Valley Aquanaut HV (poly) for Sale $1200

[Alex Matthews]

Made in Nottingham England, Valley Sea Kayaks are some of the most respected, and classic designs ever produced. Built quality is excellent: this is a roto-moulded polyethylene construction, employing a ‘triple layer plastic’ build for increased stiffness and durability. The Aquanaut is a classic British sea kayak with a cable-controlled drop skeg (cable is new), 3 bulkheads (welded-in poly bulkheads - far more durable than foam), and 3 rubber hatch configuration. The large oval hatch covers are brand new Kajak Sport hatches designed for the VCP rings - they do not rot in the sun, and are very waterproof. Cockpit features adjustable thigh braces, hip pads, back-band, and foot pedals, for a customized fit. The Aquanaut HV is stable, great in rough water, and responds very nicely to edging and more advanced strokes. Rolls well. It’s a fun, capable British sea kayak with good load carrying capacity, and excellent manners in rougher conditions. 17'6" long x 22.5" wide.
Located in Victoria, B.C.

 

[Alex Matthews]

To my surprise, my Valley Aquanaut didn't sell last year, so I'm bumping it back for consideration
Thanks!

 

[sunspot]

Just wanted to say that I’ve paddled the fibreglass version of an Aquanaut HV for about 13 years, after having selected it from the 15 or so skeg boats that Ecomarine had at the time. It’s a great boat for a tall paddler - a very comfortable seat and cockpit fit, my feet aren’t squished in like for most other skeg boats, enough capacity for a 10-day trip, and handles rough water and crosswinds really well with just a 1/4 drop of the skeg. i haven’t paddled the poly version but if it’s anything like the fibreglass one then it’s definitely worth consideration.

 

[Alex Matthews]

Thanks for the input Sunspot. The Aquanaut HV was definitely aimed at bigger paddlers, but having said that, it's nowhere as big a boat as I thought it would be. I'm not a big guy - I'm skinny (6' & 160lbs), and the fit works pretty well for me. Obviously it's roomy (I'm on the small side for the boat for sure), but I still get a good connection with the kayak for edging, rolling etc. And you get the greater cargo capacity, and stability!

 

[CreatureDoctor]

Thanks for the input Sunspot. The Aquanaut HV was definitely aimed at bigger paddlers, but having said that, it's nowhere as big a boat as I thought it would be. I'm not a big guy - I'm skinny (6' & 160lbs), and the fit works pretty well for me. Obviously it's roomy (I'm on the small side for the boat for sure), but I still get a good connection with the kayak for edging, rolling etc. And you get the greater cargo capacity, and stability!

How large of a paddler do you think would work well in this boat? I'm 6'2", about 220.

 

[sunspot]

How large of a paddler do you think would work well in this boat? I'm 6'2", about 220.

I’m 6’3” and 190. This kayak would fit you well IMHO, compared to the many other skeg boats I tried before deciding on my Aquanaut HV. Also, I can easily imagine a taller and heavier paddler in this kayak. I think it might feel tubby on someone shorter than 5’11- 6’.

 

[CreatureDoctor]

I’m 6’3” and 190. This kayak would fit you well IMHO, compared to the many other skeg boats I tried before deciding on my Aquanaut HV. Also, I can easily imagine a taller and heavier paddler in this kayak. I think it might feel tubby on someone shorter than 5’11- 6’.

Very helpful, thank you. Do you have the poly or composite version of the boat?

 

[sunspot]

Very helpful, thank you. Do you have the poly or composite version of the boat?

Composite. I understand the poly version differs in some ways but haven’t looked into it.

 

[Alex Matthews]

I've paddled both the composite & poly versions (current owner of this poly one). One significant difference re fit are the adjustable thigh braces in the poly version. These can be move fore or aft as desired, and change the fit significantly. The thigh hooks in the composite model are conventional fixed ‘flanges’ on the cockpit combing. Closed cell foam can do wonders to dial in the fit, but the ability to actually move a thigh hook almost always yields a wider range of fit comfort for differently proportioned paddlers.
Looks like you are in California ‘Creature Doctor’ otherwise I would invite you to sit in my boat. I even know someone with the composite model here in Victoria too.