Boat Speed Comparison

Paddlers frequently ask us how much faster they can expect to be in one of our kayaks versus one of the others. For example: How much faster will I be if I move from the 16X to the 18X?

One of our initial responses is that numbers relating to boat speed and time trials are very subjective, and vary from paddler to paddler. Personal fitness, technique and personal preference can all play a role in whether one boat is better than another for a specific individual.

However, all things being equal, it is fun and informative to gauge the different levels of performance that are possible throughout the kayak models.

We don’t yet have intense drag calculations to give precise answers, although we do want to have them in the future. We do have the next best thing, Greg’s analysis of his own speed expectations for our kayaks. This is a non-scientific analysis, based solely on Greg’s experience in the boats.

The following times are what Greg Barton, paddling the stated Epic kayak models, would expect to record in a 10K flatwater time-trial. The second set of times reflect Greg’s best estimate as to what an intermediate level paddler could expect on the same course.

Greg:

Epic 16X: 46:40

Epic 18X: 45:50

Epic V10 Sport: 45:00

Epic V10: 44:00

Epic V12 & Legacy ICF: 43:30

Intermediate Level Paddler:

Epic 16X: 53:50

Epic 18X: 53:10

Epic V10 Sport: 52:40

Epic V10: 52:00

Epic V12: 51:45

Epic Legacy ICF: 52:40 (slower in Legacy due to stability issues)

Some thoughts from Greg:

- It’s important to remember that as your conditioning/technique/speed increase, you’ll see more advantage to using a faster boat.

- Even though the hull speed of the Legacy is faster, most people will still be faster in a V10 or V12 because the increased stability will allow them to effectively apply power.

- The Legacy will also depend on paddler weight. My weight is 175 lbs. Paddlers over 200 lbs. (even good ones with strong stability skills) will be faster in a V10 or V12 than a Legacy. The longer length of a ski more easily supports the weight of a heavier paddler. Those under 150 lbs. and with good stability skills will find more advantage in the Legacy over the skis.

- As soon as the conditions pick up, even 6”-12” chop, the skis have a tremendous advantage over a Legacy K1.

- At normal touring intensities, around 4 mph, the 16X and 18X are nearly the same speed.