Innovative Design

A fast touring kayak that incorporates a plumb bow, a peaked foredeck and a flattened hull.

World Record Holder

Ireland Circumnavigation, United Kingdom Circumnavigation, Isle of Anglesey Circumnavigation, Isle of Mann Circumnavigation, Isle of Mull circumnavigation, Irish Sea Crossing, and the North Channel Crossing.

Long Waterline Length

With a plumb bow and stern, the Taran 16 provides exceptional hull speed by using every inch of its nearly seventeen-foot length.

SmartTrack Foot Controls

SmartTrack adjustable foot controls are the best in class and provide confidence and ease of steering. The ergonomic design places feet, legs and hips at the optimal angle for comfortable, efficient movement.

The cockpit is roomy and comfortable with a fixed ergonomically-designed performance seat and backband. Standard layup kayaks are manufactured with glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) seats while the premier models receive full carbon seats. The seat pan is easily customizable and comes with optional bolt-in hip shims, hip pads, and optional upper and lower seat padding. The tuned thigh braces with minicell pads allow for ease of entry and exit while providing a very comfortable and solid seated position.

The high volume bow gives a dry ride and punches through rough conditions. The flattened U-shaped center section ensures the fast hull is not compromised in terms of stability or maneuverability. All Taran and TaranTella kayaks are fitted with the SmartTrack rudder system, enhancing the handling and giving easy and precise course heading changes. Without the rudder deployed, the Taran 16 responds positively to a slight edge and rolls with little or no effort.

The hull section begins with a deep V at the bow and blends into a tapered and flattened U-section for the center before fading back to a buoyant V section at the stern. A combination of rocker and deadwood shaping gives good maneuverability and instantaneous response to steering and edging cues. The stern is blended smoothly, yielding low drag while maintaining plenty of volume for superior handling in following seas. The hull was designed to take advantage of downwind paddling conditions while minimizing broaching tendencies.

The high foredeck is designed to stay well above oncoming waves and to quickly shed any water that makes it over the bow. A roomy forward compartment is accessed via a ten-inch round hatch while the rear compartment is fitted with a large oval hatch. Forward  of the cockpit is a small day hatch that allows for storage of small essentials. The rear compartment is fitted with a large oval hatch. A day hatch just behind the cockpit is an available option for the Taran. Standard items include a security locking point that is located at the rear of the cockpit, internally tethered Kajaksport hatches, and Rockpool flat-tab, recessed deck fittings.

Standard Layup: $5,230.00

Weight: 57lb

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: $6,855.00

Weight: 44lb

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.

Gel coated Kevlar front crash guard | $90

Gel coated Kevlar rear crash guard | $75

Reinforcements for sail kit | $90

Fitting of sail kit (sail kit not included) | $160

Custom bulkhead location | $180

Extra Deck/Hull Color (per color) | $140