Gorgeous design. Clean lines. Beautiful on and off the water. Fabulous layup. Attention to detail is awesome, especially on the inside where no one else would look. Better than any of the other nine boats I have owned. Did not expect recessed fittings at this price.
Tracks as well as advertised. Maybe better. As stable as advertised. First trip on the water encountered more wind than I usually take on, and more boat wakes than expected. We paddle on a lake. No ocean swells, just boat wakes. Bass boats, pontoon boats, ski boats, personal watercraft. In our other kayaks and canoes, wakes are not a problem if taken head on or quartering into the bow. But wakes quartering from the stern have been a challenge. And then the sea walls. Homeowners have built sea walls along the lake shore. When there is a lot of traffic, we paddle relatively close to shore. Boat wakes from all directions reflect off the sea walls and produce chop that is unpredictable and unsettling. The Daytripper handled all of this without a bobble.
Amazing hull design. I have never paddled a boat that tracked so well, or in which I felt so safe in wind and chop. This is the boat I wanted, but did not really expect to find.
I picked up the NC-19 from the shipper on Wednesday and I can't get over how amazing it is. I immediately noticed some of the improvements including the recessed bulkhead openings and the new lay up. I enjoyed all the advantages of the extra length that would be expected with none of the drawbacks.
This boat is proof that NC is not resting on its laurels but has succeeded in making an already great boat design even better. Having paddled a fleet of other boats while waiting for the NC-19 to arrive, I can say without reservation that this boat leaves the rest behind in terms of quality, performance and aesthetics.
Just received my 2002 Excursion 15 Demo. I purchased this boat sight unseen over the internet and must say it is a beauty and seems to everything you claimed. The NC staff was very helpful and courteous.
Its nice to know that you can make a purchase like this and have it turn out better than expected. My impression of NC Kayaks is that it is a first class operation that I would have no hesitation doing business with again.
Thanks again
Just wanted to drop a line and let you know my thoughts on my newly purchased NC17 model. Much to my appreciation the kayak is everything you said it was! She tracks like it's on rails and is FAST.
I have had the pleasure of paddling several high end boats, but none compared to the NC as far as edging for turns or bracing. The kayak is as stable as my 25 inch wide plastic boat and secondary stability is really amazing. The only thing I would change is the carry handles the line is rather small diameter and besides the looks, tying a line off to it is a chore. Thanks guys for building a truly great kayak that has all the features a true sea kayak should have.
We have used your boats extensively at the coast and found them to be excellent in all conditions as you predicted. I really don't need the rudder and Karen has never regretted not having a rudder placed on her boat.
I want to report one incident that may be a first for you regarding your boats. Karen and I went out to Eggmont Key off of Anna Maria Island Florida on a day with heavy wind and rough seas. After arriving at Eggmont, the conditions worsened. I was able to attract a passing powerboat which gave us a ride and towed the boats back. The boats trailed beautifully and without cockpit covers were free of water when we landed them on the beach. So your boats paddle and tow very dry.
The boats have held up to heavy use..still no dings or chips. The fiberglass material and workmanship is all I could have hoped for..first rate.
We are more than happy with these kayaks!