Sea Kayak Connecticut | Rockpool Kayaks

OVERVIEW

The Menai 18 was designed by Rockpool Kayaks to fill the niche of a serious expedition boat. The hull was formulated to tick off the miles quickly while carrying a considerable amount of expeditionary gear. Though this is a large boat, the flat center section of the hull allows for a high level of maneuverability on the spot or in the surf. The cockpit is large, roomy, and provides a comfortable fit over lengthy paddling trips. With a standard pocket hatch forward of the cockpit, little essentials will be well within reach.

KEY FEATURES

High Volume

With a generous allocation of space inside the cockpit and it’s four hatches, the Menai 18 is the boat of choice for lengthy expeditions.

Symmetrical Form

The widest section is at the center of the boat and at the center of the cockpit, providing exceptional balance and maneuverability.

Channelled Hull

A design element unique to the Menai 18, these discrete channels add superior tracking and improved structural integrity to a gear laden kayak.

Low Back Deck

Whether practicing rolls or self-rescues, the unobtrusive coaming and low back deck will aid in all back deck pursuits.

TECHNICAL BRIEF

The long waterline combines considerable storage capacity with an impressive cruising speed. In order to counter the length and provide good maneuverability, a flattened hull was placed in the center section. This results in a boat capable of tight turns in and out of the surf zone and one that provides an impressive level of stability. The extended keel section maintains strong directional stability when paddling on a heading but lifts free from the water when edged.

The wide hull and distinct chines give a very stable boat with comfortable and predictable edging characteristics. Added volume in the bow gives a nice dry ride through the chop and handles larger waves with ease. A pronounced stern complements the bow, allowing the boat to ride up and over steeper swells. Volume distribution in the center section allows the stern keel section to lift during edging, shortening the waterline and increasing maneuverability.

The Menai 18 deck has a few subtle differences from other Rockpool boats. Probably the most identifiable of these is the forward oval hatch. This expanded opening allows for easy storage of bulky expedition gear in the bow as well as the stern. The front deck also has a small fourth hatch fitted just ahead of the cockpit. This easily accessible compartment will store all of those useful items needed for longer crossings. A molded compass recess and moldings for spare paddle storage have also been added to the fore deck. Finally, to provide greater retention for items too bulky to fit into the fourth hatch, the number of deck bungees has been increased.

Standard items include Kajaksport hatches, flat-tab, flush mounted deck fittings, adjustable footplate and saddle system, and a skeg under tension.

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PRICING / LAYUPS

Standard Layup: $5,185.00

Weight: 58lb

Hand-laid construction
Polyester resin matrix
Fiberglass cloth hull
Chopped strand mat deck

The standard layup gives a robust and hard-wearing kayak at the lowest cost.

Premier Layup: $6,640.00

Weight: 46lb

Vacuum bag construction
Epoxy resin
Carbon/Kevlar fabric
Spheretex flush-laid reinforcing keel and ribs

The Premier layup provides the greatest amount of weight reduction. This construction provides an ease of handling on and off the water as well as a significantly increased hull speed.