Northshore Aspect RM

[Rockyisle8]

Does anyone paddle a Northshore Aspect RM, short sea kayak? Opinions of it as a coastal day boat? Lots of reviews around of Stratos, Virgo etc but very little that I can find re Aspect.

[Rockyisle8]

So doesn't look like many people paddle them 🤔

[Rockyisle8]

Bought one second hand, will see how it goes, seems good so far.

[asmar]

I've got 20 in my fleet; paddles thousands of miles with it in the past years. It is a great kayak with at least 2 negatives.
The first is the hatches; they are really bad quality and they don't last much. This might not be the case in the UK but in Crete with 50oC in the summer and lots of salt they don't last much.
Also only Valley produce them so can't find them from anywhere else.

Second is the foam bulkheads; I had in the past about 40 Atlantic's (I am selling them also) more or less and nearly all of them were leaking from the bulkhead. Valley puts very little glue and only from the outside of the foam.
You can still fix them but at least you shouldn't expect from a new boat to leak....

[Rockyisle8]

Thank you for replying, that's helpful to know. Heat not so much an issue here but will keep an eye on these two things. Thanks again.

[Rockyisle8]

Just to update, as a novice I really like the Aspect as a short sea kayak - stable but manoeuvrable, tracks well, comfortable and quite lightweight. Very happy.

[jamiemagee]

I've got one and find it really good. Can't fit anything longer in the garage. Great short sea kayak. Have had mine a couple of years and no real issues yet.



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[Rockyisle8]

Thank you, good to know.

[ChrisJK]

Looks an interesting boat https://www.manchester-canoes-and-kayak ... ect-rm.htm I guess a tough rock hopping sort of boat ?

[Ceegee]

The first is the hatches; they are really bad quality and they don't last much. This might not be the case in the UK but in Crete with 50oC in the summer and lots of salt they don't last much.
Also only Valley produce them so can't find them from anywhere else.

IIRC Kajaksport hatches will fit (round) Valley rims. Mine have lasted five Mallorcan summers no problem.

Valley hatch covers don't last in the UK either BTW.