2012 vs 2024 Current Designs Solstice GT

[CamD]

Good day West Coast paddlers!! I’m looking for some advice and info on the main differences in the vintages of the Current Designs Solstice GT. I’m looking at purchasing a used 2012 boat that’s in very very good condition and wondering what the downside is of purchasing an older vintage composite boat versus a newer one. Doing some research online I don’t feel like I have found the information I’m looking for. If anybody has some insight the can share on the main differences in these two vintages, that would be wonderful. And what would the appropriate value be of a 2012 solstice GT? Thank you so much for your time. Have a wonderful weekend!!

Respectfully CamD

 

[SalishSeaNior]

This might be useful to compare to the current model specifications - Current Designs Discontinued Models Specification Sheets.

 

[CamD]

Thank You I will have a look through this info tonight!

 

[CamD]

This might be useful to compare to the current model specifications - Current Designs Discontinued Models Specification Sheets.

Any thoughts on value of the boat on the used market?

 

[mick_allen]

2012 is hardly vintage, especially in very very good condition. For value, look at other craigslistings elsewhere, but this is a good time to buy - before spring gets going. If it's a good price, a good decision is never a bad one.

1996 approx SolsticeGT:

pre 2010 SolsticeGT:

2025 Solstice GT [reversed image]:

The Solstice has been around for some time, so I hardly think that there are 'main differences' betw slightly older [real older will have raised hatchcovers- like shown in the previous link by SailishSeaNior - but flush are shown by 2005] and newer stuff either than outfitting [thighbrace change, hatch profile change] or incremental ckpt opening sizes - especially as you are specifying the GT solely.

For example, there are slight height [read seam additions/subtractions] differences in the titan, super sport and [something] touring, but all are based on the same generic shape and size eg 17'-7" long etc.

 

[CamD]

2012 is hardly vintage, especially in very very good condition. For value, look at other craigslistings elsewhere, but this is a good time to buy - before spring gets going. If it's a good price, a good decision is never a bad one.

1996 approx SolsticeGT:
View attachment 16785

pre 2010 SolsticeGT:
View attachment 16783

2025 Solstice GT:
View attachment 16784

The Solstice has been around for some time, so I hardly think that there are 'main differences' betw slightly older [real older will have raised hatchcovers- like shown in the previous link by SailishSeaNior - but flush are shown by 2005] and newer stuff either than outfitting [thighbrace change, hatch profile change] or incremental ckpt opening sizes - especially as you are specifying the GT solely.

For example, there are slight height [read seam additions/subtractions] differences in the titan, super sport and [something] touring, but all are based on the same generic shape and size eg 17'-7" long etc

Thank You Mick, I was having a hard time finding used comparables in my area not much touring water close by so the used market is spars to non existent. I'll search some coastal BC Craigslist's ands see what I can find to compare. This one is within driving distance which is helpful. its a 2012 in great condition with a Werner 2 pc Kalliste paddle, PFD, pump and a transport cart for $2900 with a few odds and ends. seemed reasonable with a decent paddle. But I'm just trying to get up to speed on the pricing in the used market. I'm aware that there are a lot of factors like location and local demand, condition etc. Just trying to confirm the excitement of the purchase doesnt have me looking through rose coloured glasses..lol!

 

[Mark40]

Cam, I have a 2012 Solstice GT that I purchased used 4 years ago and it has been a fantastic boat. If you check Facebook Marketplace for the Victoria area there are a few used Solstices currently listed. That may give you a better sense of current prices. Good luck with your search and future purchase.

 

[CamD]

Cam, I have a 2012 Solstice GT that I purchased used 4 years ago and it has been a fantastic boat. If you check Facebook Marketplace for the Victoria area there are a few used Solstices currently listed. That may give you a better sense of current prices. Good luck with your search and future purchase.

Thanks Mark, I'll have a look straight away! Appreciate the information!

 

[drahcir]

Used kayaks have not been selling well in our area for about 3 years ... better before that. Currently on our Spokane, WA kayak craigslist there are two solstices:
2009 Solstice GT for $2400 USD (with paddle) ... "mint"
Solstice GT HV for $1600 USD (with paddle and new skirt) ... "excellent"
These are from the same seller and have been sitting there for maybe a year. This is a price snapshot.

 

[Mowog73]

I paddle a 1996 Solstice GTHV and my wife paddles a 2017 GTS.

The hull shape is different at the bow and stern between the two boats but I can’t tell if it makes any difference in stability or responsiveness. I think the rear hatch cover on the new boat is a better design, although I do like how big an object I can get in the rear hatch of my GTHV.

At some point (I do not know when), they switched from the sliding foot pedal rudder control to the gas pedal design, which I a real improvement.

As long as the boat has been well maintained and now stored outdoors in the elements (sun), I do not believe there is any to worry about in terms of buying and older, ‘vintage’ kayak.

 

[red kite]

I paddle a 1996 Solstice GTHV and my wife paddles a 2017 GTS.

The hull shape is different at the bow and stern between the two boats but I can’t tell if it makes any difference in stability or responsiveness. I think the rear hatch cover on the new boat is a better design, although I do like how big an object I can get in the rear hatch of my GTHV.

At some point (I do not know when), they switched from the sliding foot pedal rudder control to the gas pedal design, which I a real improvement.

As long as the boat has been well maintained and now stored outdoors in the elements (sun), I do not believe there is any to worry about in terms of buying and older, ‘vintage’ kayak.

But the hull shape difference is mainly because of the different model / size, not (or very minimally) due to the age. The GTS is supposedly designed for smaller paddlers. Whereas the GT would be on the larger side of average. The GTHV and GT Titan are "big boys" boats that will need an adjusted hull shape that accommodates the difference in weight / COG.

I believe that the hull shapes have not changed considerably after the move to Minnesota. However, the big difference would be the deck shape - during the 2010 updates the sharp peak in the foredeck got flatened out and rounded.

I suggest at least sitting in the kayak in question, better yet paddle it to make sure that the basic comfort is met. The outfitting (including but not limited to swapping foot pedals...) can always be tweaked later. And yes, overall condition should influence the price more than the actual age.



@drahcir
Are other brands / models moving faster?
IMO these days more people are buying kayaks that fit their needs more closely than they possibly did a few decades ago when there was less choice. The Solstice line kayaks are fantastic gear haulers that want to go from A to B in an efficient way. Day tripping? Meh. Having fun weaving close to the shore line and playing on a regular basis? Certainly not. I'd guess that that touring market share has become less and less over time. Around here, with the general population average age rising, I know several people who have down graded to a shorter more versatile boat for their every day paddling and just rent a touring kayak for the one multi-day camping trip a year.

 

[drahcir]

Are other brands / models moving faster?

The slow market seems to extend across the 'sea kayak' category, not limited to the solstice at all.

 

[LyleG]

Good day West Coast paddlers!! I’m looking for some advice and info on the main differences in the vintages of the Current Designs Solstice GT. I’m looking at purchasing a used 2012 boat that’s in very very good condition and wondering what the downside is of purchasing an older vintage composite boat versus a newer one. Doing some research online I don’t feel like I have found the information I’m looking for. If anybody has some insight the can share on the main differences in these two vintages, that would be wonderful. And what would the appropriate value be of a 2012 solstice GT? Thank you so much for your time. Have a wonderful weekend!!

Respectfully CamD

I would suggest buying a kevlar solstice GT if you can find one. Regardless of the age, you will find it to be lighter, stiffer and stronger than a fiberglass model. I paddled fiberglass for well on 20 years and upgraded to a kevlar. I found the improvement to be well worth the extra cost. My wife and I paddled around Cape Scott last summer through some pretty gnarly conditions and our boats were extremely capable.

 

[cougarmeat]

In my avatar photo at the left, you'll see Mariner XL, it's probably 20 years old.

Here's a link to my For Sale post (from 2019): https://tinyurl.com/3mzj7jwj

You can see, if well cared for, that a fiberglass model holds up pretty well.

Better than me

I sold it because I had an opportunity to switch (sale money from the XL, plus a little more) to a Kevlar Mariner Max. The older I get, the more I like the "lighter but still the same amount of expedition room" feature. Also, the Max came with a rear bulkhead, giving me one watertight compartment - a safety feature.

I wouldn't pay the additional price for a new Kevlar boat, but if the opportunity appeared to have about the same haul space for about the same price, but with one boat lighter (and still seaworthy) than the other. I'd go for the lighter boat.

That said, I am no Tsunami Ranger. The people I paddle with want more sightseeing and less adrenalin. So boat "sturdiness" is not an issue. Either boat, fiberglass or Kevlar, would work for me. As I approach 80. It's nice to be able to hold the (empty) Kevlar kayak over my head for loading on the car and carrying short distances.

Here's the kevlar Mariner Max in 2023 - both the XL an Max are very old boats. You take care of them, they'll take care of you.

I usually recommend keeping the paddles flat to the water for quick bracing. But in this case, The photographer was having difficulty negotiating the camera and I had to keep paddling to stay off shore.

 

[CamD]

Used kayaks have not been selling well in our area for about 3 years ... better before that. Currently on our Spokane, WA kayak craigslist there are two solstices:
2009 Solstice GT for $2400 USD (with paddle) ... "mint"
Solstice GT HV for $1600 USD (with paddle and new skirt) ... "excellent"
These are from the same seller and have been sitting there for maybe a year. This is a price snapshotThank Yoiu

Thank You for the information!I appreciate you taking the time to to respond! I did indeed purchase the boat!

 

[CamD]

I would suggest buying a kevlar solstice GT if you can find one. Regardless of the age, you will find it to be lighter, stiffer and stronger than a fiberglass model. I paddled fiberglass for well on 20 years and upgraded to a kevlar. I found the improvement to be well worth the extra cost. My wife and I paddled around Cape Scott last summer through some pretty gnarly conditions and our boats were extremely capable.

Thank You for the information!I appreciate you taking the time to to respond! I did indeed purchase the boat, I will put some miles on this one and consider your suggestions of the Kevlar layup on the next boat!

 

[CamD]

In my avatar photo at the left, you'll see Mariner XL, it's probably 20 years old.

Here's a link to my For Sale post (from 2019): https://tinyurl.com/3mzj7jwj

You can see, if well cared for, that a fiberglass model holds up pretty well.

Better than me

I sold it because I had an opportunity to switch (sale money from the XL, plus a little more) to a Kevlar Mariner Max. The older I get, the more I like the "lighter but still the same amount of expedition room" feature. Also, the Max came with a rear bulkhead, giving me one watertight compartment - a safety feature.

I wouldn't pay the additional price for a new Kevlar boat, but if the opportunity appeared to have about the same haul space for about the same price, but with one boat lighter (and still seaworthy) than the other. I'd go for the lighter boat.

That said, I am no Tsunami Ranger. The people I paddle with want more sightseeing and less adrenalin. So boat "sturdiness" is not an issue. Either boat, fiberglass or Kevlar, would work for me. As I approach 80. It's nice to be able to hold the (empty) Kevlar kayak over my head for loading on the car and carrying short distances.

Here's the kevlar Mariner Max in 2023 - both the XL an Max are very old boats. You take care of them, they'll take care of you.

View attachment 16807

I usually recommend keeping the paddles flat to the water for quick bracing. But in this case, The photographer was having difficulty negotiating the camera and I had to keep paddling to stay off shore.

Thank You for the information!I appreciate you taking the time to to respond!

 

[CamD]

Thank you all for taking the time to respond with helpful information, Im looking forward to getting it in the water this spring! Unfortunately I had a mishap while loading it in -15 celcius weather and dropped the stern and damaged the gel coat on the stern end keel so ill get to try my hand at some gel coat repairs when the supplies arrive.... But overall the boat appears to be used very little and stored indoors and in very very good condition. Definitely happy with the purchase, not so happy with the required repair...LOL!

 

[CPS]

It looks to be in excellent condition, other than that little booboo.

But gelcoat repairs are easy to do. Current Design usually uses a colour they call 'smoke' for the hulls, so be aware that if you repair with plain white that you'll have a bright patch to remind you of your repair. A purely cosmetic consideration.

 

[CamD]

It looks to be in excellent condition, other than that little booboo.

But gelcoat repairs are easy to do. Current Design usually uses a colour they call 'smoke' for the hulls, so be aware that if you repair with plain white that you'll have a bright patch to remind you of your repair. A purely cosmetic consideration.

Thank you CPS! Yes I’m pleased with rhe over all condition of the boat! I did order “Smoke”colored repair kit directly from CD! I’m not to worried I’m a realist and use all of my adventure gear without any reservations so it likely won’t be my last touch up…