Boats Database: Hurricane Kayaks Santee 116 Sport

“I’d buy four of your Santee 116, if you’d just make the cockpit opening longer so we can get our birding gear stowed in easily,” wrote JP. We did and he did. The Santee 116 Sport still handles like the incredible 116, but it is 17 inches longer in the opening. You can put fly rod tubes, tripods and other outdoor tools of play in the cockpit with you. Even the right dog can ride in there too. We’re waiting for pictures of your cats. The 116 Sport still has a rear Hurricane hatch with watertight bulkhead, and it weighs in at a scant 35 lbs. So go ahead . . . take that extra cooler or dry box with you and make a day of it.

i'm looking at the hurricane santee boats. i noted that there are no reviews of the 100 or the 116 sport, but the ratings are 5 stars and 2.5 stars, respectfully. can you tell me what the ratings are based on? anyone who owns either of these boats, or the santee 116 non-sport, which has a smaller cockpit, want to say a few words about them? my other choice at the moment is the native marvel 10ft boat. all advice about abs plastic vs poly (and other matters ) will be gratefully received! thanks.

The Hurricane Aquasports boats are great as long as you're not going to bash them into rocks. Trylon is not made for that. Which is why the boats are somewhat limiting, although if you only expect to use them on flat water or on moving water with no rocks in it, the benefits of Trylon are pretty good.

www.paddling.net/Reviews/showReviews.html?prod=2032

www.paddling.net/Reviews/showReviews.html?prod=1906

thanks for all the help provided here.

i was lucky to attend an rei paddle demo day. i rented a marvel 10 for that wkend (rei doesnt carry native watercraft) and was able to compare it to the hurricane 116 sport and about a half a dozen other boats. i really wanted the hurricane to be my favorite--it's a beautiful boat-- especially since rei gave a coupon for a big discount on their stock, but i ended up purchasing a new marvel 10 from the outfitter that rented me the boat i had that wkend. they kindly applied one day's rental to the purchase, and as is usual, a nice discount on the accessories i bought (cockpit cover, half skirt, lock, and a nifty pelican ipod case!).

this is the perfect flatwater boat for me. with the seat removed, it weighs 34.5 lbs and is a dream to load, even on my tall highlander. it's stable and though it's fairly short and wide, it tracks well, is roomy, and the final most outstanding selling point is the seat. this boat is so comfortable, and i'll NEVER have a wet butt unless i am already wet when i get in. i am not long legged or big footed, but the hurricane was way more cramped in footroom/foot position than the marvel 10.

i've had it out four times now and am very happy with my choice. i'm using a paddle i already had, but the next major decision will be a new paddle!

thanks again for the generous advice!