{"title":"Kayak Chooser - Intermediate Recreational","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Recreational\" means fishing, birding, photography, casual day-paddling, and so on. \"Intermediate\" means you've worked with epoxy and fiberglass, and\/or you're a confident maker.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/clcboats.com\/pages\/compare-kayak-specifications\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"mill-creek-13","title":"Mill Creek 13","description":"\u003cp\u003eEver since \u003cem\u003eWoodenBoat \u003c\/em\u003eMagazine featured the \u003cstrong\u003eMill Creek 13\u003c\/strong\u003e in a two-issue spread in 1997, thousands of Mill Creek models have been built. And why not? They\u003cstrong\u003e look good\u003c\/strong\u003e, they're\u003cstrong\u003e easy to build\u003c\/strong\u003e, and even though they are more stable than most kayaks, the Mill Creeks™ \u003cstrong\u003eoffer good speed and handling\u003c\/strong\u003e that you'll never get tired of.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Mill Creek was designed as a wider, shorter, and more stable alternative to the typical sea kayak. It \u003cstrong\u003eoffers the stability sought by nature photographers, fly fishermen, and birders\u003c\/strong\u003e. The most versatile paddling designs in our lineup, the Mill Creeks are true high-performance boats. That is, if high performance is defined as comfort, good handling, rewarding speed, stability, and classic good looks. Originally drawn as stable and compact complements to our more traditional sea kayaks, the Mill Creeks™ have found fans among paddlers of all skill levels because \u003cstrong\u003ethey offer so much boat in such a light and easy-to-manage package\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMahogany trim on cockpits and rails, cambered decks, and contoured slatted seats add grace notes, while the fiberglassed 6mm bottom panel will absorb years of groundings in shoal water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"related-content\"\u003eThe Mill Creek 13 echoes the feel of 1920's \"double paddle\" canoes. Combining the stability and comfortable seating of a canoe with the light weight and decked-in security of a kayak, the Mill Creek 13 is\u003cstrong\u003e perfect for photography, fly fishing, birding, or just relaxed paddling\u003c\/strong\u003e. Like all the Mill Creeks, the 13 is surprisingly fast thanks to her efficient five-panel multichine hull and feather-light 40-lb weight. The cockpit is 54\" long, so entry and egress are easy for everyone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo you fit in this kayak? \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/compare-kayak-specifications\" title=\"Kayaks need to fit right---check your height, weight, and shoe size in this chart.\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eStudy our kayak fit chart.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"related-content\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chesapeake Light Craft","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50173986734373,"sku":"460-9273","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0854\/4839\/2997\/files\/mill-creek-13-kayak_new-lead.jpg?v=1746721272"},{"product_id":"shearwater-14-hybrid","title":"Shearwater 14 Hybrid","description":"\u003cp\u003eCedar-strip kayaks are admired for their beauty and functionality.  Kayaks made entirely of cedar strips require a “strongback” and special molds, which translates into a lot of skilled labor and time.  Why not combine the best qualities of stitch-and-glue plywood kayaks with the beauty of a cedar strip deck?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is exactly what we have done with the Shearwater Hybrid kayak kits.  We took the standard Shearwater’s graceful hull lines and added a strip-planked deck.  The resulting hybrid of strip and plywood techniques combines the look of a cedar-strip hull with the speedy assembly and great handling of a West Greenland-style hull.  The Shearwater Hybrid is a kayak with elegance and individuality. Since the hull forms the “strongback” for constructing the strip-planked deck, assembly time is a fraction of an all-strip hull.  Our Shearwater 16 display model took about 100 hours from start to finish!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s how it works.  The Shearwater Hybrid’s hull is identical to the standard Shearwater’s, with computer-cut BS 1088 Okoume panels assembled with “finger joints” so it goes together very, very quickly.  Computer-cut molds are set into the hull with temporary hot glue.  These molds shape and support the deck during construction.  With the kit, we include 50% Western Red and 50% Alaskan Yellow cedar strips.  The strips are milled with a “bead and cove” joint so that one slides into the next for perfect joinery.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnce the deck pattern has been established and glued together, the entire deck is gently taken off the hull and the underside fiberglassed.  The molds are removed from the hull, then the deck is epoxied back in place, atop structural “sheer clamps.”  Finally, the top of the strip deck is fiberglassed and the cockpit and hatches are added.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs paddling boats, the Shearwaters are sophisticated and fast.  On the water, the Shearwater demonstrates excellent poise and responsiveness in a broad range of conditions, edging turns easily when leaned but tracking straight when pushed hard in surfing conditions. The narrow beam and low profile translates into fewer corrective strokes and more paddling energy spent on covering ground.  The speed and relatively narrow beam means the Shearwaters are not beginner paddling boats, but athletic paddlers and paddlers with intermediate skills will find them an excellent fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo you fit in this kayak? \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/compare-kayak-specifications\" title=\"Kayaks need to fit right---check your height, weight, and shoe size in this chart.\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eStudy our kayak fit chart.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur strip-built and hybrid kits ship with 50% Western Red and 50% Alaskan Yellow cedar bead \u0026amp; cove strips. Photos on our website and printed materials may show patterns and accent strips with walnut or other materials. Optional walnut strips are available and can be shipped with kit orders. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chesapeake Light Craft","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50173988929829,"sku":"2596-1025","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0854\/4839\/2997\/files\/shearwater-14-hybrid_new-lead.jpg?v=1746477772"},{"product_id":"wood-duck-10-hybrid","title":"Wood Duck 10 Hybrid","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eWood Duck 10 Hybrid\u003c\/strong\u003e substitutes cedar strips for the standard plywood deck, keeping the stitch-and-glue hull and underbody identical to the standard version of the Wood Duck.  Thus it's a \"hybrid\" of a strip-planking and stitch-and-glue building techniques. Wood Duck Hybrids offer builders with more woodworking skill the opportunity to customize their kayaks with creative strip patterns and designs.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a curious historical note, \"hybrid\" as a term describing a plywood kayak with a cedar-stripped deck actually predates the rise of of the hybrid automobile.  We still get a lot of email wondering if the Wood Duck Hybrids are electric-powered (they are not). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHybrid or standard, the Wood Duck 10 is a beautiful, easy-to-use recreational kayak. With a big cockpit and ample stability, the emphasis is on comfort.  But the Wood Duck 10 really paddles well!  Ultralight and easy to manage on shore, the Wood Duck 10 is a great point-and-shoot paddler, substantial enough to handle choppy conditions but perfect for idling into quiet marshes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompact, easy-to-launch boats like the Wood Ducks just seem to get used more often.  In a tenth of the time it takes to launch a heavy boat on a trailer or drag the big canoe down the lawn, you can slide one of these little kayaks into the water and be on your way.  Keep your Wood Duck on top of the car, and you are ready to toss into all the interesting creeks in your county.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCapacity is ample and meant to accommodate a broad range of paddlers.  Cockpits are 38 inches long, for easy in and out, and your legs and knees will not be confined.  The Wood Duck 10 will carry paddlers up to 200 pounds, and the Wood Duck 12 will easily handle a 275-pounder, plus gear.  A flush hatch for the rear compartment is standard in all kits; an airtight oval VCP hatch is an option.  In either case, both boats can carry a heavy payload in the fore and aft compartments, enough for picnicking, camping, or a whole lot of fishing gear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Wood Duck Hybrid’s hull is identical to the standard Wood Duck’s, with computer-cut BS 1088 Okoume panels assembled with “puzzle joints” so it goes together very, very quickly.  Computer-cut molds are set into the hull with temporary hot glue.  These molds shape and support the deck during construction.  With the kit, we include precision-milled bead-and-cove Western Red and Alaskan Yellow cedar strips.  The strips are milled with a “bead and cove” joint so that one slides into the next for perfect joinery. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the deck pattern has been established and glued together, the entire deck is gently taken off the hull and the underside fiberglassed.  The molds are removed from the hull, then the deck epoxied back in place.  Finally, the top of the strip deck is fiberglassed and the cockpit and hatches are added.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCLC commissioned\u003cstrong\u003e designer Eric Schade\u003c\/strong\u003e to draw and prototype the Wood Duck series of kayaks to our specifications.  Eric had a huge hit with his Shearwater kayak designs, also designed for CLC as fast sea kayaks.  He has another huge hit on his hands with these fun, good-looking recreational kayaks that anyone from age 8 to age 80 can enjoy on the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo you fit in this kayak? \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/compare-kayak-specifications\" title=\"Kayaks need to fit right---check your height, weight, and shoe size in this chart.\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eStudy our kayak fit chart.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chesapeake Light Craft","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50173989945637,"sku":"7878-5357","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0854\/4839\/2997\/files\/wood-duck-10-hybrid_new-lead.jpg?v=1746022550"},{"product_id":"wood-duck-12-hybrid","title":"Wood Duck 12 Hybrid","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWood Duck 12 Hybrid\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e substitutes cedar strips for the standard plywood deck, keeping the stitch-and-glue hull and underbody identical to the standard version of the Wood Duck.\u003c\/span\u003e.  Thus it's a \"hybrid\" of strip-planking and stitch-and-glue building techniques. Wood Duck Hybrids offer builders with more woodworking skills the opportunity to customize their kayaks with creative strip patterns and designs.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a curious historical note, \"hybrid\" as a term describing a plywood kayak with a cedar-stripped deck actually predates the rise of the hybrid automobile.  We still get a lot of emails wondering if the Wood Duck Hybrids are electric-powered (they are not). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Wood Duck 12 Hybrid is a recreational kayak designed for people of all shapes and sizes to enjoy on the water.  With a big cockpit and ample stability, the emphasis is on comfort.  But these boats really paddle well!  Speed is excellent:  a Wood Duck 12 can cover a lot of miles in a day, while tracking is solid in stiff crosswinds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompact, easy-to-launch boats just seem to get used the most.  In a tenth of the time it takes to launch a heavy boat on a trailer or drag the big canoe down the lawn, you can slide one of these little kayaks into the water and be on your way.  Keep your Wood Duck on top of the car, ready to toss into all the interesting creeks in your county.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCapacity is ample and meant to accommodate a broad range of paddlers.  Cockpits are 38 inches long, for easy in and out, and your legs and knees will not be confined.  The Wood Duck 10 will carry paddlers up to 200 pounds, and the Wood Duck 12 will easily handle a 275-pounder, plus gear.  A flush hatch for the rear compartment is standard in all kits; an airtight oval VCP hatch is an option.  In either case, both boats can carry a heavy payload in the fore and aft compartments, enough for picnicking, camping, or a whole lot of fishing gear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Wood Duck Hybrid’s hull is identical to the standard Wood Duck’s, with computer-cut BS 1088 Okoume panels assembled with “puzzle joints” so it goes together very, very quickly.  Computer-cut molds are set into the hull with temporary hot glue.  These molds shape and support the deck during construction.  With the kit, we include precision-milled bead-and-cove Western Red and Alaskan Yellow cedar strips.  The strips are milled with a “bead and cove” joint so that one slides into the next for perfect joinery.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the deck pattern has been established and glued together, the entire deck is gently taken off the hull and the underside fiberglassed.  The molds are removed from the hull, then the deck is epoxied back in place.  Finally, the top of the strip deck is fiberglassed and the cockpit and hatches are added.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur strip-built and hybrid kits ship with 50% Western Red and 50% Alaskan Yellow cedar bead \u0026amp; cove strips. Photos on our website and printed materials may show patterns and accent strips with walnut or other materials. \u003ca title=\"Bead-and-cove strips are available in a variety of wood types.\" href=\"\/products\/bead-and-cove-strips\"\u003eOptional walnut strips are available and can be shipped with kit orders. \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCLC commissioned designer Eric Schade to draw and prototype the Wood Duck series of kayaks to our specifications.  Eric had a huge hit with his Shearwater kayak designs, also designed for CLC as fast sea kayaks.  He has another huge hit on his hands with this fun, good-looking recreational kayaks that anyone from age 8 to age 80 can enjoy on the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo you fit in this kayak? \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/compare-kayak-specifications\" title=\"Kayaks need to fit right---check your height, weight, and shoe size in this chart.\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eStudy our kayak fit chart.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chesapeake Light Craft","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50173990011173,"sku":"6103-4893","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0854\/4839\/2997\/files\/wood-duck12-hybrid_new-lead.jpg?v=1751315083"},{"product_id":"wood-duck-14-hybrid","title":"Wood Duck 14 Hybrid","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe\u003cstrong\u003e Wood Duck 14 Hybrid \u003c\/strong\u003esubstitutes cedar strips for the standard plywood deck of the \u003cstrong\u003e \u003ca title=\"Stitch-and-glue standard version of the Wood Duck 14\" href=\"\/products\/wood-duck-14\"\u003eWood Duck 14\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, while the stitch-and-glue hull and underbody are identical to the standard version. Thus it's a \u003cstrong\u003e\"hybrid\" of strip-planking and stitch-and-glue building techniques\u003c\/strong\u003e. Wood Duck Hybrids offer builders with more woodworking skills the opportunity to customize their kayaks with creative strip patterns and designs.  Both versions are big, versatile kayaks in a compact, ultralight, easy-to-build package. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs a curious historical note, \"hybrid\" as a term describing a plywood kayak with a cedar-stripped deck actually predates the rise of the hybrid automobile.  We still get a lot of emails wondering if the Wood Duck Hybrids are electric-powered (they are not). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBy having \u003cstrong\u003edesigner Eric Schade\u003c\/strong\u003e add a little more volume to the Wood Duck 10 and Wood Duck 12 designs, however, we could help out two kinds of paddlers:  those who need a really generous amount of \u003cstrong\u003eroom for comfort\u003c\/strong\u003e, or those who need the \u003cstrong\u003espace in the cockpit for a toddler\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eor\u003c\/strong\u003e---more commonly---\u003cstrong\u003ea big dog\u003c\/strong\u003e.  The Wood Duck 14 is also an amazing platform for serious fishing.  Again, the cockpit is absolutely voluminous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause of its size, we don't recommend the Wood Duck 14 for paddlers under 200 pounds unless there is also a need for the extra-long cockpit opening.  We'd suggest a rudder for lighter paddlers.  The Wood Duck 14 is\u003cstrong\u003e ideal for all conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e, from placid narrow creeks to open bays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe amount of cockpit volume indicated a need for \u003cstrong\u003ewatertight bulkheads\u003c\/strong\u003e both fore and aft, so those are standard in the kit to make it easier to self-rescue.  \u003cstrong\u003eFlush deck hatches\u003c\/strong\u003e are also standard in the kit. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eWood Duck Hybrid’s hull is identical to the standard Wood Duck’s\u003c\/strong\u003e, with computer-cut BS 1088 Okoume panels assembled with “puzzle joints” so it goes together very, very quickly.  Computer-cut molds are set into the hull with temporary hot glue.  These molds shape and support the deck during construction.  With the kit, we include precision-milled bead-and-cove Western Red and Alaskan Yellow cedar strips.  The strips are milled with a “bead and cove” joint so that one slides into the next for perfect joinery.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the deck pattern has been established and glued together, the entire deck is gently taken off the hull and the underside fiberglassed.  The molds are removed from the hull, then the deck is epoxied back in place.  Finally, the top of the strip deck is fiberglassed and the cockpit and hatches are added.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur strip-built and hybrid kits ship with 50% Western Red and 50% Alaskan Yellow cedar bead \u0026amp; cove strips. Photos on our website and printed materials may show patterns and accent strips with walnut or other materials. \u003ca title=\"Bead-and-cove strips are available in a variety of wood types.\" href=\"\/products\/bead-and-cove-strips\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/clcboats.com\/shop\/products\/boat-building-supplies-epoxy-fiberglass-plywood\/cedar-strips-without-bead-and-cove.html\u0026amp;source=gmail\u0026amp;ust=1717778025339000\u0026amp;usg=AOvVaw2CuQ3oy3pof6bKxiFw1KZn\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eOptional walnut strips are available and can be shipped with kit orders\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"related-content\"\u003ePlans for the Wood Duck 14 include full-sized patterns for every part, the comprehensive step-by-step instruction manual, and of course materials lists and finishing detail.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDo you fit in this kayak? \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/compare-kayak-specifications\" title=\"Kayaks need to fit right---check your height, weight, and shoe size in this chart.\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eStudy our kayak fit chart.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chesapeake Light Craft","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50173990076709,"sku":"927-4233","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0854\/4839\/2997\/files\/wood-duck-14-hybrid_new-lead.jpg?v=1745951685"},{"product_id":"petrel-scout-sg","title":"Petrel Scout SG","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNick Schade’s line of strip-planked Greenland-style sea kayaks are renowned for sophisticated performance on the water, beautiful lines, and sculptural hull details. But strip-planked boatbuilding is not for everyone. Novice woodworkers and weekend hobbyists may be reluctant to take on a time-consuming project like the original strip-planked\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Petrel kayak kit\" href=\"https:\/\/clcboats.com\/products\/petrel\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePetrel kayak\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehowever rewarding. Nick's solution is a series of Petrels that are built of marine plywood, stitch-and-glue style, with great pains taken to retain the strip-planked original's point-and-shoot handling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe new 12-foot Petrel Scout SG\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eis a brilliant recreational kayak, and at \u003cstrong\u003e12' x 26\" \u003c\/strong\u003e[3.7m x 0.6m] it is compact and easy to handle. The Scout SG is built stitch-and-glue-style from CNC-cut marine plywood. With a 280-pound [130kg] capacity, the Scout SG is suitable for large adults, yet it is not too big for children. The standard sea-kayak-sized cockpit coaming can be fitted with a spray skirt for those venturing into rougher conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis design can be built with flush wooden hatches or the watertight rubber hatches typical of production sea kayak designs. Drawings for either option are included.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe parts-count for the Petrel Scout SG is higher than something like the \u003ca title=\"Wood Duck Kayak Kit\" href=\"https:\/\/clcboats.com\/products\/wood-duck-12\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWood Duck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e kayaks, making the Scout ideal for someone with a grasp of stitch-and-glue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDesigner's Notes:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne might expect that all the possible kayaks have been designed by now. We have long ones, short ones, fat ones, skinny ones, what more could we possibly need? I think we need the Petrel Scout.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBased on my very popular Petrel “Play” design, the Scout is the Play’s capable, adventurous little sister. Scout wants to go out and poke around the fun little coves, seek out the loons fishing at the entrance to the creek, sneak up on the turtles gathering on the floating log, or search for starfish along a rocky shore. If you are ready to explore, the Scout is excited to take you there. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eScout is a 12’ long by 26” wide recreational kayak that is outfitted like a sea kayak. It makes for a fun, easy-to-handle boat for exploring sheltered waters in safety. The bulkheads and watertight hatches give it reserve buoyancy and dry storage, which provides a measure of safety that is not always found in recreational kayaks. The sea kayak-sized cockpit allows the option of using a spray skirt if you are paddling in waters where you may be surprised by larger waves from boat wakes or rapidly changing weather.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe pert bow and stern profile keeps the waterline as long as possible to maximize the speed potential of such a short boat. The vertical sides maximize the stability. The recessed coaming gives you good ergonomics and paddling geometry.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Petrel Scout has bulkheads fore and aft, with the airtight rubber sea kayak hatches providing access to the bow and stern compartments. In the unlikely event you should capsize, the bulkheads limit the amount of water getting into the cockpit, and the airtight compartments at each end will keep the floating high enough to pump out. Keep dry clothing and gear in the bow and stern compartments. While no system is absolutely leak-proof, the rubber hatches are the most reliable solution for keeping water out of the sealed spaces.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe hull can carry over 300lbs [136kg], so it would be fun to pack gear for an overnight camping trip with either kids or adults using the kayak. The sea-kayak-sized cockpit allows kids and small adults to comfortably use the kayak without floating around as may happen in rec kayaks with a larger open cockpit. If larger adults don’t mind a conforming cockpit, the control it provides allows the Scout to be used as a very capable, responsive little play boat. While rock gardens and surf aren't this design's core purpose, I’ve taken the prototype out in very rough open water and active tide races, and it was a hoot. It handled the lumpy conditions ably.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIf you are looking for a fun, compact recreational kayak with the safety features of a sea kayak, the Scout will get paddlers of all ages and abilities out on the water. The bulkheads and watertight compartments provide a level of added security if you paddle places where you may occasionally encounter rougher conditions. Maybe it’s the kayak you didn’t know you needed.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e—Nick Schade\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo you fit in this kayak? \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Kayaks need to fit right---check your height, weight, and shoe size in this chart.\" href=\"\/pages\/compare-kayak-specifications\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eStudy our kayak fit chart.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chesapeake Light Craft","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51972618027301,"sku":"4879-5399","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0854\/4839\/2997\/files\/petrel-scout-sg_new-lead.jpg?v=1770239557"}],"url":"https:\/\/clcboats.com\/collections\/kayak-chooser-intermediate-recreational.oembed","provider":"Chesapeake Light Craft","version":"1.0","type":"link"}