Designed in Australia, the HYBRiD 550 is a sea kayak like no other.
Its ageless shape is influenced by the graceful lines of Greenland style kayaks. However, unlike Greenland style kayaks, its cargo capacity makes for a perfect all-round design, including day, weekend and expedition paddling.
Suitable for beginners and experts alike, with a body weight from 50 to 90kg (110-200lb). The cockpit opening will accommodate male paddlers with up to 36" pants and female paddlers up to size 14.
The symmetrical hull design tracks straight, turns when desired and all with a minimum of effort. You paddle the HYBRiD 550 more like a skeg boat but insted of trimming the skeg, you simply toe tap the rudder. Our rudder blade is guaranteed for life against accidental breakage, a first in the kayaking industry!
The technical aspects are one thing but equally important are the ergonomics.
The extra room for your thighs helps with bracing and the relatively low back assists with rolling. The footpegs provide solid support and are easily adjustable from the seated position. The choice of three (3) different sized seats and the ability to further fine tune by sanding the high density foam, truly makes them a custom fit. Standard equipment also includes hip blocks and a polyurethane backrest, which will not absorb water. For no extra cost, you can order the front bulkhead in a position, which suits the length of your legs. This minimises the floodable volume of the cockpit whilst at the same time increasing the cargo space in the front compartment.
The 'paddle park' located on the aft deck assists with self rescue. The thick perimeter deck lines and the allocated space for an electric or foot operated bilge pump, contribute to safety at sea.
Three (3) hatches will keep your gear secure and dry and the fourth (4) front hatch will accommodate most of the personal items, which otherwise you may have no option, but to carry in your PFD. The HYBRiD 550 is the first ever sea kayak which allows you to reach and store bulky objects (like a helmet) in the hatch behind you. This hatch is centred, in order to be accesible regardless from which side the waves are coming.
Every single deck fitting serves a purpose, including spare paddle storage behind the paddler, sail option in the front and other deck fittings double as security and towing points. The deck area around the cockpit is kept clean and unobstructed. This is important because paddlers hands should never come in contact with protruding skeg control knobs, deck fittings, excessive use of bungee cords or whatever else... the marketing department ordered to have installed.
And last, but not forgotten are the recessed spherical toggles, that won't bang all day long!
If you could only own one kayak, then the HYBRiD 550 is the answer!
Shape: Symmetrical Designed by: A J Launched: Jan 2011
If you are in the market for a quality sea kayak, do this simple 10 point check and compare:
1. Is the bonding resin EPOXY and if not, why not? 2. Is the hull and the deck Kevlar and is it taped on both sides with Kevlar tape? 3. How thick is the hull and the deck and does the stated weight include all the hatch covers? 4. Is the manufacturer using pieces of Kevlar materials or one continuous length? 5. How well does the cockpit integrate the thigh braces and how well do you fit in? 6. Is there provision for installing essential safety equipment like a foot (or electric) bilge pump? 7. Is there special provision for self rescue, like the use of a paddle float? 8. Can you store a spare paddle on the aft deck and are the perimiter lines 6mm (1/4") thick? 9. Can you adjust the footpegs whilst seated and how supportive is the seat and the backrest? 10. Is the manufacturer contributing $500 of your money to a not-for-profit kayak project?
Construction materials:
Kevlar deck. Kevlar hull. Internal keel strip. Construction method:
Vacuum Infusion EPOXY Resin Transfer with oven heat cure.
Available colors:
Arctic White deck and hull or Midnight Black deck and hull or Sunset Orange deck with Mist Gray hull
Every sea kayak should be equipped with a hands free bilge pump!
Weight: 750g (26oz)
Price: $150.00
HYBRiD design Double Strap neoprene spray skirt
Weight: 480g (17oz)
Price: $100.00
HYBRiD design paddle
foam core carbon blades, carbon shaft oval on both sides, adjustable from 205 to 215 cm (80.7 to 84.6")
Weight: 700g (24.7oz)
Price: $450.00
HYBRiD design Telescopic Kayak Sail
Expedition grade materials.
Minimum footprint without interfering with kayak cockpit.
Weight: 950g (33.5oz)
Price: $495.00
HYBRiD Kayaks Australia 9 Belmore Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 Tel: (02) 9212 5513 Email: hybrid8@bigpond.com
Direct Deposits made to St.George Bank BSB: 112- 879 Account Number: 464762185 Account Name: Waterman (Australia) Pty Ltd All cheques payable to Waterman (Australia) Pty Ltd
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