Delta Kayaks 16 Rudder

A sea kayak that handles like a high-end composite, weighs close to one, and costs considerably less is the kind of boat that tends to sell itself once paddlers get it on the water.

A sea kayak that handles like a high-end composite, weighs close to one, and costs considerably less is the kind of boat that tends to sell itself once paddlers get it on the water.

The Delta 16 sits in the middle of Delta's performance touring lineup, and that position suits it well. At 16 feet with a shallow V hull, moderate rocker, and sharply defined chines, it accelerates quickly, tracks confidently, and edges with a responsiveness that rewards developing paddlers without frustrating experienced ones. The moderate rocker provides lift in bigger water rather than plowing through waves, which keeps the boat stable and manoeuvrable when conditions get interesting. It fits paddlers in the 140 to 240 lb range and genuinely spans the skill spectrum from first-season paddlers to those comfortable playing in surf and chop.

The cockpit rim is moulded directly into the thermoform construction rather than added after the fact, eliminating a common failure point found on other kayaks. Three Press-Lock thermoform hatches cover a bow, stern, and centre day hatch, with storage capacity that rivals boats several feet longer. The Contour Seat System adjusts four inches fore and aft, with a self-draining padded seat pan, adjustable backrest, and padded thigh braces for the connected fit you need for reliable bracing and rolling. Steering is handled by Delta's Seadog gas pedal style rudder system, which keeps foot input intuitive and leaves your hands free to focus on your paddle stroke. Built in Maple Ridge, British Columbia with UV-resistant Solarkote thermoform construction, the Delta 16 Rudder is a legitimate Canadian-made sea kayak at a price that makes the decision straightforward.

• Length: 16 ft
• Hull: Shallow V with moderate rocker and defined chines
• Bow Hatch: 16.5 x 11 in / 42 x 28 cm
• Stern Hatch: 20.5 x 14.25 in
• Day Hatch: 8 x 8 in / 20 x 20 cm
• Hatch Covers: Press-Lock thermoform, watertight seal
• Seat System: Contour Seat with 4 in fore and aft adjustment, padded pan and backrest
• Steering: Seadog gas pedal style rudder system with adjustable foot pedals
• Deck Rigging: Reflective perimeter lines integrated with retractable carry handles
• Construction: Thermoformed ABS and Acrylic with Solarkote UV finish, made in Canada
• Recommended Paddler Weight: 140 to 240 lb
• Warranty: 3-year limited warranty against defective materials and workmanship