Marine

The TriKayak XS-1 features adjustable outriggers

The TriKayak XS-1 features adjustable outriggers
The position of the XS-1's outriggers can be adjusted on the water
The position of the XS-1's outriggers can be adjusted on the water
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The outriggers are located towards the stern, where they shouldn't interfere with paddling
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The outriggers are located towards the stern, where they shouldn't interfere with paddling
The position of the XS-1's outriggers can be adjusted on the water
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The position of the XS-1's outriggers can be adjusted on the water
The outriggers and the bungee-equipped rear cargo deck
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The outriggers and the bungee-equipped rear cargo deck
The open-top kayak features a raised seat
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The open-top kayak features a raised seat
The hatch of the main cargo compartment also features bungee cords
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The hatch of the main cargo compartment also features bungee cords
The outriggers in their retracted position
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The outriggers in their retracted position
The outrigger arms are made of aluminum
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The outrigger arms are made of aluminum
The outriggers can be adjusted via spring-mounted locking pins
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The outriggers can be adjusted via spring-mounted locking pins
The underside of the XS-1
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The underside of the XS-1
One of the two smaller cargo compartments
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One of the two smaller cargo compartments
The main storage compartment, opened up
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The main storage compartment, opened up
View gallery - 11 images

Kayaking is a fast, easy and fun way of paddling across the water. That said, some people worry that the perceived tippiness of the boats makes it too easy a way of ending up in the water, too. That's why you sometimes see kayaks with stabilizing outriggers ... although those outriggers can get in the way. The TriKayak XS-1 is designed to offer the stability, without the hassle.

Depending on what you plan on doing, the outriggers can be quickly set to three different positions, via spring-loaded locking pins. Should you plan on standing up in the boat and fishing, for example, they can be extended almost straight out for maximum stability. If you're aiming more for speed, however, they can be pulled right in. In any case, they're located toward the stern, where they shouldn't interfere with paddling.

They can also be easily removed, for transporting the kayak on a car-top carrier.

The outriggers can be adjusted via spring-mounted locking pins
The outriggers can be adjusted via spring-mounted locking pins

Other features of the 12.3-ft (3.75-m) XS-1 include dry storage compartments (the largest has a volume of 13 liters), fishing rod holder mounting locations, a trolling motor mount, a paddle holder, and a removable flat floor conducive to standing.

The designers of the kayak are currently raising production funds, on Kickstarter. A pledge of US$2,100 will get you one, when and if they're ready to hit the water – plans call for the first batch to be delivered to backers in May. The projected retail price is $2,385.

It's reminiscent of another Kickstarter project, the DFP kayak. It features pontoons that sit flush within the hull while paddling, but that can be folded out to the sides when stopped. Unfortunately, the makers of that boat didn't reach their funding goal.

The XS-1 can be seen in use in the pitch video below.

Sources: TriKayak, Kickstarter

View gallery - 11 images
7 comments
7 comments
Nairda
Seems a practical accessory for choppy water or to prevent rollover while fulling in a big fish.
Seen something similar for one side only on another larger 1 -2 man Kayak
Mr_Syntropic
Not a new idea. Visit www.triaksports.com to see one that has been around for a while and at boat shows.
BigGoofyGuy
I think that would be perfect for me since I am a little top-heavy.
I hope they get their funding. I do not want them to go the way of DFP Kayak. Perhaps if they succeed, they could get permission to make the DFP Kayak (just thinking out loud). http://www.gizmag.com/dfp-kayak-retractable-pontoons/28173/
https://truerecreation.com/ indicates the DFP kayak is coming soon. Perhaps they did get some funding?
Rehab
Nice clean, simple design plus being so light you could easily right this if rolled over by a big wave. Should really rip with a small O/B on the stern.
drhall
Yes, this design protects those close-call potential roll over events. I drilled four holes in my Necky, used pVc extenders to reach my pVc four inch enclosed with caps, floats. Cost: 2005 dollars - about $25. Later as Kentucky summer softened the pVc extensions I tossed a couple of 1X2 wood supports inside ... free garage source! Why? to teach my grandson and granddaughter the love of paddling. Want more zany ideas? I powered with a trolling motor using a li-ion battery pack sitting inside my vest! Built folding sail for about $45 bucks, then decided outriggers were really a necessary add-on!
NCGG
HI BigWarpGuy,
The DFP hasn't gone away. They're still busy working on getting it to market.
Slowburn
I worry about getting back to upright if if you do get turned over.