Royal Marine Company has a line of kayaks that is absolutely superb. Roy Grabenauer, designed the "world's safest small boat" he is the father of the Royak.
On the first real open-water test of the first Royak, Roy was diving for abalone off the northern California coast when the anchor line chaffed & parted. The boat, the only one-of-a-kind, bobbed about the Pacific Ocean until an albacore tuna fisherman happened across the craft. It was intact, upright, storage compartments water-tight, the cockpit was dry & its open compartments were dry as well. All of this evidenced that the craft had lived up to its designer's belief in its unique & wonderful stability. This craft had bobbed about in the open ocean for 2 years upright!
This was the first of the SUK's and it was true sit-upon-kayak. By combining the best concepts of hydrodynamics & aerodynamics Roy has made this great craft a true kayaker's dream boat. It is true multi-sport yak.
All Royaks have the following unique features:
1. Multi-sport hull design
2. UV protected ABS thermo-formed construction
3. Open ergonomic cockpit
4. Self-bailing drain
5. Marine grade hardware & custom trim
6. Adjustable foot rests
7. Keel for excellent tracking
8. Strapless bracing
9. Easy in-water boarding & exiting
10. Full-grip carrying handles
11. Positive flotation
12. Locakable stowage compartments
13. High buoyancy bow
14. Contoured full back backrest
These great yaks come in 3 models, all available in 4 colors with 2 different trim packages:
*Royak Tour Kayak
*Royak Standard Kayak
*Fishing Kayak
Recently I was privileged to test a Royak Fishing kayak, Model A-1025 & the Royak Tour Kayak. Both were identical except for the rod holders on the fishing model. Both handled superbly in the waters of Tampa bay & in the open Gulf of Mexico. My first thoughts about this handy craft was that this what a kayak is supposed to be! It is the best SUK I have ever used.
Royak has a complete line of accessories for their craft. I particularly liked the "Pelican Case" a lockable stowage case that has a larger capacity that I thought.
Go online & take the virtual tour on board a Royak. You may see the all of the Royak craft at: http://www.royak.com or you can call these fine folks at: (916) 989-5600
RATINGS:
Stability: 10
Maneuverability: 10
Comfort: 9+
Transportability: 9+
Safety: 10
Stowage: 10+
Try one of these great craft as soon as you can. It is joy to paddle!
Copyright 2007-2009 Donald R Houston, PhD. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the author's consent
