The Transparent Canoe Kayak from Hammacher Schlemmer not only reproduces the contemplative wonder of cruising in a glass-bottomed boat, it improves the experience by allowing passage into shallow areas denied watercraft of a deeper draft. Couple this with the more precise handling of a kayak, vital to access tight, hard-to-reach locations such as those found in rock-filled lagoons, reefs and sea caves, and one can see why this product is unique.
Transparent Canoe Kayak
Obvious applications such as wildlife-watching, photography and fishing are just three that immediately spring to mind. Imagine being able to actually see the very fish you’re trying to catch! You don’t need a fish-finder with this boat.
The hull is constructed from Lexan® polycarbonate (a bullet-proof material with 250 times the impact resistance of glass and 30 times that of acrylic), the same material used in the F-22 Raptor fighter jet cockpit canopy and the Space Shuttle windows. Unlike most polycarbonates, Lexan® does not yellow from prolonged exposure to sunlight thanks to its protective coating, so the view of the habitat beneath the paddler will never become discolored.
It is designed with a broader than traditional beam which increases its water displacement. This concept, combined with the lower, kayak-style seating positions for two occupants (up to 425 pounds), makes for greater stability in the water. Seating is adjustable to customize leg room. The interior frame is made from corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum which lends the boat rigidity. The canoe weighs in at 40 pounds and comes equipped with two double-headed paddles, two floatation devices and a water bailer.
Maintenance Light
Those of us who canoe or kayak are familiar with the rough and tumble such boats get exposed to, and one might profess concern about the likelihood of the usual scratches from submerged rocks, pebbled beaches, sand etc. inhibiting the view through (and therefore the point of) such a hull. As with any canoe or kayak, scratches do occur and unfortunately polycarbonate does scratch easily. However, with this material, these scratches disappear when on the water as if by magic.
If the aesthetics of the scratched hull still bother you when storing or transporting the boat, there are several ways to remove them – polishing with a Lexan® approved polish (or a polish such as PlastX*) and a soft cloth such as an old t-shirt (never a paper towel) removes fine scuffs and clouding, while the best method for deeper gorges is to play a small torch over the area to re-smooth the surface, then finish with the same polishes mentioned.
As with any open-top canoe or kayak, this craft is not recommended for rough water or children under the age of 16. A Coast Guard-approved life preserver is mandatory.
Although this canoe kayak is significantly more expensive than comparable craft, the unique nature of this products recreational advantages far outweigh the price difference. Thoroughly recommended.
Dimensions: 11’1”/3.38m long, 33½”/85cm wide, and 11”/28cm deep. Price: $1600. Shipping: $115. Available from: Hammacher.com.
We’re heading to Maui in December and this kayak would be perfect for a few of the jungle rivers we will be frequenting as a family. This kayak would be perfect for some fun in the sun paddling around the world famous Black Rock known for turtles and color fish out front on the Maui Sheraton.
What an amazing idea!