Delta 17 Kayak Review

The Delta 17 is a high-performance touring kayak designed for paddlers who prioritize speed, stability, and capacity for long-distance trips and challenging waters. With a sleek design and premium build quality, the Delta 17 is suited for intermediate and advanced paddlers seeking adventure in diverse water conditions. In this review, we’ll break down the Delta 17’s features, design, and performance to help you decide if it’s the right kayak for your needs.

Key Features of the Delta 17

The Delta 17 boasts a range of impressive specifications tailored for serious touring and expedition use:

• Length: 17 ft
• Width: 22 in
• Weight: 50 lbs
• Weight Capacity: 360 lbs
• Material: Thermoform plastic (high-impact acrylic/ABS)
• Type: Sit-In

The combination of its lightweight material, streamlined design, and efficient dimensions makes the Delta 17 an ideal kayak for paddling longer distances with ease.

Stability and Performance

The Delta 17 is built with a shallow V-shaped hull and prominent hard chines, providing a superb mix of initial and secondary stability. Its narrow beam and long waterline enhance tracking and speed, allowing it to glide through water with minimal resistance. This kayak handles rougher conditions smoothly, making it suitable for open water, coastal exploration, and multi-day excursions.

The Delta 17 also comes with a retractable skeg to improve tracking in windy or choppy conditions, ensuring a straight course even in challenging waters. The balance of speed and control makes it a fantastic choice for both experienced and adventurous paddlers.

Comfortable and Ergonomic Seating

Comfort is a standout feature in the Delta 17, with a fully adjustable seating system and ergonomic backrest that support long sessions on the water. Adjustable thigh braces and foot braces provide a customized fit, enhancing control and comfort on extended journeys.

The cockpit is designed to accommodate a range of paddler sizes comfortably, while the added padding ensures minimal strain over long distances, making it a great option for expedition-level paddling.

Storage Capacity and Organization

The Delta 17 excels in storage, offering ample room for multi-day or even week-long trips:

• Bow, Stern, and Day Hatches: Three watertight hatches provide extensive storage options for camping gear, provisions, and other essentials, keeping everything organized and dry.
• Deck Bungee Rigging: The front and rear deck rigging adds extra storage flexibility for on-the-go access to items like a map, spare paddle, or paddle float.

These storage options make the Delta 17 a reliable vessel for extended adventures, offering sufficient capacity without compromising performance.

Durability and Build Quality

Constructed from thermoform plastic, the Delta 17 is highly durable and resistant to impacts, abrasions, and UV damage. This material combines strength with a lightweight profile, ensuring longevity even in demanding environments. The Delta 17’s smooth finish and high-quality build also contribute to its aesthetic appeal, making it one of the most attractive kayaks on the market.

Portability and Ease of Transport

Despite its length, the Delta 17 is remarkably lightweight at 50 lbs, making it easier to handle on land than many other kayaks in its class. The integrated handles at the bow and stern assist with carrying, and its sleek design fits securely on roof racks or trailers, simplifying transport.

For paddlers who frequently travel or need to launch from varied locations, the Delta 17’s portability is a significant advantage.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent speed and tracking, ideal for long-distance paddling
• High stability, even in rough conditions, with the option of a retractable skeg
• Comfortable, ergonomic seating for extended use
• Ample storage for multi-day or week-long trips
• Durable and lightweight thermoform plastic construction

Cons:

• The long length may feel challenging for beginners or smaller paddlers
• High-performance design prioritizes touring over recreational use
• Premium price may be a barrier for some paddlers

Ideal for Advanced Touring and Expedition Paddlers

The Delta 17 is best suited for paddlers who value speed, efficiency, and storage for long-distance adventures. Its design accommodates open water, coastal paddling, and multi-day trips, making it a strong choice for intermediate and advanced paddlers who enjoy exploring challenging environments. The kayak’s build quality and performance make it especially appealing to those who want a reliable vessel for demanding paddling conditions.

Final Thoughts on the Delta 17

The Delta 17 offers a premium experience in the touring kayak category, with its blend of stability, speed, and storage capacity catering to paddlers seeking adventure on extended trips. From its ergonomic seating to its rugged construction, this kayak is engineered to support both day trips and extended expeditions.

If you’re an experienced paddler looking for a high-performance kayak that can handle diverse conditions, the Delta 17 is a fantastic investment that will enhance your paddling experience across a wide range of environments.