multisportIntroduction by John JacobyThis category was spawned almost solely as the result of one race; the Coast to Coast in New Zealand, where no specifications exist and the course involves a long 67km paddle down a cold fast flowing river with good grade 2 rapids. The craft in this category are basically anything that doesn’t fit into any of the other categories!

The multisport boats tend to be very multi-purpose and can generally handle conditions such as rough lakes, up to grade 3 rapids(so long as not too much maneuverability is required), calm oceans and also flat rivers.

20 years ago this category of boat did not exist. It evolved as a result of myself paddling a K1 down the river in the Coast to Coast race and the Kiwis being peed off that they did not have boat that was comparable in speed! New Zealander’s ingenuity prevailed and they came up with some well designed craft such as the Evolution Edge which continues to be competitive even today. The Time Bandit has similar lines and is an extremely competitive boat and very stable for its speed.

Again, plastic boats have entered this arena with some quite reasonable designs but again weight is the thing that holds these craft back. There is now an excellent range of craft in this category for all levels/abilities but my feeling is to select a craft slightly above your current ability level and get out there and train in it and get used to it. A few swims never hurt anyone! Because these craft are designed to handle whitewater they are generally quite stable on flat water. Even a relative beginner prepared to put some time in will find themselves confidently paddling a Time Bandit on flat water in a very short space of time.

Multisport boats tested include:- Time Bandit

- Ruahine Firebolt

- The Flash

- Cobra Viper

- Finn Multisport

5.3

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QuestionSummary of SubjectiveComments

Are there any design elements or features you particularly liked?

Back support strap, high volume deck, cut-away deck for close paddle placement, simplicity of foot peg system, water shedding capabilities, light, good rudder

Do you have any suggestions for improving anything?

Foot board is difficult to adjust, lengthen cockpit, lower cockpit near thigh to enable bracing, improve seat, wider cockpit for bigger bums

What did you most like about this boat?

Runs well, stable, fast, seat, light and long, maneuverability, responsive, tight fit but comfy/ supportive, a lot more stable than it looks, great steering

What did you least like about this boat?

Wind affects it badly, high deck in front of cockpit, whitewater seat position, hard to adjust footplate, entry hard

Anything that a beginner should be aware of in considering this boat?

Cockpit size could make it hard to get out of, quite tippy, OK for competitive beginners and above, all those looking at multisport races

What type of paddler do you think this craft would be most suitable for?

AR/down river/flat water, suitable for long distance, intermediate to expert racing and training

If you had a choice of 6 boats you’d like to own would this boat be in your top 6?

9 Yes, 1 Maybe, 2 No

Rate the looks (ignoring colour) on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being drop dead gorgeous and 1 fugly.

7.5

Name Time bandit

Type Multisport

Length (metres) 6.16

Beam (cm) 42.5

N/A

N/A

Weight as tested 13.1kg

Manufacturer/distributor notes including purpose for which

boat was designed

Long sleek multi-sport boat capable of carrying people over 75kg

Construction method/material Fibreglass or carbon/kevlar

State/Country of manufacture Grafton, NSW

RRP From $1690

Contact Steve Muir

Email info@graftonpaddlesports.com

Website www. graftonpaddlesports.com

Ideal Weight

Features & Options(options denoted by O)

Summary of scores on a 5 point scale

Multisport boats tested

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1. Primary stability 3 3 4 3 42. Secondary stability 4 3 4 5 43. How easy is the boat to enter (and exit)? 3 3 3 2 44. How comfortable is the seat? 3 3 4 1 35. How supportive is the seat position? 4 4 3 3 36. How did the boat affect your body position? 5 3 5 3 37. Is the footbar and steering/pedal system effective? 4 3 5 3 38. Is the steering effective? 4 4 4 3 39. How responsive did the kayak feel to your input? 4 4 4 4 310. How much did you have to adjust your natural paddling technique in this boat?

5 4 5 3 4

11. How wet did you get? 5 5 4 5 5

* Refer to Section 10 for the detailed questionnaire and scoring notes provided to testers. Scores shown above are the mode not the mean.

Time is straight-line speed extrapolated to the benchmark of one hour for the fastest K1 kayak tested. For further details on speed, refer to section 7.

Timehh:mm:ss

Distance paddled in 1 hour (km)

SPEE

D K1 Nelo (benchmark) 1:00:00 12.63

Time Bandit (fastest in class)

1:02:42 12.09

Tim

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QuestionSummary of SubjectiveComments

Are there any design elements or features you particularly liked?

Back support strap, high volume deck, cut-away deck for close paddle placement, simplicity of foot peg system, water shedding capabilities, light, good rudder

Do you have any suggestions for improving anything?

Foot board is difficult to adjust, lengthen cockpit, lower cockpit near thigh to enable bracing, improve seat, wider cockpit for bigger bums

What did you most like about this boat?

Runs well, stable, fast, seat, light and long, maneuverability, responsive, tight fit but comfy/ supportive, a lot more stable than it looks, great steering

What did you least like about this boat?

Wind affects it badly, high deck in front of cockpit, whitewater seat position, hard to adjust footplate, entry hard

Anything that a beginner should be aware of in considering this boat?

Cockpit size could make it hard to get out of, quite tippy, OK for competitive beginners and above, all those looking at multisport races

What type of paddler do you think this craft would be most suitable for?

AR/down river/flat water, suitable for long distance, intermediate to expert racing and training

If you had a choice of 6 boats you’d like to own would this boat be in your top 6?

9 Yes, 1 Maybe, 2 No

Rate the looks (ignoring colour) on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being drop dead gorgeous and 1 fugly.

7.5

Name Time bandit

Type Multisport

Length (metres) 6.16

Beam (cm) 42.5

N/A

N/A

Weight as tested 13.1kg

Manufacturer/distributor notes including purpose for which

boat was designed

Long sleek multi-sport boat capable of carrying people over 75kg

Construction method/material Fibreglass or carbon/kevlar

State/Country of manufacture Grafton, NSW

RRP From $1690

Contact Steve Muir

Email info@graftonpaddlesports.com

Website www. graftonpaddlesports.com

Ideal Weight

Features & Options(options denoted by O)

(in order of fastest to slowest)

5.30 time bandit

Tim

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Time Bandit Multisport Length(LOA) 6164mm Length(WL) 5870mm Beam(max) 425mm Beam(WL) 387mm Length/beamratio 15.17 Waterplanecoefficient(Cw) 0.68 Waterplanearea(m2) 1.55m2 Draft84kg(mean) 105mm Weight(Kg) 13.1kg Material(kevlar/plastic) Kevlar CockpitsizeLxWxH(mm) 678x370x344

multisport

Hydrostatic Measurements

Refer to section 8 for definition of these measurements and a general explanation of how Hydrostatic Measurements were taken and what it means.

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QuestionSummary of Subjective Comments

Are there any design elements or features you particularly liked?

Pump, narrow deck, high cockpit, length, plastic foot peg system anchored between boat sides, stable footrest

Do you have any suggestions for improving anything?

Take out flat sections of the hull, pedal straps attached to side of boat so that they don’t interfere with feet, carry handles, seat options, wider seat for bigger bums, lower front deck (catches wind), uncomfortable seat

What did you most like about this boat?

Good knee brace, high deck, narrow width for paddling technique, responsive, speed, stability, tight seat good for rivers, light, good rudder system

What did you least like about this boat?

Narrow in hips, felt tippy, due to such a squeeze fit I felt like I’d get stuck inside if I capsize, push paddle steering, seat uncomfortable, high deck

Anything that a beginner should be aware of in considering this boat?

Tippy and fragile, good for whitewater, more difficult to get into, not for big bums

What type of paddler do you think this craft would be most suitable for?

Intermediate to advanced, coastal/long distance white water, AR/ Multisport Murray Marathon, NZ rivers

If you had a choice of 6 boats you’d like to own would this boat be in your top 6?

3 Yes, 0 Maybe, 7 No

Rate the looks (ignoring colour) on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being drop dead gorgeous and 1 fugly.

6.7

Name Ruahine Firebolt

Type Multisport

Length (metres) 5.90

Beam (cm) 45.0

Weight as tested 14.1kg

Manufacturer/distributor notes including purpose for which boat

was designed

Great new design using features from the hugely successful Opus, now with a finer bow and lower nose, Ruahines boats speak for themselves in NZ with top performances across the country, hugely successful in the Coast to Coast.

Construction method/material Kevlar, Carbon reinforced

State/Country of manufacture NZ

RRP $4190

Contact Steve Cooper

E-mail qkayaks@optusnet.com.au

Website www.ruahinekayaks.com

Features & options (options denoted by O)

Fitted std with pump, trailing rudder, low bow, different seating options available

Timehh:mm:ss

Distance paddled in 1 hour (km)

SPEE

D

K1 Nelo (benchmark) 1:00:00 12.63

Time Bandit (fastest in class)

1:02:42 12.09

Ruahine Firebolt 1:03:47 11.88

Time is straight-line speed extrapolated to the benchmark of one hour for the fastest K1 kayak tested. For further details on speed, refer to section 7.

Summary of scores on a 5 point scale

Multisport boats tested

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1. Primary stability 3 3 4 3 42. Secondary stability 4 3 4 5 43. How easy is the boat to enter (and exit)? 3 3 3 2 44. How comfortable is the seat? 3 3 4 1 35. How supportive is the seat position? 4 4 3 3 36. How did the boat affect your body position? 5 3 5 3 37. Is the footbar and steering/pedal system effective? 4 3 5 3 38. Is the steering effective? 4 4 4 3 39. How responsive did the kayak feel to your input? 4 4 4 4 310. How much did you have to adjust your natural paddling technique in this boat?

5 4 5 3 4

11. How wet did you get? 5 5 4 5 5

* Refer to Section 10 for the detailed questionnaire and scoring notes provided to testers. Scores shown above are the mode not the mean.

(in order of fastest to slowest)

5.31 ruahine firebolt

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multisport

Hydrostatic Measurements

Refer to section 8 for definition of these measurements and a general explanation of how Hydrostatic Measurements were taken and what it means.

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QuestionSummary of SubjectiveComments

Are there any design elements or features you particularly liked?

Foot plate, pedals, high deck at cockpit, double fixing points for seat, comfortable and supportive seat, accessible storage area behind seat, light, hull shape, big bow

Do you have any suggestions for improving anything?

Widen seat, side support for seat, easier to adjust and secure foot plate, seat edge cuts into bottom, lighter, cut-away at front for paddle entry, offer trailing rudder option

What did you most like about this boat?

Pedal system, surprisingly stable, glide, accessible storage area behind seat, turn ability, quality, foot plate, responsiveness, speed for boat length, light, tracks well, good heel support

What did you least like about this boat?

Seat too narrow, restricted access to foot plate, seat uncomfortable, pedals stiff, no knee/ thigh brace, rudder system

Anything that a beginner should be aware of in considering this boat?

Light weight construction, seat alteration may be required, not a bad multisport racer and surf for advanced beginner to expert, somewhat tippy

What type of paddler do you think this craft would be most suitable for?

Intermediate, good in whitewater, endurance events, designed for epic paddles with bulkhead storage, handles flat/ rough

If you had a choice of 6 boats you’d like to own would this boat be in your top 6?

4 Yes, 2 Maybe, 8 No

Rate the looks (ignoring colour) on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being drop dead gorgeous and 1 fugly.

6.7

Name The Flash

Type Multisport

Length (metres) 5.49

Beam (cm) 54.2

Weight as tested 17.4kg

Manufacturer/distributor notes

including purpose for which boat was

designed

Medium Rec class. Designed by Don Andrews as a Class racing boat to compete in marathons like the Hawkesbury Classic & Murray Marathon & similar events. All boats are identical in construction so results are purely paddler dependent. Excellent on flat water or on open water. Bulkheads, raised deck & hull design gives speed & stability through rough water. Has class records in major events

Construction method/material

Fibreglass

State/Country of manufacture

NSW, Australia

RRP $2250

Contact Roger Aspinall

Email info@blue-earth.biz

Website www.blue-earth.biz

Ideal Weight N/A

Features & Options(options denoted by O)

Bulkheads, Hatches (O), adjustable seat and foot plate, high standard of finish,locally manufactured, custom colour options (O), trailing rudder (O), Choice ofseats (O), weight from 15kg (O)

QuestionSummary of SubjectiveComments

Are there any design elements or features you particularly liked?

Foot plate, pedals, high deck at cockpit, double fixing points for seat, comfortable and supportive seat, accessible storage area behind seat, light, hull shape, big bow

Do you have any suggestions for improving anything?

Widen seat, side support for seat, easier to adjust and secure foot plate, seat edge cuts into bottom, lighter, cut-away at front for paddle entry, offer trailing rudder option

What did you most like about this boat?

Pedal system, surprisingly stable, glide, accessible storage area behind seat, turn ability, quality, foot plate, responsiveness, speed for boat length, light, tracks well, good heel support

What did you least like about this boat?

Seat too narrow, restricted access to foot plate, seat uncomfortable, pedals stiff, no knee/ thigh brace, rudder system

Anything that a beginner should be aware of in considering this boat?

Light weight construction, seat alteration may be required, not a bad multisport racer and surf for advanced beginner to expert, somewhat tippy

What type of paddler do you think this craft would be most suitable for?

Intermediate, good in whitewater, endurance events, designed for epic paddles with bulkhead storage, handles flat/ rough

If you had a choice of 6 boats you’d like to own would this boat be in your top 6?

4 Yes, 2 Maybe, 8 No

Rate the looks (ignoring colour) on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being drop dead gorgeous and 1 fugly.

6.7

Name The Flash

Type Multisport

Length (metres) 5.49

Beam (cm) 54.2

Weight as tested 17.4kg

Manufacturer/distributor notes

including purpose for which boat was

designed

Medium Rec class. Designed by Don Andrews as a Class racing boat to compete in marathons like the Hawkesbury Classic & Murray Marathon & similar events. All boats are identical in construction so results are purely paddler dependent. Excellent on flat water or on open water. Bulkheads, raised deck & hull design gives speed & stability through rough water. Has class records in major events

Construction method/material

Fibreglass

State/Country of manufacture

NSW, Australia

RRP $2250

Contact Roger Aspinall

Email info@blue-earth.biz

Website www.blue-earth.biz

Ideal Weight N/A

Features & Options(options denoted by O)

Bulkheads, Hatches (O), adjustable seat and foot plate, high standard of finish,locally manufactured, custom colour options (O), trailing rudder (O), Choice ofseats (O), weight from 15kg (O)

Summary of scores on a 5 point scale

Multisport boats tested

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1. Primary stability 3 3 4 3 42. Secondary stability 4 3 4 5 43. How easy is the boat to enter (and exit)? 3 3 3 2 44. How comfortable is the seat? 3 3 4 1 35. How supportive is the seat position? 4 4 3 3 36. How did the boat affect your body position? 5 3 5 3 37. Is the footbar and steering/pedal system effective? 4 3 5 3 38. Is the steering effective? 4 4 4 3 39. How responsive did the kayak feel to your input? 4 4 4 4 310. How much did you have to adjust your natural paddling technique in this boat?

5 4 5 3 4

11. How wet did you get? 5 5 4 5 5

* Refer to Section 10 for the detailed questionnaire and scoring notes provided to testers. Scores shown above are the mode not the mean.

Timehh:mm:ss

Distance paddled in 1 hour (km)

SPEE

D

K1 Nelo (benchmark) 1:00:00 12.63

Time Bandit (fastest in class) 1:02:42 12.09

The Flash 1:04:32 11.75

Th

e Flash(in order of fastest to slowest)

5.32 the flash

Th

e Flash

multisport

Hydrostatic Measurements

Refer to section 8 for definition of these measurements and a general explanation of how Hydrostatic Measurements were taken and what it means.

The Flash Multisport Length(LOA) 5490mm Length(WL) 5380mm Beam(max) 542mm Beam(WL) 436mm Length/beamratio 11.3 Waterplanecoefficient(Cw) 0.59 Waterplanearea(m2) 1.54m2 Draft84kg(mean) 125mm Weight(Kg) 17.4kg Material(kevlar/plastic) Glass CockpitsizeLxWxH(mm) 800x384x340

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QuestionSummary of SubjectiveComments

Are there any design elements or features you particularly liked?

Easy to adjust pedals, robust, good rudder system

Do you have any suggestions for improving anything?

Poor seat - digs in at rear centre, pedal system, cables get in the way, leg position awkward, lighter

What did you most like about this boat?

Glide, wildwater boat with durability and speed, for heavy and bulky boat quite responsive, boat life, speed, secondary stability, snug fit, the fact it’s plastic and will bounce off river rocks, easy to manoeuvre

What did you least like about this boat?

Heavy, vulnerable to wind, uncomfortable seat, pedals, footbar/ steering , foam in between legs felt intimidating

Anything that a beginner should be aware of in considering this boat?

For inland wildwater not ocean touring, initially tippy, secondary stability is good, bomb proof, harder to get in, may be too tippy for beginners but great secondary stability

What type of paddler do you think this craft would be most suitable for?

Intermediate, river/ rock hopper with speed, down river racer, suited to a down river racer with an aversion to repairing damaged kayaks

If you had a choice of 6 boats you’d like to own would this boat be in your top 6?

1 Yes, 2 Maybe, 10 No

Rate the looks (ignoring colour) on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being drop dead gorgeous and 1 fugly.

4.5

Name Cobra Viper

Type Multisport

Length (metres) 5.18

Beam (cm) 46.0

Weight as tested 24.3kg

Manufacturer/distributor notes including purpose for which boat

was designed

The Viper is designed as an entry level alternative tomultisport/adventure training and racing composite kayaks it has good stability and speed with price advantage and durability of plastic

Construction method/material Cotene linear polyethylene

State/Country of manufacture NZ

RRP $1500

Contact Grant Hughes

Email info@cobrakayaks.com.au

Website www.cobrakayaks.com.au

Ideal Weight N/A

Features & Options(options denoted by O)

Adjustable FootrestsSpringback rudderFibreglass SeatPortage carry handles front and back Full Foam seat (O)Adjustable footrest plate & footstraps

Summary of scores on a 5 point scale

Multisport boats tested

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1. Primary stability 3 3 4 3 42. Secondary stability 4 3 4 5 43. How easy is the boat to enter (and exit)? 3 3 3 2 44. How comfortable is the seat? 3 3 4 1 35. How supportive is the seat position? 4 4 3 3 36. How did the boat affect your body position? 5 3 5 3 37. Is the footbar and steering/pedal system effective? 4 3 5 3 38. Is the steering effective? 4 4 4 3 39. How responsive did the kayak feel to your input? 4 4 4 4 310. How much did you have to adjust your natural paddling technique in this boat?

5 4 5 3 4

11. How wet did you get? 5 5 4 5 5

* Refer to Section 10 for the detailed questionnaire and scoring notes provided to testers. Scores shown above are the mode not the mean.

Timehh:mm:ss

Distance paddled in 1 hour (km)

SPEE

D

K1 Nelo (benchmark) 1:00:00 12.63

Time Bandit (fastest in class) 1:02:42 12.09

Cobra Viper 1:06:23 11.42

QuestionSummary of SubjectiveComments

Are there any design elements or features you particularly liked?

Easy to adjust pedals, robust, good rudder system

Do you have any suggestions for improving anything?

Poor seat - digs in at rear centre, pedal system, cables get in the way, leg position awkward, lighter

What did you most like about this boat?

Glide, wildwater boat with durability and speed, for heavy and bulky boat quite responsive, boat life, speed, secondary stability, snug fit, the fact it’s plastic and will bounce off river rocks, easy to manoeuvre

What did you least like about this boat?

Heavy, vulnerable to wind, uncomfortable seat, pedals, footbar/ steering , foam in between legs felt intimidating

Anything that a beginner should be aware of in considering this boat?

For inland wildwater not ocean touring, initially tippy, secondary stability is good, bomb proof, harder to get in, may be too tippy for beginners but great secondary stability

What type of paddler do you think this craft would be most suitable for?

Intermediate, river/ rock hopper with speed, down river racer, suited to a down river racer with an aversion to repairing damaged kayaks

If you had a choice of 6 boats you’d like to own would this boat be in your top 6?

1 Yes, 2 Maybe, 10 No

Rate the looks (ignoring colour) on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being drop dead gorgeous and 1 fugly.

4.5

Name Cobra Viper

Type Multisport

Length (metres) 5.18

Beam (cm) 46.0

Weight as tested 24.3kg

Manufacturer/distributor notes including purpose for which boat

was designed

The Viper is designed as an entry level alternative tomultisport/adventure training and racing composite kayaks it has good stability and speed with price advantage and durability of plastic

Construction method/material Cotene linear polyethylene

State/Country of manufacture NZ

RRP $1500

Contact Grant Hughes

Email info@cobrakayaks.com.au

Website www.cobrakayaks.com.au

Ideal Weight N/A

Features & Options(options denoted by O)

Adjustable FootrestsSpringback rudderFibreglass SeatPortage carry handles front and back Full Foam seat (O)Adjustable footrest plate & footstraps

(in order of fastest to slowest)

5.33 cobra viper

Co

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Length(LOA) 5184mm Length(WL) 5154mm Beam(max) 460mm Beam(WL) 440mm Length/beamratio 12.01 Waterplanecoefficient(Cw) 0.64 Waterplanearea(m2) 1.43m2 Draft84kg(mean) 118mm Weight(Kg) 24.3kg Material(kevlar/plastic) Plastic CockpitsizeLxWxH(mm) 752x405x350

multisport

Hydrostatic Measurements

Refer to section 8 for definition of these measurements and a general explanation of how Hydrostatic Measurements were taken and what it means.

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QuestionSummary of SubjectiveComments

Are there any design elements or features you particularly liked?

Open cockpit, seat, drink bottleholder, wave deflector, hatch cover, back strap, handles

Do you have any suggestions for improving anything?

Flatten seat - ridge in centre too high, move knee brace back, better steering/pedal system, vibration through pedal on each stroke, lighter

What did you most like about this boat?

Multi use can do anything, boat life, tough for white water, value for money, stable

What did you least like about this boat?

Seat system, knee brace/ hits your hands when paddling, weight, seemed to lean left, rudder vibrates, difficult entry, better steering system

Anything that a beginner should be aware of in considering this boat?

Good boat for beginners, deck style makes it a little hard to paddle

What type of paddler do you think this craft would be most suitable for?

Beginner, multisport, ocean/ flat water/ down river, good all round boat, someone who wants an unbreakable boat

If you had a choice of 6 boats you’d like to own would this boat be in your top 6?

5.1

Rate the looks (ignoring colour) on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being drop dead gorgeous and 1 fugly.

2 Yes, 0 Maybe, 10 No

Name Finn Multisport

Type Multisport

Length (metres) 5.20

Beam (cm) 54.0

Weight as tested 24.4kg

Manufacturer/distributor notes including purpose for which boat

was designed

The Multisport is just that: A true Multisport Kayak. Suitable for all conditions from flatwater and estuary, to white water river running (Avon Descent etc…), and ocean touring. User friendly, fast and versatile.

Construction method/material Rotomoulded High Density Polyethylene

State/Country of manufacture WA, Australia

RRP $1200

Contact Andy Sorensen

Email info@finnkayaks.com.au

Website www.finnkayaks.com.au

Ideal Weight N/A

Features & Options(options denoted by O)

Built in wave deflectorKick up or under keel rudderPaddle cutouts in fore deckBulkhead fore and Aft (O)Adjustable FootrestsLow back deck (Easy Rolling & Decreased Windage)

QuestionSummary of SubjectiveComments

Are there any design elements or features you particularly liked?

Open cockpit, seat, drink bottleholder, wave deflector, hatch cover, back strap, handles

Do you have any suggestions for improving anything?

Flatten seat - ridge in centre too high, move knee brace back, better steering/pedal system, vibration through pedal on each stroke, lighter

What did you most like about this boat?

Multi use can do anything, boat life, tough for white water, value for money, stable

What did you least like about this boat?

Seat system, knee brace/ hits your hands when paddling, weight, seemed to lean left, rudder vibrates, difficult entry, better steering system

Anything that a beginner should be aware of in considering this boat?

Good boat for beginners, deck style makes it a little hard to paddle

What type of paddler do you think this craft would be most suitable for?

Beginner, multisport, ocean/ flat water/ down river, good all round boat, someone who wants an unbreakable boat

If you had a choice of 6 boats you’d like to own would this boat be in your top 6?

5.1

Rate the looks (ignoring colour) on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being drop dead gorgeous and 1 fugly.

2 Yes, 0 Maybe, 10 No

Name Finn Multisport

Type Multisport

Length (metres) 5.20

Beam (cm) 54.0

Weight as tested 24.4kg

Manufacturer/distributor notes including purpose for which boat

was designed

The Multisport is just that: A true Multisport Kayak. Suitable for all conditions from flatwater and estuary, to white water river running (Avon Descent etc…), and ocean touring. User friendly, fast and versatile.

Construction method/material Rotomoulded High Density Polyethylene

State/Country of manufacture WA, Australia

RRP $1200

Contact Andy Sorensen

Email info@finnkayaks.com.au

Website www.finnkayaks.com.au

Ideal Weight N/A

Features & Options(options denoted by O)

Built in wave deflectorKick up or under keel rudderPaddle cutouts in fore deckBulkhead fore and Aft (O)Adjustable FootrestsLow back deck (Easy Rolling & Decreased Windage)

Summary of scores on a 5 point scale

Multisport boats tested

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1. Primary stability 3 3 4 3 42. Secondary stability 4 3 4 5 43. How easy is the boat to enter (and exit)? 3 3 3 2 44. How comfortable is the seat? 3 3 4 1 35. How supportive is the seat position? 4 4 3 3 36. How did the boat affect your body position? 5 3 5 3 37. Is the footbar and steering/pedal system effective? 4 3 5 3 38. Is the steering effective? 4 4 4 3 39. How responsive did the kayak feel to your input? 4 4 4 4 310. How much did you have to adjust your natural paddling technique in this boat?

5 4 5 3 4

11. How wet did you get? 5 5 4 5 5

* Refer to Section 10 for the detailed questionnaire and scoring notes provided to testers. Scores shown above are the mode not the mean.

Time is straight-line speed extrapolated to the benchmark of one hour for the fastest K1 kayak tested. For further details on speed, refer to section 7.

Timehh:mm:ss

Distance paddled in 1 hour (km)

SPEE

D

K1 Nelo (benchmark) 1:00:00 12.63

Time Bandit (fastest in class) 1:02:42 12.09

Finn Multisport 1:11:22 10.62

Finn

Mu

ltispo

rt

(in order of fastest to slowest)

5.34 finn multisport

multisportFinn

Mu

ltispo

rtPh

oto

gra

ph

y: A

nd

rew

Co

nn

olly

57

Boston II

Newport

Targhee II

Humboldt

Wasatch Crest

Sydney II

Venice