Mariner

Mariner's home page is http://www.marinerkayaks.com. Unfortunately, Matt and Cam Broze have retired and no longer produce these kayaks - check the web site for further information; they may arrange to have kayaks made by another manufacturer or sell the designs. If you find one second hand, consider it well- they are good kayaks.

I've paddled most of the Mariner kayaks over the years: Mariner II, Coaster, Express, XL, Mariner I. I love them all. The difference in following seas between these and all other kayaks I've tried is remarkable. Compared with both my old IceFloe (old Derek Hutchinson design), my Feathercraft K1, and various other boats I've tried (various Perception/Aquaterra boats, Eddyline Raven and Osprey, Pygmy Coho) they surf wonderfully, don't weathercock and don't broach nearly as easily. This is all without rudder or skeg. These boats are a tad pricy but I'm convinced they are the best out there.

The Coaster is especially innovative at 13' long but a still very much a sea kayak. I've done a couple of 20 mile days in it without falling behind other paddlers in 17' boats.

See the online reviews of this and the Elan (a smaller version of the Express) in Sea Kayaker Magazine.