Loon 160T Tandem Kayak by Old Town Review

The Loon 160T Tandem Kayak by Old Town is a two person kayak that can convert to a one person kayak. You can either slide the front seat forward and the back seat away from the end of the kayak or you can slide both seats as far back as possible, with the front seat in the middle. This transforms the kayak into a one-person vessel. The Loon 160T is built with a rudder to make steering the kayak easier. It is designed to have plenty of storage to make camping and fishing trips easy to manage.

Review of the Kayak

Pack a lunch and your fishing gear when taking the Loon 160T out on the water! At 16 feet long and 30.5 inches wide, there is plenty of room in the kayak for two people along with camping and fishing gear and food supplies. This makes it ideal for overnight and fishing trips. The paddle locks also double as fishing rod locks, so you fish hands-free. The extra storage space can also easily hold a third person, although that person will not be able to paddle the boat. The boat will safely hold up to 500 pounds.

Take the Loon 160T out on streams, lakes, rapids or the ocean. The Loon 160T has three layers of linear polyethylene, which stiffen the bottom of the kayak and the deck. This makes it safer and sturdier. It also has a rudder, which helps keep the boat balanced and on course through choppy water as well as calm. The bottom is wide at 30.5 inches, which also increases the stability of the kayak, although it decreases its maneuverability.

Be wary of the size of the boat. Since it is a longer, wider kayak than a one-person kayak, the boat does not turn quickly or tightly. Rather, it makes large turns. The size of the boat also increases its weight. At 74 pounds, it can be difficult to pull onto the shore and carry.

Convert your kayak into a one person kayak. The Loon 160T is versatile in that it can be manned by one person or two. If you want to take a solo trip, simply slide the back seat further back and the front seat into the middle of the kayak. The seats are comfortable for long days of kayaking. If you want to take a nap, simply slide both seats out of the way and stretch out in the bottom of the boat.

Single Paddling

Slide the back seat into the back of the kayak and the front seat into the middle of the kayak. Grip your paddle with your hands on the shaft slightly wider than shoulder-distance apart.

Dip the right side paddle into the water by your toes. Pull the paddle backwards through the water until it reaches your hip. This will pull the kayak forward. Repeat the same motion on the left side.

Paddle solely on the right side if you want to turn left. Paddle only on the left side if you wish to turn right.

Tandem Paddling

Seat the strongest person in the back of the canoe. The power comes from the back person.

Dip both right side paddles into the water slightly in front of where you are seated. Pull backward through the water, making a circular motion to your hips. Repeat on the left side. Note that both people in the kayak paddle on the same side.

Turn the kayak to the left by having the front person dip the front paddle on the right side and sweep back while the back person dips the paddle on the left side and sweeps it forward in a reverse stroke. Reverse this to turn the kayak right.

Tips

If the front person gets tired, the back person can paddle a tandem kayak alone. Let the front person dictate the speed of the paddling. That way, the back person can see how quickly to paddle.

Warnings

Check the weather and water conditions before going out in a kayak. Make sure your kayak is in good repair.