Delta Kayaks unveiled a brand new sporty boat at Outdoor Retailer last week called the Delta 15.

Not much is known about the new model as I can’t seem to find any information from Delta on either their website or Facebook page but from the video that Adventure Kayak magazine put together you can see that it’s a boat that might actually fit smaller paddlers. It’s also their first boat to come with a skeg option (Several models come with a skeg option) but looks like the stern if molded for a rudder option as well.

One thing that caught my eye is a newly designed hatch cover system that looks to be inspired Rubbermaid tops. I’m keen to learn more about how the system works but from what I see it’s already a huge improvement to their current system of rubber gaskets or neoprene covers.

I think the design of the boat looks promising. On the outset it looks considerably smaller in volume then other boats models. I will be honest with you in that I’ve never been a huge fan of their designs as I have always felt like I was swimming in them. Even their smallest touring boat before this release (the 15.5) was way too wide and deep for my liking. Then again, I see the boats all over the water so it’s clear that people love them.

If you are in the market for a thermoform boat this could be the one for you. I will say that nobody manufactures thermoform boats quite a well as Delta does.

I’m looking forward to seeing the actual boat measurements when they are published as well as learning more about the new hatch design.

Update: I discovered that the boat’s beam is 22 inches.

James and Martin are paddling a Delta 20T tandem sea kayak in Skookumchuck...A first???

On a fine sunny day at Skookumchuck Kim and Martin from Deep Cove Kayaks had a CLOSE encounter while testing out two a Delta 16 and a Delta 17.

Mark Hall of Delta Kayaks had a rough start to the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City when he woke up to discover that 4 of his boats (including a tandem kayak) were stolen off the trailer outside the Howard Johnsons hotel in Salt Lake City with a total value of over $10,000...

The missing boats are:

• Delta 20 T Tandem - yellow
• Delta 14.5 Expedition - blue
• Delta 15.5 Expedition -  yellow
• Delta 17 with rudder - yellow

Anybody who knows about the missing boats or hear of a cheap deal, should call Delta at 877-888-6544.

More info: playak.com Forum

After taking some time off for Christmas, I decided to check my email and found a video sent to me that was made by Mark Hall, owner of Delta Kayaks who specialize in the design and manufacturing of thermoformed kayaks.

For those who have never heard of thermoforming, it is a relatively new process (to the kayaking world) where a plastic sheet or is heated and then stretched over or into a temperature-controlled, single-surface mold. The result of a very light-weight and super strong product.

After seeing them in the showroom and checking out the price, it is no surprise why the thermoforming process is taking the kayaking manufacturing world by storm. At the end of the day you get a fantastic looking kayak that is lighter than traditional roto-molded plastic boats, stronger than fiberglass but look as perform almost as good as fiberglass on the water. The best part is that the price is considerable cheaper as well.

In the video below Mark clearly demonstrates the strength of his thermoformed hulls. This was shot earlier at the beginning of December 2007.

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For those who are interested in learning more about thermoforming, here is a quick video on the youtube. It is a quick demonstration of the vacuum thermoforming process. I haven't found anything of a kayak or canoe but the process is similar. You can also find lots of information on the old Wikipedia.

You can view the youtube footage after selection "Read More".

Almost done!
23 days into their "Chasing the Anna" expedition, Derrick and Taino are ¾ the way around Puerto Rico. They made it through Hurricane Dean. [Link]
 
Sunscreen Confusion
Outside Blog has an interesting post about what SPF means in sunscreen. They report on a couple improvements the FDA is trying to implement for package labeling. [Link]

Keeping Maine's boaters safe
The Kennebec Journal in Maine asks the question: Are we doing what we can and should do to keep Maine's boaters safe? It gives an interesting primer at mandatory boater education for all boats including canoes and kayaks.

"Boating safety is analagous to hunter safety," says a 2007 report issued by a state group studying the possibility of a Maine mandatory boater education course. "Until mandatory hunter safety was implemented Maine experienced many hunting related shootings including numerous fatalities. Once mandatory hunter education and mandatory hunter orange clothing were required, hunting related shootings decreased significantly." [Link]

The Reactor is coming!
MSR has finally started shipping is long delayed Reactor Stove. Everybody seems to be really excited about it. [Link]

BCU Syllabus Change Summery
Mark Tozer recently posted a great summery of many of the changes about to happen to the BCU kayaking instruction program. It looks really promising. I'm a big fan of the new kids curriculum. [Link]

Calling all Gear Junkies!
Kayak Journal Podcast has posted a pile (and I mean a pile) of great video casts reporting on the latest gear from OR. If you want to find out what Werner, Bending Branches, Suunto, Delta Kayaks, Wenonah, Watershed, Surefire, Smith Optics, Optimus, Teva or Kokatat are working on for next season, head on over! [Link]

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