Introducing the Epic V8 Tourer

[@darrenmanser2847]

Wow. So happy this. Came up into my feed. Is someone that loves the idea of touring and has had a V8 and a V8 pro. This is super exciting. I live in Nicaragua. I'm sure there's no epic store coming here anytime soon, but I'll definitely be exploring this. And the possibility of getting from. Miami. Interesting to see the comments about sale. I'm sure you'll be looking at. Really fun modifications of this for the future to serve a growing market. Also requested to know the dimensions how it compares to a. V8 Pro, because I absolutely adored that boat. Very sorry to have had the seller. To come to this country.

[@kayakintro]

Looks great! I still think I would go more towards the Audax unless it is significantly faster.

[@barryhiggins7452]

Great into video Mark. Agree this is a great innovation. Interested to understand how it compares to a decent fully loaded kayak in bigger conditions. Also wonder about how you’d manage surf landings? What do you imagine the limitations are compared to say your audax?

[@MarkSundin]

We've done the test with gear Barry, and it is a well designed hull that handles a load. Surf landings are possibly a little less intimidating as you don't have to roll if you get trashed coming in, I know I always feel pretty fearless coming in to land on my ski. Compared to a full blown expedition sea kayak like the Audax it has less volume, not the same bombproof construction (but the V8 Tourer is lovely and light), and a skilful paddler who can roll a decked kayak will always be a more seaworthy paddler than anyone in an open decked craft, especially on a wild day at sea.

[@kebolton]

My first thought: YES! My second thought: Can we put a sail on it?

[@MarkSundin]

We reckon it would need some reinforcement for the mast, but we’ve seen sails on the V7 and they work really well. The nice thing about Flat Earth Sails is that the installation is simple and adaptable to most paddle craft.

[@BradFocht]

I was really hoping for a tiny V8.....

[@Harve955]

Nope not a lot of thought gone into the touring side of this compromise. Where do you secure the hatch covers when accessing them on water? That's assuming you are able to reach them at all.

[@MarkSundin]

I can honestly say that in 20+ years of big water expeditioning in cutting-edge sea kayak designs, I've never even tried to access a main hatch (as opposed to a day hatch) whilst out on the ocean. The hatches are both tethered so if they did manage to come off somehow they won't sink or float away, but not sure why you'd think opening them out on the sea was a good idea?

[@Harve955]

@@MarkSundin I didnt see any tethers although I agree accessing main hatches at sea is not a good idea.