Delta Kayaks Traverse 17.5T

Finding a tandem kayak that two paddlers of different sizes and skill levels can both enjoy is genuinely harder than it sounds, and the Delta Traverse 17.5T was built to solve exactly that problem.

Introduced in 2017 as a more manageable evolution of Delta's former 20T, the Traverse 17.5T is shorter and wider than its predecessor, striking a balance between straight-line tracking and the kind of manoeuvrability that makes a long tandem kayak feel approachable rather than unwieldy. Stability is exceptional, and the Seadog gas pedal style rudder system keeps the boat on course in adverse conditions without forcing either paddler to sacrifice a brace to steer. At a weight that puts it among the lightest tandem kayaks on the market, it is also a boat two people can realistically manage on land without a small crew.

Fit is handled by the Contour II Comfort Seat System, which offers four adjustment positions on both the pan and backrest, making it straightforward to dial in comfort for paddlers of very different builds. Four bulkheads and watertight Press-Lock hatch covers protect ample gear storage for extended trips, while curved bulkheads assist drainage after a rescue and a low rear deck supports lay-back rolls and self-rescue. Built in Maple Ridge, British Columbia with UV-resistant Solarkote thermoform construction, the Traverse 17.5T is a Canadian-made tandem sea kayak that holds its own on everything from sheltered lakes to open coastal paddling.

• Length: 17.5 ft
• Hull: Thermoformed ABS and Acrylic with Solarkote UV protection
• Bulkheads: Four watertight curved bulkheads
• Hatch Covers: Press-Lock thermoform, watertight seal
• Seat System: Contour II Comfort Seat with four pan and backrest positions
• Steering: Seadog gas pedal style rudder system
• Deck Rigging: Comprehensive bungee rigging with perimeter lines
• Handles: Self-retracting comfort handles
• Construction: Thermoformed Solarkote, made in Canada
• Warranty: 3-year limited warranty against defective materials and workmanship