LABRADOR
Primary Stability
Primary stability is a reflection of how stable the kayak feels while sitting still on a calm body of water. A high primary stability is perfect for beginners, photographers and fisherman alike.
Secondary Stability
Secondary stability is the stability felt while edging the boat (leaning the kayak on one side using your hips). A kayak with a poor secondary will require a stronger bracing technique to edge with confidence.
Handling vs Tracking
There is no right or wrong answer here. A kayak that tracks more (more grey) will be easy to keep on a straight course. A loose kayak (more blue) will be easy to turn on a dime and change direction quickly.
Speed
This is the general speed of the kayak, combining acceleration, cruising speed, top speed and how easy it is to keep.
Storage
This represents the total inside storage volume the kayak offers. Rudder equipped kayaks tend to have more storage compared to skegs that take up some space in the rear hatch. A high rating for storage is perfect for a touring paddler.
Flat water
Rough Water
Day touring
Multi-day touring
Advanced sea expedition
Mid to large sized paddlers
| Length | Width | Cockpit | Weight (Skeg) FG / KV / CA * | Weight (Rudder) FG / KV / CA * | Min/max weight of paddler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18’4” (5.59 m) | 21” (53.3 cm) | 16 x 30” (41 x 76 cm) | 54 / 49 / 45 lb (24.5/22.3/20.5 kg) | 56 / 50 / 46 lb (25.5/22.7/20.9kg) | 120 to 225 lb (54 to 102 kg) |
| Recommended load limit | Total Volume | Type of Chine | Steering System | Béluga skirt size | |
| 300 lb (136 kg) | 109 gal us (450 l) | Reverse hard chine | Rudder / Skeg | Large |
