How to Choose a Kayak

Ideal for any level of paddler, the sleek Delta 15.5 GT touring kayak offers comfort, stability and great performance along with with ample storage capacity for those longer trips.
Imported.
View all Delta Kayaks Touring KayaksBest Use | Sea Kayaking |
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Material(s) | Thermoformed ABS plastic |
Length | 15 ft. 6 in. |
Width | 24.25 inches |
Depth | 13.25 inches |
Weight | 50 pounds |
Cockpit Size | 32 x 17 inches |
Seat Type | Padded / Foam |
Number of Paddlers | 1-person |
Paddle Included | No |
Hatch Capacity | Bow: 6,006; stern: 9,702; day hatch: 416 cubic inches |
Weight Capacity (lbs) | 400 pounds |
Tracking System | Rudder |
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I have put over 150 miles on this kayak since purchasing and 40 miles were a 4 day trip to Shoshone Lake in Yellowstone National Park. Coming from a Wilderness systems Tsunami 145 to this boat is a dream. Light, fast and can pack the kitchen sink for multi day trips. Handled all my camping gear, camera equipment, tripod, chair with room to spare. Very stable boat in any type of conditions and handles anything you throw at it in terms of wind and weather. Impressive speed loaded or unload. With a full load I was averaging 3.1-3.4mph with mild headwind. Rudder system works well although it was a bit still when brand new. Day hatch saves the day for snacks, GPS, and other goodies. My only complaint is the hatches which are sometimes hard to snap on. I now clean them constantly which helps a bunch as it would for any hatch. Nice large hatch openings make packing larger items a breeze. I labored for a couple years purchasing the Delta 15.5 GT and have not looked back. If you plan to spend some time on lakes and larger rivers especially multi-day camping, this is you puppy!
I bought this because I wanted a boat capable of handling open water, inshore, river and lake tripping, Level 3 open water conditions, in wind, current and 3-4 foot waves. This boat has been able to handle all of that with ease. I also have a Delta 12.10 for creeks, lakes, and milder conditions. The 15.5GT is 49#s which means that I can car-top it onto my SUV, solo. The fit and finish are high quality. Boat is stiff and tracks well. Edges well, with good initial stability and confident secondary stability. I have felt safe in this boat in 4 foot wave, 20mph winds, and confused water on Long Island Sound. I rarely use the rudder - I'd have preferred a skeg, but the year I purchased, it came stock with a rudder. The rudder is gas pedal style, so you can brace against the foot peg without having to correct your rudder position. In the times that I have used the rudder it is responsive, and also stays centered without having to focus overmuch on foot position. Reasonably resistant to weather cocking, and edging to correct is easy for me in this boat. I am 6' tall 200lbs. I have the seat trimmed right in the center of adjustable range, with the back rest in the lowest position, and tensioned forward. I can paddle all day and the seat is comfortable, the seat is never the reason I need to get out of the boat. The deck height gives enough room for my knees (34" inseam). The after-market hip/thigh pads are worthwhile to get a better connection with the boat. Some have said the boat is not particularly fast, it's all relative. I find that I can do 15-minute miles easily in this boat, compared to 20-min miles in my 12.10. I am a pretty strong paddler, so I can keep up with and outpace my friends who have longer narrower 17 foot boats. I have loaded this boat for long day trips with plenty of room to spare (my expedition camping boat is 16 foot canoe). No doubt I could fit everything for 2 nights out in this boat, especially in warm weather. I gave been evaluated by a ACA Level 5 kayak instructor as having Level 3 skills. This boat is right there for my skill level with room to grow. I have taken this boat on 3 miles open water crossings as part of 15-20 mile ocean trips, surfed on the Hudson River, and done 20 mile river and lake trips in the Adirondacks.
I am 6'2 190lbs. Fit's great. I have owned over 14 Kayaks over the last 20 years or so. This kayak is amazing! Everything is very well thought out. Went from 17'5 foot boats to this 15'5, seems to keep up with longer boats, but much more comfortable. I can't wait to take it out on longer multi day trips. The back rest adjustment is different. But seems to work well. I added a Keel Shield for the front three feet of the keel.
I recently bought this kayak. First time out did a 9 mi. water trail. Found the seat to be very comfortable and really liked the adjustable seat back. Some wind came up part of the trip and the rudder worked well. The overall finish is nice. Having the small hatch in close is a nice touch. I'm pleased with the boat.