Kayak??? Need help deciding between an OLD TOWNE OTTER OR VICTORY BLAST!!!!!?

Question

Can't decide which one would be better, the OLD TOWNE OTTER or VICTORY KAYAKS THE BLAST. I just want a very stable kayak in the lake, one that is easy to handle. CAN ANYONE HELP ME DECIDE??? Which one is faster in water?? more stable?? longer lasting?? ect..ect..ect

Answer 1

I own a victory blast and have had it for about 3  years. It is very stable and I have put it through it's share of rock scraping and it still handles/floats like new. For how cheap they are they are awsome kayaks.

Answer 2

I've paddled both and own a Blast.  The Blast is nowhere near as comfortable as the Otter...but it has slightly more primary stability and it has an amazing carrying capacity (I weigh 310, down from 350 at the beginning of the summer).

The Blast is also slightly more maneuverable while still maintaining decent tracking.  It's also CHEAP.  

Durability: well, I paddled my blast extensively last summer and I've had friends and family use it extensively THIS summer and there are no major defects as of yet....I'm willing to bet I'll still be loaning my Blast out 10 years from now.

If I were in the market, though, I think I would go with one of Old Towne's longer boats.  Neither the blast nor the otter will be very good for fishing, for instance.  The otter isn't quite stable enough and the blast just isn't comfortable enough for extended stays.

BTW, the "Victory Blast" is actually made by Wilderness Systems....which is one of the best names in plastic kayaks.  GREAT customer service.  When I upgraded, I stayed with Wilderness.  The Tsunami 145 is a GREAT transitional touring boat.

Answer 3

I own a Old Towne Cayuga - and love it, its very stable, rudder is easy to use, extremely comfortable seat (easily can paddle for a whole day without getting a sore back), 2 hatches and can do from 1 day to 1 week tour in both lakes and ocean.Can explore anywhere and launch off/on shore anywhere.  Very sturdy and thick poly.  Very practical. Quality is phenominal.

I looked at some reviews about the Victory Blast, good for smooth waters,  and shorter people (cockpit can be a bit cramped) and fairly stable and handles waves okay...

As for Old Town Otter, more room, comforable seat, handles good in rougher waters.  Here is a link below of the reviews:

http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/showRevi...  Seems to have a better rating than the Victory...

In my opinion, from what I read and what I own...Old Towne all the way

Paddle on...:)