Kayaking on a Budget: The Necky "Gannet"

June-July 1998

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

by Peter Brand

Thinking about kayaking but not sure where to begin? Here is some advice which may help you on your way.

When our sons aged 12 and 14 out-grew our 23' sailboat, we decided to take a break from cruising the Inside Passage and undertake a summer road trip to the Yukon and Alaska. We rented an RV complete with roof rack and bike rack and began searching for the perfect boat to take advantage of the numerous lakes and rivers along the way.

Several factors influenced our final choice. The boat or boats had to be light enough to lift up and carry on the RV roof rack. Two canoes may have done the trick, but we knew that we would inevitably gravitate back to the ocean on returning from our holiday and thus wanted a seaworthy craft suitable for basic touring among the Gulf Islands. A friend in Alaska suggested that we join him for a three day "float" down the Tangle Lakes Delta River system, so we needed some carrying capacity for camping equipment, and a boat suitable for lake paddling and class 2 rapids.

As luck would have it, WaveLength's Ocean Kayak Festival at Royal Roads University arrived the week before we were ready to make our purchase. This gave us the opportunity to see many different designs of canoe and kayak which made our ultimate choice much easier. The Necky "Gannet" was the boat which seemed to meet most of our requirements. At 11'6'' long and weighing just 44 pounds, it would be easy enough to hoist onto the RV roof and light enough for two people to carry two boats at once for portaging. Standard equipment includes a comfortable seat and back rest, shock cord deck rigging fore and aft for gear stowage, adjustable foot pegs and a retractable skeg for directional stability on still water. The basic model needs an inflatable air bag for flotation in the event of a capsize. An optional rear bulkhead and deck hatch offers flotation plus a dry gear stowage compartment. With the addition of a "dry bag" stowed in the bow, we felt that we could carry enough camping supplies between the four boats for three days and night on the water. Two two-person boats would have been an option, and there are canoes and double kayaks which would have been suitable, but we knew that our independent teenagers would prefer to be captains of their own ships!

Alex Matthews, manager of Jeune Brothers in Victoria, lent us a Necky Gannet for an afternoon of sea trials. After a brief paddle, each of us was struck by the stability and maneuverability of the Gannet and the decision was made. We ordered four Gannets, with rear bulkheads and hatches. We asked that two have the foot peg track moved forward six inches to better accommodate the legs of the taller family members.

The Gannet turned out to be the perfect "hybrid" kayak-comfortable, stable, easy to paddle and portage, quick and responsive in class 2-3 rapids and a snap to hoist onto the roof of a vehicle or into the rear of the family station wagon.

Our summer expedition to Alaska included kayak trips in the moonlight on Bowron Lake and Atlin Lake, a three day run down the spectacular Delta River, fishing by the light of the midnight sun and exciting runs down the Yukon, Klondike and Fortymile Rivers.

Since our return we have floated the Sooke River from the potholes to the ocean, which supplied its share of exhilaration after a couple of weeks of heavy rain, as well as close encounters with eagles, salmon and seals. We have spent an exciting day playing in the surf at Jordan River and have begun to rediscover the Gulf Islands from the peaceful perspective of a kayaker. The Gannet certainly isn't specialized for anything, but for our family's diverse interests it does a little of everything very well indeed!

On a budget but keen to kayak? For around $1000 you can be fully outfitted with a Gannet complete with spray skirt and paddle. You will own a boat capable of overnight island hopping, peaceful lake paddling, playing in the surf and even a little white water!

Peter Brand is a former blue water sailor living in North Saanich.