Necky Chatham 16 Poly Kayaks

Frontenac Outfitters Paddle
Necky Kayaks Chatham16 (Polyethylene) Review

Necky Kayaks Chatham 16 is a highly maneuverable British skeg style sea kayak, which excels in rough water conditions. Designed for small & medium sized paddlers with intermediate to advanced skills ‘OR' as a great boat for more novice paddlers to learn skills.

Note: Necky's Chatham 16's (Composite & Polyethylene) versions specifications are virtually identical we have used our same review for both. The main differences are:

* the Poly version is 14% heavier * the Poly version has foam bulkheads not fibreglass * the Poly version is slower as plastic is less stiff * Poly finish is duller/ less glossy * colour choices are restricted

Paddler Fit:
Outfitting on the Chatham 16 is outstanding; the ratcheting back band adjusts easily on the water, thigh supports can be moved forward or aft, a padded seat and easy to adjust foot braces provide a snug, comfortable customized fit - vastly superior to most. Deck rigging is comparable to most quality sea kayaks within its category.

Kayak Efficiency & Maneuverability:
The Chatham 16's fully rockered hull decrease the hulls wet-surface so speed & acceleration are ‘average'.  The great news is it's the same-rockered hull, which make the kayak so incredibly maneuverable & responsive in windy, big-water conditions. The Chatham holds course remarkably well with the skeg up, while its unique "unkinkable skeg" increases tracking in adverse conditions. The kayak performs very well to paddler edging and leaned turns.

Kayak Stability:
We rated Necky's Chatham 16's initial stability as ‘medium' due to its relatively narrow width and the reduced wet-surface its fully rockered hull provides. Secondary stability is rated as ‘reasonable' for novice paddlers, while more skilled kayakers will love its responsiveness.

Kayak Roll & Rescue:
The outstanding paddler fit of Chatham series kayaks make Inuit rolling easy. The back band relaxes down so it doesn't interfere with lay back rolls. We suggest self-rescue straps be installed @ $50 a pair to make paddle float re-entries far simpler.  

Kayak Touring:
In heavy wind & wave conditions the Chatham 16's upswept bow and stern provide great resurfacing characteristics, while its low deck profile reduces windage and eliminates potential paddle stroke interference with the foredeck. Gear volume capacity is considered relatively ‘low' and somewhat restricted as the day hatch/ bulkhead may limit the packing of longer items like tents.

STANDARD FEATURES:

Hatches: Bow & stern - large VCP oval hatches, Day hatch 8" VCP, 3- foam w' bulkheads

Outfitting: ratchet style back band, padded seat, adjustable foot braces, movable padded thigh braces, padded adjustable hip pads, 3- VCP rubber hatches with foam bulkheads, "unkinkable" retractable skeg, molded recess for a Brunto Nexus 70P Compass (not included), expedition quality deck rigging, reflective perimeter lines and bow & stern grab handles

Colours:
Sunrise, Yellow, Mango and Lime

In Summary:
"Looking for an high quality sea kayak that fits smaller paddlers, a great boat to improve skills with, and a boat which can handle just about everything Mother Nature throws at you ~ better put Necky Kayaks Chatham 16 on your short list"!