The HYBRiD 550 is an expedition quality sea kayak, best suited for paddlers with a body weight from 60 to 90kg (130-200lb) and up to 36 man and 14 women pants size. Its primary stability is adequate for an enthusistic beginner, while its secondary stability will put a smile on the face of every expert.
The hull symmetrical 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.
The HYBRiD rudder works on a very different principle compared to others. The radical steep angle at which the rudder is deployed, creates additional downward pressure on the stern, whilst releasing the bow for a more responsive turn. This configuration also makes the rudder much less prone to accidental damage, with less drag and less cavitation. For day paddling, the effectiveness of the rudder is at a minimum. However, once the boat is loaded (with extra gear) the rudder provides much more response, particularly in following seas and cross wind conditions.
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) rubber 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 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, Lantor Soric coremat, glassfibre reinforcement including internal keel strip.
Construction method:
Vacuum Infusion EPOXY Resin Transfer with heat cure.
Available colors:
Arctic White deck and hull or Midnight Black deck and hull or Sunset Orange deck with Mist Gray hull
