

Thanks. Yes, we need to improve our paddling technique. I did not realise that you could have a paddle upside down. I see what you mean, you should have the more rounded tip of the paddle on the bottom.

[@lysan1445]

@@TheKayakCrew Ken Whiting from PaddleTV and Dan Arbuckle from Headwaters Kayak have videos on that which are really helpful. Due to Corona restrictions three years ago, I couldn't book paddle workshops in my area, and their videos helped a lot. I was surprised by how much easier it is to paddle when you use your whole body. I also hadn't realised you could have a paddle upside down. Happy paddling!

[@TheKayakCrew]

@@lysan1445 I've seen a couple of Paddle TV's videos about paddling technique. I'll have to rewatch them before I go out next again. I realised how bad my technique was when I saw GoPro and drone footage of myself paddling 🤣

[@lysan1445]

@@TheKayakCrew You should have seen me in the beginning! 🤣🤣🤣I had been paddling for ten years already before I realised paddling techniques exist... Nevertheless, I had fun, and I was outdoors. That's what really counts.

[@franciskynaston503]

Great review, thanks.

[@scottfarrell1906]

They doubled the price of this kayak. 1400 euro but its now on sale for 600

[@petersharkey5510]

Is this the same as the sandbanks optimal kayak?

[@TheKayakCrew]

Yes, the same as the Sandbanks Optimal I believe. The only difference seems to be that the drain well is underneath the rear well of the cockpit in the Sandbanks while it's in the middle of the cockpit with the Aquatec. Also, I think the Sandbanks has a V shaped hull and the Aquatec has a U shaped hull. The seats ,paddle and pump may also have some differences (we do not own a Sandbanks so cannot say for sure)

[@KTF1959]

Do you know what handling characteristics difference is between a ‘u’ shape hull to a ‘v’ shape?

[@TheKayakCrew]

@@KTF1959 The difference between the hulls is subtle. I've seen photos of the hull of the Sandbanks and it looks the same as the Aquatec at first glance. The only difference is that there is a shallow ridge along the keel of the Sandbanks whereas the keel of the Aquatec is flat and does not have this ridge. Our understanding that the small ridge along the keel in the Sandbanks would aid tracking slightly whereas the flatter hull of the Aquatec would give a slightly more level and stable ride. We asked the European supplier of our tandem the same question and the above is based on their answers. Would need to try them both back to back to see if there is much actual discernible difference though. There is a KZbinr called 'Fat Lad Ad' who has review videos of the Sandbanks Optimal which are probably worth you watching too.