The 'fast kayak' bug is biting again and I am trying to get some information on the Rapier 18 and 20. And why not on the new 19 if you know anything about its release/performance on the water?I saw a reference to Eric Nyre and a Rapier somewhere on the Net, so Eric, if you read this, please chime-in.I do not have one to paddle locally. So, basically, I am trying to find out what the 'personality' of these boat is compared to say a KayakPro Marlin, Epic 18x or V10 Sport surf ski might be.And also fit - are they roomier in terms of foot and leg room than the Marlin (the minimum I need, the size 15 flappers don't fit in the Epic 18x but could in the Marlin with some minor modification of the rudder plate assembly).EFT is also a potentially interesting boat to compare to, though I have not paddled that either. RapiersPaddled the first two Rapiers (18 and 20) to hit these shores years back. Spent three weeks with the Rapier 18, raced it, etc.
Rapier 20 by Valley Sea Kayaks. The Rapier was a true clean-sheet design. You could say we. First and foremost, the Rapier had to be a capable open-water kayak, having sufficient stability to. Price: $3,099 fiberglass; $3,649 Pro Kevlar.
Not really a boat for a smaller paddler, as I'm 6'1' and 198 lbs., and fit in it fine (Size 12s). HATED the rudder system and the seat (Marquis de Saddle), but the boat itself was fine-deceptively quick. I raced against skis and held my own-actually made up ground in in after a botched portage exit.The 20 I paddled was tighter in the beam; again was hampered by that rudder system, and a poorly set up one at that, so it was probably not indicative of a production boat. It was quite fast and totally rudder dependent-nice boat.
Valley Selkie Kayak
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The thigh braces are brilliant, high and out of the way for knees up and together posture. There when you need 'em, out of the way when you don't.The original 18 is for sale in LI, NY. I think you could get it for $1500 or possibly less. It's been retrofitted with a tiller bar.Email off line if you'd like the contact. Last Updated: Mar-10-09 2:45 PM EST -Have one that I modified, ripped seat out and added a WestSide racing seat, original seat was horrible, I would need a blood transfusion after any long paddle due to rubbing in various places!
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Rudder system is bad, installed a SmartTrack rudder with Patricks pedal system,oh what a difference! The hooked thigh grips gave me a slight fear of entrapment, so I trimmed them down considerably. I agree with Trilibite in that it is deceptively fast, turns on a dime with the foiled rudder that I added and is a lively boat, tender for those comparing it to a Q700 or other Sea Kayak. With that high deck you should have no problem fitting your size 15's in there, in fact that high deck will keep you from getting lazy and lowering your arms on the stroke, your thumbs will pay for it.HEX.