: Friends; I'm looking for reviews of the Cape Ann Storm (or the LT
: version if you are a smaller paddler) for my next build, in
: particular in comparison to the Petrel or Night Heron and its
: surfing characteristics.

: Roger
: Orr's Island, ME
Hi Roger,

I have a Cape Ann Storm SLT, the smallest in the series. At 150lbs, I am at the high end for recommended paddler weight, have >10 years of sea and white water kayaking, and am probably best described as advanced intermediate in skills (more or less bomb proof roll, comfortable in class III white water, less so in class IV).

After 2 summers of paddling it, I can offer the following. The boat is not likely going to be initially comfortable for a novice paddler, but I think that, with keen interest and determination, even a new paddler will grow into the boat in a season. I would describe initial stability as twitchy, especially when in rough water or chop. I find that putting the paddle down to take a picture is slightly nerve wracking unless the water is calm.

All that being said, I love the boat. It is fast for its length, has reasonable secondary stability even for someone my weight (relative to the small boat), and handles very nicely in rough water (at least it does when you are actually paddling as opposed to when trying to take a photo or dig something out of a pocket). Re. the speed issue, longer boats will probably leave it behind (paddler strength being similar) during a sprint, but at a more relaxed cruising pace, the boat covers distance with little effort, and the shorter hull gives you a lighter and more responsive boat. These speed observations will not apply directly to the full size Storm due to its longer length, however, I think you can still expect a relatively efficient and fast boat for its size. I do not find the boat to be responsive to leaned turns, but my experience with this technique is limited. It rolls easily, but I can roll more or less anything, so my opinion on this may not be helpful. In larger steeper waves, it has a disconcerting love to take off in a surf, but if you would be happy in any kayak in these water conditions, that should not be an issue.

Unless you plan multi-day trips, or are outside the recommended paddler weight, you might consider the LT size boat rather than the full size Storm. I certainly enjoy the SLT, and I am heavy for that design. The smaller boat will be lighter, easier to deal with out of the water and more nimble in it. I would definitely build it with a skeg - as the case with most kayaks, the boat will weathercock in a cross wind, and on a long paddle, correcting with your paddle stroke is extra work. With a retractable skeg that can be locked in any position, you can adjust to achieve neutral steering.

If you build it and find it a bit twitchy at first, just put twenty or so pounds of sand bags behind the seat or in the front of the rear storage compartment. That will dramatically increase apparent stability, and you can remove weight as you get used to the boat.

Good luck,

Allan Edie