Assateague - 17'10"
A quick early morning paddle that makes it hard to believe you’re in the city. You brush by aquatic plants, eyes on the gently lapping water, finally bringing them up to rest on the impressive skyline, knowing that your day is starting off the best way it can. Comfortable enough to spend hours in their kayaks, the Assateague has become the top choice of larger paddlers in North America. The key is our wider cockpit opening and comfortable yet simple outfitting. By increasing the size of the cockpit at the midship, we allow for easy entry and exit while keeping a tight fit for control. With over 10,000 cubic inches of space, this boat is simply begging to be loaded for an epic adventure.
Assateague - 17'10"
A quick early morning paddle that makes it hard to believe you’re in the city. You brush by aquatic plants, eyes on the gently lapping water, finally bringing them up to rest on the impressive skyline, knowing that your day is starting off the best way it can. Comfortable enough to spend hours in their kayaks, the Assateague has become the top choice of larger paddlers in North America. The key is our wider cockpit opening and comfortable yet simple outfitting. By increasing the size of the cockpit at the midship, we allow for easy entry and exit while keeping a tight fit for control. With over 10,000 cubic inches of space, this boat is simply begging to be loaded for an epic adventure.
Overall
| Length | 17'10" |
| Gunwale width | 22.5" |
| Midship | 13.75" |
| Cockpit | 17"x32" |
| Weight | 62 LB |
| Poids pagayeur | 150-250 LB |
| Volume | 95 US GAL. |
| Bow | 3525 PO3 |
| Stern | 5170 PO3 |
| Compartiment de jour | 2350 PO3 |
Customer Reviews
Assateague (April 29th, 2010)
I would like to start the review by saying that I am a large guy 6'5" and 270lb with size 15 feet. Suffice to say it has been a little challenging to find a boat that doesn't handle like a barge, yet is able to fit my frame, and especially my feet. The Assateague is the only boat that I have been able to get into bum first!!nn The out fitting is great, although the Immersion Research backband spins on wet entries, and needs to be tied into the combing, I find the foot pegs uncomfortable, although this is the same in all boats....why do manufacturers make boats for bigger guys then assume that the footpegs are appropriate for all sizes???? They just make the feet cramp up, so I will foam out the bulkhead, but I would rather I didn't have too.nn The boat paddles really nicely and tracks true. Although others say it is a fast boat, I find it only medium paced, although I shouldn't have paddled it after a Rockpool GT, as that is a fast boat and just made the Impex feel slower. Initial stability is great for a British style boat, and better than my Aquanaught HV, my other boat.nn The boat is able to stay on edge for ages and is easy to balance there, with the edge almost feeling like it wants to "bounce" you back into the boat, rather than dump you into the drink. It cuts through swell easily and is very dry to paddle bouncing over smaller swell. The boat surfs OK although smaller swell that the Aquanaught picks up easily just washes past the Assateague. That said the Aquanaught is just about the best boat I have paddled in trailing sea. nn The Assateague performs true to the paddlers input, and although it isn't the fastest or the best at catching waves or even the best capacity, it fulfills the need in the market for a true BIG BOYS BOAT that can handle the rough, the surf and the rock gardens, and at least get us closer to the enjoyment had by those Midgets ridding matchsticks that once carved us up in the surf.
Assateague (April 29th, 2010)
I would like to start the review by saying that I am a large guy 6'5" and 270lb with size 15 feet. Suffice to say it has been a little challenging to find a boat that doesn't handle like a barge, yet is able to fit my frame, and especially my feet. The Assateague is the only boat that I have been able to get into bum first!!nn The out fitting is great, although the Immersion Research backband spins on wet entries, and needs to be tied into the combing, I find the foot pegs uncomfortable, although this is the same in all boats....why do manufacturers make boats for bigger guys then assume that the footpegs are appropriate for all sizes???? They just make the feet cramp up, so I will foam out the bulkhead, but I would rather I didn't have too.nn The boat paddles really nicely and tracks true. Although others say it is a fast boat, I find it only medium paced, although I shouldn't have paddled it after a Rockpool GT, as that is a fast boat and just made the Impex feel slower. Initial stability is great for a British style boat, and better than my Aquanaught HV, my other boat.nn The boat is able to stay on edge for ages and is easy to balance there, with the edge almost feeling like it wants to "bounce" you back into the boat, rather than dump you into the drink. It cuts through swell easily and is very dry to paddle bouncing over smaller swell. The boat surfs OK although smaller swell that the Aquanaught picks up easily just washes past the Assateague. That said the Aquanaught is just about the best boat I have paddled in trailing sea. nn The Assateague performs true to the paddlers input, and although it isn't the fastest or the best at catching waves or even the best capacity, it fulfills the need in the market for a true BIG BOYS BOAT that can handle the rough, the surf and the rock gardens, and at least get us closer to the enjoyment had by those Midgets ridding matchsticks that once carved us up in the surf.
Assateague (July 23rd, 2008)
Of the few British styled performance kayaks for larger paddlers, the Assateague and the Tempest 180 are the most popular IMO. I have owned both of them here's the scoop. nn The Tempest is a good handling kayak. It also surfs nicely but when paddled over larger waves the bow slaps the backside of the wave and flex in the kayak can be felt. Sitting on the rear deck caused that area to flex and creak. After rolling in the surf the thigh brace cracked and the attached cockpit coaming separated from the kayak. nn The best feature of this kayak is its carving ability due to harder chines. The Tempest has a very comfortable but delicate seat pan, be careful not to stand on it. The cockpit is 36 inches long and allowed me to get in seat first with a 34" inseam. It has more deck bungies than I would ever use and a loose fitting skeg that rattles in its skeg box. nn The bulkheads are RTV'ed into place and the day hatch and rear bulkheads leaked around the skeg line that runs through them. The forward bulkhead leaked around its RTV seal. After paying over $3000 I was making repairs I would expect to perform on a used kayak. This is a well designed but poorly built kayak. nn The Assateague has glassed in bulkheads that are water tight and practically air tight. After rescue and roll practices I found a few drops of water in the forward hatch, which may have dripped off of me. It has adequate deck storage bungies, and a strong smooth quiet skeg. It has both toggle handles for holding on to it in the surf and suitcase style carry handles for transport. Sitting on the rear deck causes no flex or sound from the boat. I feel no flex in this kayak it is solidly built. nn The Assateague fit provides me with better control and makes rolling easier. It has a simple durable and comfortable seat and responds well to lean turns. I like the two large identical hatch covers for front and rear compartments, they provide more packing options. nn I found drops of water leaking into the Assateague from the skeg slider guide rod. I placed a drop of marine RTV where the metal rod meets the fiberglass and that did the trick. My rolling confidence has soared now that I trust my kayak will not come apart. nn As for performance both boats are responsive and handle well<br> <b>Assateague:</b> faster and better tracking, easier rolling<br> <b>Tempest:</b> responds quickly to lean turns, better carving nn As for construction Impex wins; no contest. Build quality (fiberglass line) is of no concern to Wilderness Systems. Marketing strategy is where Wilderness shines. Wilderness Systems boats are easily found at sporting good retailers as well as kayak shops. Impex boats were more difficult for me to find but it was definitely worth the effort. I give the Assateague 10 out of 10.
Assateague (July 23rd, 2008)
Of the few British styled performance kayaks for larger paddlers, the Assateague and the Tempest 180 are the most popular IMO. I have owned both of them here's the scoop. nn The Tempest is a good handling kayak. It also surfs nicely but when paddled over larger waves the bow slaps the backside of the wave and flex in the kayak can be felt. Sitting on the rear deck caused that area to flex and creak. After rolling in the surf the thigh brace cracked and the attached cockpit coaming separated from the kayak. nn The best feature of this kayak is its carving ability due to harder chines. The Tempest has a very comfortable but delicate seat pan, be careful not to stand on it. The cockpit is 36 inches long and allowed me to get in seat first with a 34" inseam. It has more deck bungies than I would ever use and a loose fitting skeg that rattles in its skeg box. nn The bulkheads are RTV'ed into place and the day hatch and rear bulkheads leaked around the skeg line that runs through them. The forward bulkhead leaked around its RTV seal. After paying over $3000 I was making repairs I would expect to perform on a used kayak. This is a well designed but poorly built kayak. nn The Assateague has glassed in bulkheads that are water tight and practically air tight. After rescue and roll practices I found a few drops of water in the forward hatch, which may have dripped off of me. It has adequate deck storage bungies, and a strong smooth quiet skeg. It has both toggle handles for holding on to it in the surf and suitcase style carry handles for transport. Sitting on the rear deck causes no flex or sound from the boat. I feel no flex in this kayak it is solidly built. nn The Assateague fit provides me with better control and makes rolling easier. It has a simple durable and comfortable seat and responds well to lean turns. I like the two large identical hatch covers for front and rear compartments, they provide more packing options. nn I found drops of water leaking into the Assateague from the skeg slider guide rod. I placed a drop of marine RTV where the metal rod meets the fiberglass and that did the trick. My rolling confidence has soared now that I trust my kayak will not come apart. nn As for performance both boats are responsive and handle well<br> <b>Assateague:</b> faster and better tracking, easier rolling<br> <b>Tempest:</b> responds quickly to lean turns, better carving nn As for construction Impex wins; no contest. Build quality (fiberglass line) is of no concern to Wilderness Systems. Marketing strategy is where Wilderness shines. Wilderness Systems boats are easily found at sporting good retailers as well as kayak shops. Impex boats were more difficult for me to find but it was definitely worth the effort. I give the Assateague 10 out of 10.
Assateague (October 3rd, 2005)
I've been paddling a CD Gulfstream since 1997. Since then, I've also owned several other kayaks in my search for the "perfect" kayak. I haven't liked any of them as well as the Gulfstream until now. nn In June, I took delivery of a Carbon Kevlar Assateague. Besides wanting a compass recess, large oval hatches for packing lots of gear, a day hatch, a skeg, & a weight around 50 lbs., I also wanted the great handling of the Gulfstream. I got all this in the Assateague plus one of the most comfortable cockpits I've ever sat in. I'm not a big guy either...5'9" and 180 lbs. but the Assateague fits me just fine. nn A big bonus in all this is the great fit and finish that Impex kayaks have especially in the Carbon Kevlar layup. nn I hate to say goodbye to an old friend....but it's time to sell the Gulfstream!
Assateague (October 3rd, 2005)
I've been paddling a CD Gulfstream since 1997. Since then, I've also owned several other kayaks in my search for the "perfect" kayak. I haven't liked any of them as well as the Gulfstream until now. nn In June, I took delivery of a Carbon Kevlar Assateague. Besides wanting a compass recess, large oval hatches for packing lots of gear, a day hatch, a skeg, & a weight around 50 lbs., I also wanted the great handling of the Gulfstream. I got all this in the Assateague plus one of the most comfortable cockpits I've ever sat in. I'm not a big guy either...5'9" and 180 lbs. but the Assateague fits me just fine. nn A big bonus in all this is the great fit and finish that Impex kayaks have especially in the Carbon Kevlar layup. nn I hate to say goodbye to an old friend....but it's time to sell the Gulfstream!
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