Barracuda Beachcomber Ultralight
5 reviews · Statistics
Reviews
I still like my Beachcomber
Now 9 years old, the Barracuda Beachcomber kayak is still going strong. I recently had two novice paddlers try it out and they were both quite comfortable and in control of the boat, even on their initial paddles - (remember though that I have fitted thigh braces, for better body-boat contact.) I recently went for a paddle near Bundeena and rode a 1 metre swell for about 100 metres in distance, what a blast that was. A photo of me in Sydney Harbour is attached. I still love this boat for small surf and choppy water action, but do also like the Enigma (Barracuda) for longer journeys, as that is a bit faster paddling it in a straight line. Happy paddling. Astrolote.
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Very light but tracks awfully without rudder
I'd strongly agree with Tom's report, the handling is awful. I was attracted by it's weight and with it being plastic it's toughness. But it track's awfully and a devil to keep straight with the rudder up.
Otherwise it's got neat features, a decent carrying capacity, nice small storage area inside the cockpit, secure hatches etc.
However I was glad to get rid of it, without too much financial loss.
There are far better choices out there for the price
I bought mine almost 3 years ago on the basis that it was one of the lightest and toughest models out there which was true but after paddling a range of other kayaks since then I am regretting my purchase. The handling is horrible, there is no feel between the paddler, the boat and the water. Other kayaks that I have paddled since respond amazingly to paddle stokes and edging, really connecting the paddler to the water, the barracuda feels like a big awkward barge (suprisingly larger kayaks feel much more nimble than this boat) and if the rudde
... Read morer is up the kayak is almost uncontrollable, it spins and rotates as it wishes, there is no subtle control, nothing. I feel sorry for the person who is paddling in open water and it gets rough and then their rudder breaks, you are in for hell. I have paddled other kayaks with the rudder and skeg up 'in 25 knot winds' and they track straight and true, one paddle stroke and some edging and they respond beautifully. If you are a serious paddler you won't be considering this kayak but if you are a beginner save yourself the hassle and get something else, there are plenty of similarly priced options out there that are far far superior. As an extra gripe about this boat, it developed a crack where the foot rest is bolted to the hull (badly designed feature) and trying to get the manufacturer to offer some advice or help was just about impossible, thanks for nothing barracuda... It's lightweight and reasonably tough compared to a fibreglass boat The terrible handling, there is no feel between the paddler, the boat and the water. If the rudder breaks on this kayak it is nearly impossible to control. it is a barge.
BEACHCOMBER BARRACUDA SEA KAYAK
We purchased out Beachcomber Barracuda in 2008. My wife paddles it, I have a Pacific Kayaks "Storm" sea kayak. The Barracuda is faster and more manoverable, it is also easy to enter and exit due to the large cockpit. The weight is great and easy to carry and load onto the car.We only paddle in still water such as rivers and Morteon Bay, not in surf or open water. We have had no problems with it and find it very stable at 600mm wide. Sure there are faster kayaks out there but you sacrifice stability for speed.We don't want to spend time upside down in the water. The boat tracks well with the rudder down and sits flat in the water.Would recommend it to others.
Weight, stability,easy to use.
nothing
Find out how Barracuda Beachcomber Ultralight compares to other Kayaks
Know better, choose better.
An absolute cracker!
Light weight (17kg), very maneuverable, great in small surf or flowing river, or a lazy lake paddle, good storage space. Great steering system (counter balanced rudder) makes it really responsive and is great for getting out of tricky situations.In short great multi purpose boat for weekend paddler whether going for a splash or kitting up and going for a few days.
Good rocker, high nose for getting through chop. Quick to respond in current (handy when dodging trees,stumps etc). Tracks very straight due to whopper of a rudder.
Seat back is fairly agricultural. Due to light weight crosswind or crosschop can make life a bit interesting.
Questions & Answers
Barracuda Beachcomber Ultralight - what does this kayak Weigh?
dont know but very light, a woman can lift it.
I was asking the question...What is the actual weight of the Barracuda Beachcomber as it states ultra light but I could not see the weight on the web site.I am currently looking at a similar kayak in length which is 11kg but well used, I'd like to buy new.
This web site gives spec. details: http://www.barracudakayaks.com/products-2/beachcomber/
If buying a second hand one, try to get one with the black thigh-brace wings on the side edges of the cockpit coaming.
I added additional thigh braces under these wings, which make this kayak feel very secure and stable in ocean chop and small surf waves.
If buying a new one, consider the new Enigma. Not quite as nimble as the BC but tracks a bit better - a nice compromise in my opinion and it is also available with a thicker hull.
Where can I get one of these if I live in Brisbane - all stockists and 'for sale' via Gumtree, etc. appear to be in NSW or WA or further afield? I had a Barracuda Ultralight and stupidly sold it - my kayaks since then have gone from bad to worse - would give my eye teeth for one of the Interface models - used or new. Can anyone help me! Thanks, Penny
It appears Barracuda do not have any vendors in Qld.
You may need to pick one up from Pro Kayaks at Narrabeen in Sydney,
or ask them how much it would cost to ship one up to you.
They also have the new Interface demo models to try out on the lake.
Regards,
Astrolote.
Do a Google search on Brisbane dealers
Regards Phil Mct.
Thanks Phil, but if you do that - you get to go to C-Kayaks, who although advertise as having them, don't stock that brand anymore (more is the shame) but what they do stock are not good - bought my last two from them, and one Brittany 14.5 had a crack in it and rudder didn't work, Brittany 16.5 is no better, manufacturer fault in rudder (doesn't descend in water to do anything of a steering nature!) so won't be going anywhere near them. But have found one at Viking Kayaks on Sunny coast so hopefully it is still there. thanks, Penny
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Details
| Category | Kayaks |
|---|---|
| Price (RRP) | 3200 |
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