The almost mythical kayaks made by Rockpool in Wales have
landed in Australia. The first model in our fleet is the GT, a boat squarely aimed
at Australia’s paddling culture. It has a very sleek profile, with ample
expedition capacity, upper end speed in testing which put it up with the very
fastest sea kayaks on the water, but retaining all of the famous
maneuverability for which the Rockpool brand is known. Excited? We have our
demo GT at your disposal – call us to arrange one of our famous
instruction-laced demo paddle.
Here’s
what designer Mike Webb has to say about his latest creation, the GT:
The Rockpool GT
The G.T. is the latest edition to the Rockpool sea kayak
fleet. Whether you are looking for a solo circumnavigation of Greenland or
just to explore your favourite stretch of coastline, this is the boat to
place at the top of your list! Initial design criteria for the G.T. was for
it to be: a fast boat (we wanted an easy cruise of over 4 kts), stable enough
to take photos, large enough to carry exped kit and as maneuverable as a day
boat – without any compromise!
The G.T. is a high volume sea kayak that is fast and
incredibly easy to maneuver, combine this with predictable and precise
stability (and the new FB seat) and you’ve got a sea kayak that handles like
a dream! The hull can carry all the kit you want, the cockpit is roomy enough
to ensure you are comfortable on long trips and a front day hatch makes it
easy to access to all those little essentials! The G.T. is ideally suited for
both long open crossings or just weekend pottering along the coast.
Between the Lines:
Sit in the G.T. and you’ll be surprised; it’s as fast as a long boat but maneuvers
like a short one – the sort of boat that puts a smile on your face! This is a
boat that does fill the gap between exped and day boat, and does it well.
It’s a cracking good surf too!
G.T. - In the Detail:
The G.T. is a high performance sea kayak designed for paddlers looking for a
fast, stable and maneuverable boat. A large amount of work went into the G.T.
hull to achieve the combination of speed and manoeuvrability we wanted. The
overall length is 5 inches less than the Menai 18 (to make off the water
storage and handling easier – it should fit in the garage!) but the blended
hull form gives a cruise speed which is a touch faster. The boat is quick to
reach cruising speed and easy to maintain there.
The hull section changes character, from a V at the entry
point of the bow, rounded through the front section, to a flattened-U beneath
the cockpit (no chines), rounded again under the stern hatch to a gentle
blend into short keel section at the stern. The bow and stern sections of the
hull have been designed in combination to minimise ‘over-pitching’ as the
nose rides over large waves. Enhanced volume distribution gives a balanced
boat which results in a unusually smooth and dry ride. The deck is shaped to
shed water quickly (without splashing) when conditions get a little
boisterous!
The rounded sections of the hull give a cushioning effect in waves. The
flattened-U centre section gives edging that is easy to initiate but
progresses at a constant rate, resulting in predictable and confident edging.
The G.T. remains stable and relaxed with even extreme leans (water on the
deck stuff!) Turn response to edging is very quick with a good turn rate; as
soon as the edge is removed the boat tracks straight without overturning. The
shaping of bow and stern sections combined with a reduction of deadwood give
a boat that is easy to steer, small heading changes and corrections can be
made without leaning.
The G.T. has been designed to remain directionally neutral in most wind
conditions with a slight (and welcome) turn into wind as conditions
strengthen, the hull shaping has also been designed to minimise broaching in
following seas.
Deck:
The G.T. deck has a conventional hatch layout with a round front hatch and
rear oval. There is a standard day hatch behind the cockpit and a smaller day
hatch just ahead of the cockpit to give easy access to life’s paddling
essentials. No more need for that ugly deckbag! An extensive array of deck
elastics make for easy storage and access to bulkier items. The front deck is
designed to give a dry ride and minimise those annoying face splashes! The
rear edge of the cockpit rim is lowered to makes the G.T. easy to roll and
when combined with a raised deck contour behind the cockpit it gives an easy
and smooth snag-free entry. Behind the cockpit is a clear area to allow
fitting of a deck mounted tow system. Adjustable fittings are incorporated in
order to carry split paddles on the front or rear deck. All deckline fittings
are recessed for a neat and smooth look, they also make life a little easier
during rescue drills. The integrated thigh braces of the cockpit rim and the
adjustable seat make for a precise fit that provides accurate feedback and
handling. The G.T. is fitted with an adjustable plate footrest. This is
angled for a strong natural ankle position which allows the paddler to finely
adjust their leg alignment. Matched with the adjustable seat this places the
paddler in a dynamic and comfortable position for paddling. A choice of the
standard Rockpool seat or the new FB seat (developed from a white-water
competition seat) can be fitted to the G.T. As per the rest of the Rockpool
fleet the seats are moulded GRP shells which are adjustable front-to-back at
10mm intervals. The adjustable seat and footrest are mounted on internal hull
fixings without drill holes. This relieves the cockpit rim and deck of
unnecessary stress and provides a variable seat position for improved
feedback and handling for the paddler. Alternatively the G.T. seat has been
designed to allow it to be glassed permanently in place to perfectly match
the individual and give ultimate feedback and comfort. The G.T. is a boat
with dreamlike handling – it is fast but turns like a much smaller boat; it
is comfortable and maneuverable with crisp and precise edging.
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