Nordkapp Ocean Cockpit Differences

[SJD]

Hoping someone can tell me if there is a difference between the ocean cockpits on various models of Nordkapps. Have they changed over the years? I am thinking about a used Nordkapp Classic or a used Nordkapp Jubilee and trying to compare the newer ocean cockpits to my 1993 Nordkapp HM. From some of the pictures I have seen on the web it looks like Valley may have modified the aft end of the cockpit coaming/deck area so the top of the coaming/rim is more flush with the deck. Can anyone confirm this?

Thanks

[MikeB]

When I was researching and writing the article on the Nordkapp which you will find in the Almanac, it became apparent that Valley had made numerous changes to the hull over the years. Getting any accurate summary of what those changes were, and when they were made proved impossible.

The Jubilee came with a keyhole cockpit as standard, although could be spec'd with the older style one. The Jubilee is not the same boat as an early (original) N/kapp - the Jubilee is bigger. The "Classic" is (I understand) essentially the same as the final incarnation of the pre-Jubilee N/kapp. Mike.

[Mark R]

More importantly, perhaps...why on earth do you want to know?

[Graham T]

More importantly, perhaps...why on earth do you want to know?

Because

I am thinking about a used Nordkapp Classic or a used Nordkapp Jubilee and trying to compare the newer ocean cockpits to my 1993 Nordkapp HM.

I think he would like to know how the fit might compare to his current boat

[SJD]

MikeB,
Thanks for the reply and the great resource. It was actually the first place I looked for answers to my cockpit question. I am waiting for a reply from Valley, hopefully that will clarify things.

Mark R,
To answer the why question, there is something about the Nordkapp ocean cockpit and hung fiberglass seat that makes for a comfortable boat for me. Not sure why exactly, but it is the only sea kayak I have owned or paddled when at the end of the day my legs are not numb or a sleep. True, it is a struggle at times to get in, especially when layered and wearing a drysuit.

SJD

[MikeB]

Glad it was of some help. If you do get any useful response, could you let me know please?

While the best way of course is to demo the boats, my personal experience is that the Jubilee had a rather higher foredeck than earlier (original) N/kapps. This forces your legs into quite an upright position which may - or may not - suit. They lowered it a little in later incarnations. Mike

[Mark R]

I think he would like to know how the fit might compare to his current boat

Makes sense.

[SJD]

MikeB and anyone else interested in Nordkapps,

Just read this which basically answers my cockpit question:

"I have paddled my 1987 Nordkapp HS for the past 4 seasons. The way to recognize this older model and to differentiate it from the new "Classic HS" look for:
- round rather than oval stern hatch,
- absence of a day hatch,
- no recessed cockpit coaming in the back,
- molded gelcoat rather than screw-in plastic recessed deck anchoring points,
- skeg control box behind the cockpit rather than in front of it, and
- hefty long square composite skeg,
- the older HS also had a hand chimp pump behind the cockpit."

The above passage is from an article available here: http://paddlenhull.blogspot.com/2011/08 ... eview.html

Also, I received this reply to my question from Jason at Valley (I am impressed by the quick reply):

"Your right the cockpit area is a little different and a little recessed...

Just for your information this model is now very close to being retired, so this may be the last that we ever make.."

SJD

[MikeB]

Thanks -- Mike.