Kit seen/used in this video - Kit seen/used in this video - I bought mine here - www.networldsports.co.uk/aquatec-inflatable-kayaks.html They're also on Amazon here - amzn.to/3psTbgn If this Amazon link stops working, it's in the Kayaking list of my Amazon shop - www.amazon.co.uk/shop/morethanjustacleaner/list/37P7M2N3DS6HJ Also other things you might be interested in - www.amazon.co.uk/shop/morethanjustacleaner
Good video and let me preface this comment by saying I am a SB optimal owner but if I was buying again I would probably go for the Aquatec, or at the very least it would be a more difficult choice as they are so similar in terms of the boats. However, a couple of comments about the comparison to clear things up. The red/white versions of the Optimal (they have KVR written on the side) are the pre 2022 models and are not made any more, hence why they are sometimes sold as "ex display" but I don't think its true, it just means it been in storage for a while and not inspected before dispatch (I think). In 2022 they had a bit of an upgrade but it is mostly cosmetic in terms of the boat itself although the deck strapping on mine is finished properly as this is the version I have. However, the included accessories are a little better but still not great, I have replaced my paddle with a carbon extendable and I used an extra cushion on my seat for longer paddles and that might be replaced soon. When I was shopping around last year the price difference was not as extreme and there was very little information about either boat in terms of user reviews on UA-cam, hence why I started making some. But the one thing that made me chose SB over AT was that the SB came with a 3-year warranty and the customer service from them is impeccable. I don't believe either is true of the company that sells the Aquatec. Anyway I actually think the Advanced Elements AirVolution might be best of all if you can get your hands on one of them.
Cheers, thanks for those additions :D Yes I'd love to try the AirVolution now! Is the keel on yours the same as this? Angled from the mid point to front and flat towards the stern?
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner Yeah it has a pretty pronounced v hull from the bow until mid way and then its flat to the stern. Its interesting that the airvolution has the same (or much similar) hull profile as the Ottowa. I would be interested to see how they compare in water with more movement, if the v hull helps with that.
A full comparison would be in small waves and wind. As a boat designer, I suspect the one with the keel will track better and therefore be more efficient over distance in those conditions.
Hi 😊 thanks for your kind words. Generally it means less there's less drag - if you look at the letter V, the idea being that it's the tip to the mid point actually in the water meaning so much of the keel isn't in contact and hence less drag. Obviously greater height on the hull would push more of the V in contact with the water and increase the drag. Does that make sense?
Very interesting comparison. I have the Aquatec but have no used a Sandbanks. They are clearly very similar apart from the ridge down the keel of the Sandbanks. I suspect this would help the Sandbanks track better but doesn't add anything to the speed of it. I like the stability of the Aquatec and have use it countless times. I do find it very prone to cross winds, which is maybe where the Sandbanks would have an advantage with the V shaped hull.
In my experience all inflatables are affected by winds, regardless of their profile on/in the water. If there is a difference I think it would be negligible, but I could be wrong 😊 As for the tracking and speed, don't you find they normally go hand in hand? When a boat tracks straight means it's energy is moving forward and not side to side meaning greater speed... Has that not been your experience?
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner I agree all inflatables are affected by wind more than hard shells but we find that some are definitely affected by wind more than others. The Aquatec is still probably my favourite kayak but it's the most affected by the wind. I think this is partly due to the very long bow and stern sections. The bow deck in particular seems overly long and I notice a lot of it is above the waterline so it's just acting like a sail catching the wind. They need to knock 20cm off of the bow section imo and it would be better balanced. Tracking and speed should go hand in hand, surprising that the Sandbanks seems no faster than the Aquatec. The Story kayak I have tracks very well due to the V hull and hard bow cone and it's also the fastest kayak, so I guess you're right.
It's weird because there's not an awful lot in it, which is why I was glad it wasn't just me who noticed the difference. However it does mean the Ottawa is definitely the better value option.
Hello, My boat is a COSTWAY "GOPLUS". I have been using it in open water for two years and I really consider it an item with good performance but SLOW SPEED. I am looking for a similar but FASTER model and I think the "AQUATEC OTTAWA" could be a good candidate. Do you think the difference in speed is noticeable enough to make the investment worth it? Thank you very much for your attention and greetings.
I take it you mean they GoPlus that looks like a paddleboard? If so then yes, definitely - the Ottawa is on a par with stability and so much faster than the GoPlus 👍😁
Hello again. Finally, after convincing myself, which was the most difficult, I decided and bought the Aquatec Ottawa kayak. Out of deference, you are the first person I inform. In about ten days he will arrive home. Thank you very much for the help provided and greetings. Good voyages.
Hello, I have gone out several times and although I am still getting the hang of it, I have adapted to the kayak like a glove does to the hand. It sails well, at good speed compared to the GO PLUS hybrid board. I have noticed that it is quite affected by the side wind and you have to constantly correct your course. Maybe it's because the boat has enough height in the bow and stern. With a headwind it goes perfect. The spaces left under the upper structure after inflation are ideal for storing equipment. I miss that the back of the seat does not rest and settle into the boat. I have corrected it by placing the luggage bag behind it. I need to sail with waves between 1 and 1.5 meters to see how it behaves. of the accessories: 1) I don't use the luggage bag, it is huge, and the wheels are small for long distances. I live near the sea and prefer not to use a car. I best use a folding wheelbarrow in which I carry everything. 2) I like to sit a little higher and I have also put a cushion 10 centimeters high. 3) The footrest should be included. 4) The inflator is a pain, I bought a triple action one and it works great. (8 minutes) I will continue testing and if I have any other observations I will let you know in the future. NOTE. Mechanical translation. excuse the typos. Thank you very much and greetings.@@MoreThanJustaCleaner
@@BernardoTrebole all inflatable kayaks/high sided boats are affected by side winds - you get used to it 😁 I'm glad you're having a good time with it and making adjustments as you go - that's all part of the fun 😁👍
Enjoyable video and I'm pleased there is consensus. Shame this review makes no attempt to consider WHY the Optimal has a keeled hull and the advantages this gives. The Ottowa is floating higher in the water and "skimming" over it hence feeling slightly easier/faster to paddle . The tracking should be slightly worse in this condition but if both were running the full 9" skeg it may not have been noticeable, especially if the Optimal was untrimmed. If all you're wanting is sheltered river/canal use then the Ottowa is excellent value imo. HOWEVER is you find yourself out on windy lake or the coast you'll find the Sandbanks is (slightly) less susceptible to cross winds and easier to keep straight. You DO need to consider "trimming" the boat, i.e. keeping the bow lower in the water (e.g. by sitting further forward or storing heavier items in the bow) to take full advantage of the V-hull. Similarly if you want to run in very shallow water/rapids (such as the river Wye) then the Sandbanks can be used comfortably WITHOUT any skeg at all for the duration of the trip. In normal river/canal use a considerably cut-down skeg suffices. On the flip side the Ottowa is slightly more stable which can be advantageous in choppy lakes/coastal conditions. Neither is ideal for this. The differences between them are marginal in every way and both boats are excellent in their own right. Whether you can justify the price premium of the Sandbanks depends on how you intend to use it. Personally I'd probably opt for the Ottowa too! :-)
Hiya. You recommended the ottowa to me a couple of months ago. I went for a SB style though (not the one in this vid) My only dislike is its stability & weight. I did get it for £350 all in though. Maybe i should've just stumped up for the ottowa. Good vids as ever
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner I find it feels tippy, even if I look around or behind me it wobbles. Not looking forward to choppy water in a reservoir or a boat wake. But I have gone from the itiwit to this which is in a different league. Only been out 3 times in it so far because I'm still nursing a shoulder injury
@@jamiebell704 @ruffpaddling said the same when he first got his. Here's what I recommend, and this is something I did in the Koa folder to get used to the tippy feel in that. Go to a canal or some other relatively shallow water - you want somewhere with a low wall to launch from. Once you're in the boat, keep one hand on the wall and lean over towards it, keeping your core upright. Lean as far as you can with your hand braced on the wall. Then you'll get a feel for how much it actually takes to tip the boat. Once you've got used to that, do the same with less of a grip on the wall. Once you've done that, it should make you feel safer and the 'tippy' feel should dissipate because you'll know just how much it takes to tip one. Have you seen the video where I self-rescued in the Ottawa? If you watch that you can see i literally slid over the side and the boat doesn't tip, and at one point I'm sat with some of my weight hung over the side. In fact, doing a self rescue in your boat will also improve your confidence and the 'feel' of the boat when you're in in :)
Nice one, Karl. An interesting review, however, I am not surprised that the top speed was similar. At the end of the day, they are both very good kayaks, cruising speed is more important to me than top speed. One question, is there any difference in stability! more so when boarding and exiting the craft? ATB, Dave. PS: Glad I went for the Ottawa Pro 😉
In terms of stability, there's no discernable difference. Despite the slightly V shaped keel on the SB Style, it does flatten out towards the rear. For me this was surprising in that not just me, but 2 other people, including the owner of the SB Style all came to the same conclusion :)
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner Just goes to show, paying more does not always mean the product is superior. I had this when I bought my Bluewave Glider 3 years ago, the Razorlite brigade mocked the kayak and stated it was an inferior knock off of the Razorlite.
My theory… the flat bottom is faster because there’s less below the water surface to cause friction. The v shaped keel offers more for the water to push against resulting in more friction. 🤷🏼♂️
A year late commenting😊 but I would agree. The Sandbanks slight V hull divides the flow when paddling giving directional stability. However as opposed to the Ottawa's flat bottom the V Hull of the Sandbanks occupies more surface area under water. or termed wetted area and that extra area will induce more drag . With equal paddling power id expect the Ottawa to have a slight speed advantage.Cheers.
Some general comments on the two boats: 1) The positioning of the Scuttle plug is more useful in the Ottowa as you can use it as a drinks holder :-) The Sandbanks scuttle has to be further back due to the Hull profile. Both work well if you get swamped, but the Ottowa's is easier to reach obviously. 2) Both boats have the same awful hard seats that on a drop-stitch floor are unforgiving on the buttocks. Thin cushioning is desirable, but don't raise the seat height by much as this reduces stability. After trying a few options I'm having good results with the Aqua Marina high-back spongy cushion seat and using repositioned D-rings (see below) 3) The seats' lower-back support can be improved by adding D-Rings on the top/side of the cockpit to attach the front seat straps. This prevents the seat dipping down when you lean on it and improves back support. Don't put them too far towards the outside of the upper edge or you'll catch them with your fingers when paddling! 4) Boat boats are very heavy in my opinion, especially if you need to carry the bag and pumps etc strapped to the boat. This can make portaging quite hard work. I've started to use a Kayak shoulder strap/sling for this which helps a lot. 5) I find the lack of foot rest problematic for long touring. I have 29" inside leg so use something stuffed into the front of the cockpit to rest my feet on, and something behind the seat and cockpit to push the seat forward improving trim and providing lower back support. 6) The differences between the Sandbanks Optimal v.1 and v.2 are almost entirely cosmetic with NO difference in hull shape: a. Slightly improved seat. b. Carry bag now has backpack straps relocated to opposite side to the wheels. c. Cosmetic colour changes to the hull (that's how you can differentiate them). d. Cosmetic changes to the paddle. 7) The supplied 4-piece paddle is adequate for moderate use but: (a) Flexes quite a bit if you need to apply a lot of power, and (b) I find it slightly too short at 220cm. 8) Neither of the Single person boats has adequate storage capacity for camping, but on if using a Double (with only one person). Hope that is interesting/helpful. It's a shame I can't attach a photo (of the boat🙂)
Thanks for the additional comments although I am going to totally disagree with the camping one. Not sure if you've seen the SUP/kayak hybrid videos I've done but they're a similar size and ace for camping trips. I can't see the Ottawa being any different other than having to take the beveled bow and stern into account, which given the flex in baggage won't be an issue.
Another great video Karl. I’m an Optimal (double) owner but still gave a thumbs up 😂 How does the speed of this style of kayak compare to the Story you used to own? I recently bought a Fohn single from Wiggle for £299 which looks very similar to the Story Division. It seems a bit quicker than the Optimal but the fact it didn’t have my better half and our lab in means it may not be a fair comparison!
Cheers Kevin... Yeah I sold the Story because I like Ottawa better for a couple of reasons. In terms of performance the Ottawa is certainly on a par with the Story Highline - at a guess I'd say there'll only be 0.1mph diff either way. The other key advantage is stability. However my other reason for moving the Story on is space! It's becoming limited and the Ottawa packs down smaller.
I bought the wiggle boat thinking it would be quick.. Compared to my triumph 13 SOT its really slow. I guess its just quick compared to most inflatable.
Yes it's all relative 👍 and it's annoying some boats look like they'll be quick but then you get them on the water and they're really disappointing 😵💫😊
Cheers Karl. That's interesting it packs down smaller as I guess they are similar in length though the Story is narrower. I was dismayed when I saw the size of the box for the Fohn and the bag is the same size as the Optimal double! The Optimal folds up in smaller segments from each end whereas the Fohn folds in longer segments due to the mouldings on either end. When I phoned Sandbanks before ordering, I wasn't sure whether to go for the Optimal or the Explorer and the guy I spoke to told me the Optimal was faster. This is in contrast to a shop that told me the Explorer was faster! I guess if it's only 0.1mph, it doesn't really matter. At the end of the day, I think I made the right choice for our first inflatable as my other half would not have felt comfortable getting into the more tippy Explorer. Throw in a lively labrador pup (not literally!) into the equation and it could all go horribly wrong 🤣
Hi Karl. How would you rate the Cascade vs the Ottawa in teeth’s of speed/stability/portability? I bought a Cascade and it’s great, but the Ottawa is available at a good price and you can never have enough boats!
Lol very true 😅 The Ottawa is faster and heavier and doesn't have centre grab handles. Having said that, I don't find it unmanageable to carry. As for stability, whilst I've never tested either of these, the Cascade is akin to the GoPlus so stability isn't an issue unless you do something ridiculously stupid. I find the Ottawa solid on the water and this weekend I am planning a stability/reentry test because that hasn't been done yet 👍😁
Hello karl, I don't know much about inflatable kayaks hence why I'm watching your videos. Could you or someone else tell me the basic difference between the Ottawa and the kayaks you get from decathlon such as either the x100 or the x500. I've been using a rigid leisure kayak but what I'm looking for is something inflatable, portable and could carry my overnight gear. Thanks
Ooh, now that's helluva question 😅 Simply put, the x100 has a high pressure hence rigid drop stitch (DS) floor and lower pressure sponsons (sides). The Ottawa and x500 are full DS i.e. all aspects feel solid. The Ottawa is a sit-on-top (SOT) whereas the x500 is a sit-in closed cockpit (CC). The Ottawa is wider compared to the sleeker x500 hence the x500 cuts faster through the water. However the Ottawa is more stable than the x500. SOTs tend to need a skeg or fin to keep them tracking straight in the water whereas CC boats tend not to because their design means they track well as they are. Personally I don't like CC crafts - I'm not great in the water so avoid anything that could trap me underwater. I'm a leisure paddler and as such happy to sacrifice a bit of speed for stability and open access. As far as loading is concerned, I find flat top crafts great for stacking gear on and lashing it to the craft. If you've seen any of my camping videos with either the GoPlus or the Cascade you'll know what I mean. Whilst I haven't used the Ottawa for that yet, I can't see there being any issues with it. I think that covers everything... 👍😁
I've been borrowing an Aqua Spirit Kayak and was thinking its pretty good for an entry level first one. Its not too heavy ,packs down well, tracks well and feels really sturdy with plenty of room for transporting stuff on. I had thought about getting one of those but really like the look of the Ottowa. I asked on Amazon how much it weighed packed up and someone answered " too heavy for a lady" !!! I don't know what upset me more, the sexist comment or the assumption I'm a lady 😆@@MoreThanJustaCleaner
Hi Karlos. I'm after some advice. I can't get the Aquatec Ottawa anywhere, they're out of stock. Do you think the Sandbanks style is a good substitute, seeing as it seems very similar to the Ottawa? What do you think?
Got the Sandbanks - love it. More or less as stable as my Sneaker Pimp (Spinera) but goes through the water nearly as well as the Story (name pending 😁) Thanks again for the advice
That £250 is for the Hudson Intermediate, even though the picture shows the Ottowa. Click on the 2 options to choose the Ottowa, and you'll see the price is really £400. Doing things like that on a website puts me off dealing with them.
They're too similar for the price difference. Price and the location of the drain plug would make me choose the Aquatec. A review on amazon says the Aquatecs on there are returns/refurbs. Anyone know if that's true? Cheers.
I'm not sure if the refurb thing is true or not. However considering Jon bought his SB as a ex display model and it came boxed as new, I wouldn't put much stock in it.
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner They're not advertised on amazon as returns, one of the reviewers had his turn up with footprints on it, and what looks like a scuff mark so he reckons they're all returns on there. I think now that he just got unlucky with his one and had sour grapes about it.. I've been watching yours and Dave's videos and my choice is down to the Aquatec Ottowa, or an inflatable dinghy type boat like a Honda Honwave. Cheers.
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner .many thanks and will do , I have the aquatec single for a year already but at 6ft 2 it's a bit of a squeeze and use the e propulsion vanquita on it so think it would work on the tandem great too , can't wait to try it out
Yeah, you might be right there, although in the outing video (when I upload it after the Lakes & Lochs and Cleethorpes vids) you'll see we did go further :D
Kit seen/used in this video -
Kit seen/used in this video -
I bought mine here - www.networldsports.co.uk/aquatec-inflatable-kayaks.html
They're also on Amazon here - amzn.to/3psTbgn
If this Amazon link stops working, it's in the Kayaking list of my Amazon shop - www.amazon.co.uk/shop/morethanjustacleaner/list/37P7M2N3DS6HJ
Also other things you might be interested in - www.amazon.co.uk/shop/morethanjustacleaner
good test, appreciate you did it for youtube and your community, thank you
You're welcome 👍😁
Just about to make a purchase of the sandback optimal, now im pondering and watching this. 1st upgrade is seat, in either of them.
Agreed :)
Good video and let me preface this comment by saying I am a SB optimal owner but if I was buying again I would probably go for the Aquatec, or at the very least it would be a more difficult choice as they are so similar in terms of the boats. However, a couple of comments about the comparison to clear things up. The red/white versions of the Optimal (they have KVR written on the side) are the pre 2022 models and are not made any more, hence why they are sometimes sold as "ex display" but I don't think its true, it just means it been in storage for a while and not inspected before dispatch (I think). In 2022 they had a bit of an upgrade but it is mostly cosmetic in terms of the boat itself although the deck strapping on mine is finished properly as this is the version I have. However, the included accessories are a little better but still not great, I have replaced my paddle with a carbon extendable and I used an extra cushion on my seat for longer paddles and that might be replaced soon.
When I was shopping around last year the price difference was not as extreme and there was very little information about either boat in terms of user reviews on UA-cam, hence why I started making some. But the one thing that made me chose SB over AT was that the SB came with a 3-year warranty and the customer service from them is impeccable. I don't believe either is true of the company that sells the Aquatec.
Anyway I actually think the Advanced Elements AirVolution might be best of all if you can get your hands on one of them.
Cheers, thanks for those additions :D
Yes I'd love to try the AirVolution now!
Is the keel on yours the same as this? Angled from the mid point to front and flat towards the stern?
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner Yeah it has a pretty pronounced v hull from the bow until mid way and then its flat to the stern.
Its interesting that the airvolution has the same (or much similar) hull profile as the Ottowa. I would be interested to see how they compare in water with more movement, if the v hull helps with that.
Yes that would be interesting :)
A full comparison would be in small waves and wind. As a boat designer, I suspect the one with the keel will track better and therefore be more efficient over distance in those conditions.
You might be right 😊
Hi Karl, love your vids, just wondering if V hull on Sandbanks mean more surface area which means more drag, just a thought.👍
Hi 😊 thanks for your kind words. Generally it means less there's less drag - if you look at the letter V, the idea being that it's the tip to the mid point actually in the water meaning so much of the keel isn't in contact and hence less drag. Obviously greater height on the hull would push more of the V in contact with the water and increase the drag. Does that make sense?
Very interesting comparison. I have the Aquatec but have no used a Sandbanks. They are clearly very similar apart from the ridge down the keel of the Sandbanks. I suspect this would help the Sandbanks track better but doesn't add anything to the speed of it. I like the stability of the Aquatec and have use it countless times. I do find it very prone to cross winds, which is maybe where the Sandbanks would have an advantage with the V shaped hull.
In my experience all inflatables are affected by winds, regardless of their profile on/in the water. If there is a difference I think it would be negligible, but I could be wrong 😊
As for the tracking and speed, don't you find they normally go hand in hand? When a boat tracks straight means it's energy is moving forward and not side to side meaning greater speed... Has that not been your experience?
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner I agree all inflatables are affected by wind more than hard shells but we find that some are definitely affected by wind more than others. The Aquatec is still probably my favourite kayak but it's the most affected by the wind. I think this is partly due to the very long bow and stern sections. The bow deck in particular seems overly long and I notice a lot of it is above the waterline so it's just acting like a sail catching the wind. They need to knock 20cm off of the bow section imo and it would be better balanced. Tracking and speed should go hand in hand, surprising that the Sandbanks seems no faster than the Aquatec. The Story kayak I have tracks very well due to the V hull and hard bow cone and it's also the fastest kayak, so I guess you're right.
@@TheKayakCrew I sold my Story Highline! You're right that it tracks well, even without the skeg :)
Great video, love the channel
Thank you 👍😊
Looks like the Ottawa has it. Fit a better seat and you’ve saved about £200. Personally I prefer the blue and grey colour too. 😄👍🏼
It's weird because there's not an awful lot in it, which is why I was glad it wasn't just me who noticed the difference. However it does mean the Ottawa is definitely the better value option.
Hello, My boat is a COSTWAY "GOPLUS". I have been using it in open water for two years and I really consider it an item with good performance but SLOW SPEED. I am looking for a similar but FASTER model and I think the "AQUATEC OTTAWA" could be a good candidate. Do you think the difference in speed is noticeable enough to make the investment worth it? Thank you very much for your attention and greetings.
I take it you mean they GoPlus that looks like a paddleboard? If so then yes, definitely - the Ottawa is on a par with stability and so much faster than the GoPlus 👍😁
Hello again. Finally, after convincing myself, which was the most difficult, I decided and bought the Aquatec Ottawa kayak. Out of deference, you are the first person I inform. In about ten days he will arrive home. Thank you very much for the help provided and greetings. Good voyages.
I've only just seen this... Pls let me know how you get on :D
Hello, I have gone out several times and although I am still getting the hang of it, I have adapted to the kayak like a glove does to the hand. It sails well, at good speed compared to the GO PLUS hybrid board. I have noticed that it is quite affected by the side wind and you have to constantly correct your course. Maybe it's because the boat has enough height in the bow and stern. With a headwind it goes perfect. The spaces left under the upper structure after inflation are ideal for storing equipment. I miss that the back of the seat does not rest and settle into the boat. I have corrected it by placing the luggage bag behind it.
I need to sail with waves between 1 and 1.5 meters to see how it behaves.
of the accessories: 1) I don't use the luggage bag, it is huge, and the wheels are small for long distances. I live near the sea and prefer not to use a car. I best use a folding wheelbarrow in which I carry everything. 2) I like to sit a little higher and I have also put a cushion 10 centimeters high. 3) The footrest should be included. 4) The inflator is a pain, I bought a triple action one and it works great. (8 minutes)
I will continue testing and if I have any other observations I will let you know in the future.
NOTE. Mechanical translation. excuse the typos.
Thank you very much and greetings.@@MoreThanJustaCleaner
@@BernardoTrebole all inflatable kayaks/high sided boats are affected by side winds - you get used to it 😁
I'm glad you're having a good time with it and making adjustments as you go - that's all part of the fun 😁👍
Just a guess but position of seat probably contributed to the speed difference. Being a bit further back on the SB acts as a slight brake.
You're quite right, however did you watch all the video? I did shift my position and redo the run when I realised it might be contributing 👍😊
Enjoyable video and I'm pleased there is consensus. Shame this review makes no attempt to consider WHY the Optimal has a keeled hull and the advantages this gives.
The Ottowa is floating higher in the water and "skimming" over it hence feeling slightly easier/faster to paddle . The tracking should be slightly worse in this condition but if both were running the full 9" skeg it may not have been noticeable, especially if the Optimal was untrimmed.
If all you're wanting is sheltered river/canal use then the Ottowa is excellent value imo.
HOWEVER is you find yourself out on windy lake or the coast you'll find the Sandbanks is (slightly) less susceptible to cross winds and easier to keep straight. You DO need to consider "trimming" the boat, i.e. keeping the bow lower in the water (e.g. by sitting further forward or storing heavier items in the bow) to take full advantage of the V-hull.
Similarly if you want to run in very shallow water/rapids (such as the river Wye) then the Sandbanks can be used comfortably WITHOUT any skeg at all for the duration of the trip. In normal river/canal use a considerably cut-down skeg suffices.
On the flip side the Ottowa is slightly more stable which can be advantageous in choppy lakes/coastal conditions. Neither is ideal for this.
The differences between them are marginal in every way and both boats are excellent in their own right. Whether you can justify the price premium of the Sandbanks depends on how you intend to use it.
Personally I'd probably opt for the Ottowa too! :-)
Some interesting points there, thanks for that :D
Hiya. You recommended the ottowa to me a couple of months ago. I went for a SB style though (not the one in this vid) My only dislike is its stability & weight. I did get it for £350 all in though. Maybe i should've just stumped up for the ottowa. Good vids as ever
Hey Jamie
What do you find wrong with the stability? Even the Sandbanks is great in that respect 😊
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner I find it feels tippy, even if I look around or behind me it wobbles. Not looking forward to choppy water in a reservoir or a boat wake. But I have gone from the itiwit to this which is in a different league. Only been out 3 times in it so far because I'm still nursing a shoulder injury
@@jamiebell704 @ruffpaddling said the same when he first got his. Here's what I recommend, and this is something I did in the Koa folder to get used to the tippy feel in that.
Go to a canal or some other relatively shallow water - you want somewhere with a low wall to launch from. Once you're in the boat, keep one hand on the wall and lean over towards it, keeping your core upright. Lean as far as you can with your hand braced on the wall. Then you'll get a feel for how much it actually takes to tip the boat. Once you've got used to that, do the same with less of a grip on the wall. Once you've done that, it should make you feel safer and the 'tippy' feel should dissipate because you'll know just how much it takes to tip one.
Have you seen the video where I self-rescued in the Ottawa? If you watch that you can see i literally slid over the side and the boat doesn't tip, and at one point I'm sat with some of my weight hung over the side. In fact, doing a self rescue in your boat will also improve your confidence and the 'feel' of the boat when you're in in :)
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner I'll try that. Good advice. Maybe I'll leave it until the water is warmer though 😆
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner I've seen the link, but been watching your other vids recently. I'll give it a watch
Interesting conclusion.
Surprising?
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner very !! Definitely food for thought ! I’ve not long bought the story division but this looks really cool. I want one !
I've recently sold my Story because I bought this 😳😁
Nice one, Karl. An interesting review, however, I am not surprised that the top speed was similar. At the end of the day, they are both very good kayaks, cruising speed is more important to me than top speed. One question, is there any difference in stability! more so when boarding and exiting the craft?
ATB, Dave.
PS: Glad I went for the Ottawa Pro 😉
In terms of stability, there's no discernable difference. Despite the slightly V shaped keel on the SB Style, it does flatten out towards the rear. For me this was surprising in that not just me, but 2 other people, including the owner of the SB Style all came to the same conclusion :)
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner Just goes to show, paying more does not always mean the product is superior. I had this when I bought my Bluewave Glider 3 years ago, the Razorlite brigade mocked the kayak and stated it was an inferior knock off of the Razorlite.
Yes, exactly! :D
My theory… the flat bottom is faster because there’s less below the water surface to cause friction. The v shaped keel offers more for the water to push against resulting in more friction. 🤷🏼♂️
That is quite possible 👍😊
A year late commenting😊 but I would agree. The Sandbanks slight V hull divides the flow when paddling giving directional stability. However as opposed to the Ottawa's flat bottom the V Hull of the Sandbanks occupies more surface area under water. or termed wetted area and that extra area will induce more drag . With equal paddling power id expect the Ottawa to have a slight speed advantage.Cheers.
Some general comments on the two boats:
1) The positioning of the Scuttle plug is more useful in the Ottowa as you can use it as a drinks holder :-) The Sandbanks scuttle has to be further back due to the Hull profile. Both work well if you get swamped, but the Ottowa's is easier to reach obviously.
2) Both boats have the same awful hard seats that on a drop-stitch floor are unforgiving on the buttocks. Thin cushioning is desirable, but don't raise the seat height by much as this reduces stability. After trying a few options I'm having good results with the Aqua Marina high-back spongy cushion seat and using repositioned D-rings (see below)
3) The seats' lower-back support can be improved by adding D-Rings on the top/side of the cockpit to attach the front seat straps. This prevents the seat dipping down when you lean on it and improves back support. Don't put them too far towards the outside of the upper edge or you'll catch them with your fingers when paddling!
4) Boat boats are very heavy in my opinion, especially if you need to carry the bag and pumps etc strapped to the boat. This can make portaging quite hard work. I've started to use a Kayak shoulder strap/sling for this which helps a lot.
5) I find the lack of foot rest problematic for long touring. I have 29" inside leg so use something stuffed into the front of the cockpit to rest my feet on, and something behind the seat and cockpit to push the seat forward improving trim and providing lower back support.
6) The differences between the Sandbanks Optimal v.1 and v.2 are almost entirely cosmetic with NO difference in hull shape:
a. Slightly improved seat.
b. Carry bag now has backpack straps relocated to opposite side to the wheels.
c. Cosmetic colour changes to the hull (that's how you can differentiate them).
d. Cosmetic changes to the paddle.
7) The supplied 4-piece paddle is adequate for moderate use but:
(a) Flexes quite a bit if you need to apply a lot of power, and
(b) I find it slightly too short at 220cm.
8) Neither of the Single person boats has adequate storage capacity for camping, but on if using a Double (with only one person).
Hope that is interesting/helpful.
It's a shame I can't attach a photo (of the boat🙂)
Thanks for the additional comments although I am going to totally disagree with the camping one. Not sure if you've seen the SUP/kayak hybrid videos I've done but they're a similar size and ace for camping trips. I can't see the Ottawa being any different other than having to take the beveled bow and stern into account, which given the flex in baggage won't be an issue.
Another great video Karl. I’m an Optimal (double) owner but still gave a thumbs up 😂 How does the speed of this style of kayak compare to the Story you used to own? I recently bought a Fohn single from Wiggle for £299 which looks very similar to the Story Division. It seems a bit quicker than the Optimal but the fact it didn’t have my better half and our lab in means it may not be a fair comparison!
Cheers Kevin... Yeah I sold the Story because I like Ottawa better for a couple of reasons. In terms of performance the Ottawa is certainly on a par with the Story Highline - at a guess I'd say there'll only be 0.1mph diff either way. The other key advantage is stability. However my other reason for moving the Story on is space! It's becoming limited and the Ottawa packs down smaller.
I bought the wiggle boat thinking it would be quick.. Compared to my triumph 13 SOT its really slow. I guess its just quick compared to most inflatable.
Yes it's all relative 👍 and it's annoying some boats look like they'll be quick but then you get them on the water and they're really disappointing 😵💫😊
Cheers Karl. That's interesting it packs down smaller as I guess they are similar in length though the Story is narrower. I was dismayed when I saw the size of the box for the Fohn and the bag is the same size as the Optimal double! The Optimal folds up in smaller segments from each end whereas the Fohn folds in longer segments due to the mouldings on either end. When I phoned Sandbanks before ordering, I wasn't sure whether to go for the Optimal or the Explorer and the guy I spoke to told me the Optimal was faster. This is in contrast to a shop that told me the Explorer was faster! I guess if it's only 0.1mph, it doesn't really matter. At the end of the day, I think I made the right choice for our first inflatable as my other half would not have felt comfortable getting into the more tippy Explorer. Throw in a lively labrador pup (not literally!) into the equation and it could all go horribly wrong 🤣
Yes yes yes in terms of the stability. I'm happy to lose a minor bit of speed for the stability :D
Hi Karl. How would you rate the Cascade vs the Ottawa in teeth’s of speed/stability/portability? I bought a Cascade and it’s great, but the Ottawa is available at a good price and you can never have enough boats!
Lol very true 😅
The Ottawa is faster and heavier and doesn't have centre grab handles. Having said that, I don't find it unmanageable to carry.
As for stability, whilst I've never tested either of these, the Cascade is akin to the GoPlus so stability isn't an issue unless you do something ridiculously stupid.
I find the Ottawa solid on the water and this weekend I am planning a stability/reentry test because that hasn't been done yet 👍😁
Self rescue successfully done without aids in the Ottawa 👍
Hello karl, I don't know much about inflatable kayaks hence why I'm watching your videos. Could you or someone else tell me the basic difference between the Ottawa and the kayaks you get from decathlon such as either the x100 or the x500. I've been using a rigid leisure kayak but what I'm looking for is something inflatable, portable and could carry my overnight gear. Thanks
Ooh, now that's helluva question 😅
Simply put, the x100 has a high pressure hence rigid drop stitch (DS) floor and lower pressure sponsons (sides).
The Ottawa and x500 are full DS i.e. all aspects feel solid.
The Ottawa is a sit-on-top (SOT) whereas the x500 is a sit-in closed cockpit (CC).
The Ottawa is wider compared to the sleeker x500 hence the x500 cuts faster through the water. However the Ottawa is more stable than the x500.
SOTs tend to need a skeg or fin to keep them tracking straight in the water whereas CC boats tend not to because their design means they track well as they are.
Personally I don't like CC crafts - I'm not great in the water so avoid anything that could trap me underwater. I'm a leisure paddler and as such happy to sacrifice a bit of speed for stability and open access.
As far as loading is concerned, I find flat top crafts great for stacking gear on and lashing it to the craft. If you've seen any of my camping videos with either the GoPlus or the Cascade you'll know what I mean. Whilst I haven't used the Ottawa for that yet, I can't see there being any issues with it.
I think that covers everything... 👍😁
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner very much appreciate the help, I think the Ottawa is going to be a good option for me, thanks again 🙌
You're welcome :) let me know how you get on !
You need to come to Shrewsbury and we can paddle the Severn together, and I could have a cheeky go in your Ottawa 😊
Lol some of my friends did the Severn last year 😁
What craft have you got?
Well you've no excuse now you have your campervan 😜@@MoreThanJustaCleaner
@@OceanOptimist damn, busted! 😅
I've been borrowing an Aqua Spirit Kayak and was thinking its pretty good for an entry level first one. Its not too heavy ,packs down well, tracks well and feels really sturdy with plenty of room for transporting stuff on. I had thought about getting one of those but really like the look of the Ottowa. I asked on Amazon how much it weighed packed up and someone answered " too heavy for a lady" !!! I don't know what upset me more, the sexist comment or the assumption I'm a lady 😆@@MoreThanJustaCleaner
isn't the Sandbanks Style Optimal Pro almost twice as expense as the Ottawa?
Yup 😏
Hi Karlos. I'm after some advice. I can't get the Aquatec Ottawa anywhere, they're out of stock. Do you think the Sandbanks style is a good substitute, seeing as it seems very similar to the Ottawa? What do you think?
Absolutely, it's a great boat!
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner thanks mate 🙂
@@molsi01 it's a good craft Si. Jon got his cheaper by asking if they had any display models for sale.
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner just ordered one 😁 looking forward to getting it on the water. Thanks for your advice and reviews Karlos
Got the Sandbanks - love it. More or less as stable as my Sneaker Pimp (Spinera) but goes through the water nearly as well as the Story (name pending 😁) Thanks again for the advice
Aquatec are on offer at £250 on their site at present
Bargain! That's just shy of £300 including postage 👍😊
That £250 is for the Hudson Intermediate, even though the picture shows the Ottowa. Click on the 2 options to choose the Ottowa, and you'll see the price is really £400. Doing things like that on a website puts me off dealing with them.
On mine it shows the Hudson.
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner That's strange, I get the Ottawa picture with the Hudson price until I choose the options.
@@KK-no7be weird 😁
They're too similar for the price difference. Price and the location of the drain plug would make me choose the Aquatec.
A review on amazon says the Aquatecs on there are returns/refurbs. Anyone know if that's true? Cheers.
I'm not sure if the refurb thing is true or not. However considering Jon bought his SB as a ex display model and it came boxed as new, I wouldn't put much stock in it.
@@DavidWilsonOutandAbout he didn't mean the SBs were Aquatec returns, he meant that the Aquatecs on Amazon are advertised as returns 👍😁
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner They're not advertised on amazon as returns, one of the reviewers had his turn up with footprints on it, and what looks like a scuff mark so he reckons they're all returns on there. I think now that he just got unlucky with his one and had sour grapes about it..
I've been watching yours and Dave's videos and my choice is down to the Aquatec Ottowa, or an inflatable dinghy type boat like a Honda Honwave. Cheers.
@@KK-no7be Ah gotcha, thanks for clarifying :D
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner Hi Karl. Yes, I realised that shortly after I replied and removed the comment. 😙
Hi has anyone tried the tandem of either, and at exactly the same price would you pick the aquatec over the sandbanks, many thanks Geoff
I haven't tried the tandem.
And yes, I'd buy the Ottawa👍😁
Ok going to buy, many thanks
@@GeoffForster you're welcome, let me know how you get on 👍😁
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner .many thanks and will do , I have the aquatec single for a year already but at 6ft 2 it's a bit of a squeeze and use the e propulsion vanquita on it so think it would work on the tandem great too , can't wait to try it out
@@GeoffForster excellent 👍😁
Which waterway are you paddling m8.
We were on Chesterfield Canal from Drakeholes :)
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner thanks m8. Looks really nice.
It's a lovely stretch of water in both directions :D Plus, there's a tunnel! And if you're into geocaching, there's one IN the tunnel!
So under the bridge when you swoped boats how come you said no matter what there's got to be a Dave.......there's got to be a story there Karl?
I left that bit in especially for you sweet cheeks :D
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner wish I could have been there for that paddle cos I need a rematch with that bloody Swan lol
Lol we never saw one this time 🤷♂️😁
@MoreThanJustaCleaner from what I saw from the video Karl you didn't go far enough to come into contact with said beastie
Yeah, you might be right there, although in the outing video (when I upload it after the Lakes & Lochs and Cleethorpes vids) you'll see we did go further :D
👍👍
😀
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the dislikes are from Sandbanks Style owners 🙄 😂