alexsidles
Paddler
One of my clunky folding kayaks has reached the end of its service life. Now I'm looking to upgrade. I have a line on two used kayaks, one a Sterling Grand Illusion, the other a Tiderace Xceed-X.
The two boats are comparable in price, but the Tiderace is a couple years younger than the Sterling. Assume both boats are in good condition. Both boats are in the "heavy" fiberglass configuration, which for the Sterling means 50 pounds and the Tiderace 59 pounds. Skegs, not rudders.
Intended use will be expeditions of up to three weeks' duration in open water, with surf launching and landings. Daily paddling distance 20+ miles in conditions up to 25 knots. Your typical west coast Vancouver Island-type stuff.
I am a 6'3" paddler, 230 pounds, US size 13 boots (190 cm, 104 kg, EU size 47).
I would appreciate everyone's thoughts on the relative merits of these boats.
Alex
The two boats are comparable in price, but the Tiderace is a couple years younger than the Sterling. Assume both boats are in good condition. Both boats are in the "heavy" fiberglass configuration, which for the Sterling means 50 pounds and the Tiderace 59 pounds. Skegs, not rudders.
Intended use will be expeditions of up to three weeks' duration in open water, with surf launching and landings. Daily paddling distance 20+ miles in conditions up to 25 knots. Your typical west coast Vancouver Island-type stuff.
I am a 6'3" paddler, 230 pounds, US size 13 boots (190 cm, 104 kg, EU size 47).
I would appreciate everyone's thoughts on the relative merits of these boats.
Alex