Well, if you are an adventure freak and especially if you are interested in kayaking, this Santee 116 Kayak should be something that you should consider. One of the Santee 116 kayak brands is upheld due to factors such as sleek design, excellent performance and better stability making it suitable for beginners and professional users.
Here in this article, we shall especially discuss the features, advantages, and even the possible demerits of the Santee 116 Kayak so that you may be in a position to make the right decision in your water activities.
Why Choose the Santee 116 Kayak
The Santee 116 Kayak is one of the most popular kayaks in use today for several reasons. Lightweight construction, stability, and comfort make it a very suitable kayak for newcomers as well as professional sea kayakers. But what does it specifically distinguish? Let’s break it down.
Lightweight and Easy to Handle
The weight of the Santee has been reduced to just 36 pounds, which is not surprising given the model is the 116 Kayak. When it is to be loaded on your car or when you are carrying it to the water you will love how portable it is even for an individual.
Superior Stability
Stability is something that every beginner will be glad about and the Santee 116 Kayak has this feature perfectly figured out. Standing 29 inches wide and having a better-designed hull, the kayak gives the user a stable working area, and the paddling stage does not feel as shaky as one might think.
Comfortable and Spacious
The Santee 116 Kayak’s cockpit is ample, coming in at 38 x 21 inches, which means that you have ample leg room to maneuver. The highly comfortable and adjustable seat is padded so that you do not get tired easily whenever you are out paddling for hours.
Key Features to Look For
If you are planning to buy a Santee 116 Kayak, there are ways that you can follow to make sure that you buy the best product that the market has to offer.
Material and Durability
The Santee 116 is made from high-quality ABS plastic, known for its durability and resistance to impact. This material not only enhances the kayak’s longevity but also provides UV protection, keeping your kayak looking good as new for years.
Storage Options
Still on the features of the Santee 116 Kayak that are worth appreciating, it boasts of adequate storage space. The Tundra has front and rear bulkheads with hatches to provide loads of space to store your items properly. In case you are planning to go out for the day or traveling for a few days you will have adequate storage space for all necessities.
Cockpit Design
The design of the cockpit is very important as far as comfort, as well as efficient operation, is concerned. The Santee 116 Kayak ensures a large cockpit designed to ensure that it is easy for the users to get in and out of the kayak regardless of their size. The seat and the foot braces are height adjustable which increases the comfort to allow for longer paddling without soreness.
Key Features and Specifications
Before we explore the pros and cons, let’s take a look at the specifications of the Santee 116 Kayak:
- Length: 11 feet 6 inches
- Width: 29 inches
- Weight: 36 pounds
- Capacity: 350 pounds
- Material: ABS plastic
- Cockpit Size: 38 x 21 inches
- Seating: Padded, adjustable seat
- Storage: Front and rear bulkheads with hatches
Pros of the Santee 116 Kayak
Lightweight and Easy to Transport
Another benefit of the Santee 116 Kayak that remains very conspicuous is the light weight of this equipment. The weight is 36 pounds only, so it will not be a hassle to transfer it from one location to another especially for someone that is traveling alone.
Superior Stability
Thanks to its 29-inch width and well-designed hull, the Santee 116 Kayak offers excellent stability on the water. This makes it a great choice for beginners who are still getting the hang of kayaking, as well as for more experienced paddlers who want a stable platform for fishing or photography.
Comfortable Seating
Comfort is key when you’re spending hours on the water, and the Santee 116 Kayak delivers with its padded, adjustable seat. The spacious cockpit also allows for easy entry and exit, which is particularly beneficial for taller kayakers or those with mobility issues.
Ample Storage
Whether you’re heading out for a quick paddle or a longer excursion, the Santee 116 Kayak has you covered with ample storage options. The front and rear bulkheads, complete with hatches, provide plenty of space to stow your gear safely and securely.
Durability
The Santee 116 Kayak is made from high ABS plastic material and this makes it very durable. This material is not just strong and able to handle impacts, but it has additional UV protection so your kayak will remain good-looking and performant for a long time.
Cons of the Santee 116 Kayak
Price Point
As you are going to see, the Santee has numerous advantages, which makes it a wonderful recreational kayak Nevertheless, its price is somewhat higher than that of some other models.
But, as has been stated, all those clients acknowledge that the money spent on this kayak is quite valuable because of how well the kayak works and how long it lasts.
Limited Speed
The Santee 116 Kayak is comparatively shorter and built wider than most of the other models of the same type; therefore it may perform slower than those models. This could be a factor when one intends to get a swift kayak for racing or any marathon paddling activity.
Limited Customization
However, what the Santee 116 Kayak lacks in custom kit features it lacks these aspects in contrast to some of the more upgraded and modern designs.
It may be a disadvantage for the more experienced users who would like to fit their kayak with enhanced accessories or make drastic alterations on it.
Who Should Buy the Santee 116 Kayak?
The Santee 116 Kayak is therefore favorable for different types of paddlers. Due to the above features such as the boats stability and insanely easy-to-use nature, this model is perfect for a first-time kayaker.
It is also perfect for the leisure paddlers, fishers or photographers due to the ample compartments and the stable base.
Tips for Buying Your Santee 116 Kayak
Test Before You Buy
If you have a chance before making your final decision and buying a kayak, it is wise to try it out first. Some outlet centers have days when you are allowed to try out various models on the retail floor.
This way, you will familiarise yourself with the kayak, and whether it could work with your body in regards to size, room, and weight.
Consider Your Budget
All the same, it is equally important to look at the prices of the Santee 116 Kayak because it is an investment. Ensure that the price of the item is agreeable to you and that you are willing to spend the amount on it.
Check for Warranties and Return Policies
There are warranties and return policies on almost any product, and it is good to see them when choosing a kayak. It assures a buyer more assurance because in case of a defect or when the kayak does not meet the buyers expectation the buyer is compensated.
Tips for Maintaining Your Santee 116 Kayak
To ensure your Santee 116 Kayak remains in top condition, here are some maintenance tips:
- Rinse after use: It is also important to wash the kayak after usage especially when it has been exposed to salty water this will help to reduce the building of the salt on the kayak.
- Store properly: To avoid the effects of the uv light it is advised to store your kayak in a shady place when it is not in use. If possible it is recommended to use a kayak cover.
- Check for damage: A proper check-up of the kayak should be conducted from time to time with a view of identifying areas that require repair in an attempt to do that during summer when such incidences are less common.
- Clean hatches and bulkheads: Remember to wash and thoroughly dry the storage areas before use and after use to eliminate molds and mildews.
Conclusion
If there is one kayak that can be recommended for anyone looking for a stable, comfortable, versatile, and warm kayak, then it has to be Santee 116 kayak.
There is some disadvantages of this garage door opener including high prices as compared to other garages of the same kind and also it is not very fast but the advantage gives the disadvantage a tough competition.
Given the above features, the Santee 116 kayak is a great buy for both the amateur and professional users of the kayak.
