The Dreamcatcher
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The Dreamcatcher is the sea kayak version of the Sea Wind. It is the fourth generation of a canoe design that has set more long distance records than any other in history.
The hull of the Dreamcatcher is identical to the Sea Wind. The deck has been extensively modified to handle big water. This boat is especially designed for the Great Lakes or the oceans. In all my thousands of miles of paddling in rough waters of all kinds, I've never upset one.
Just as the Sea Wind is the ultimate solo tripping canoe, the Dreamcatcher is the ultimate expedition kayak.
Seaworthiness
The Dreamcatcher uses the Sea Wind hull and derives much of its seaworthiness from that design. The new deck enhances its capabilities for really big water and dumping waves. The Dreamcatcher's initial stability is excellent, and the final stability is superb. It handles very calmly and predictably in wild turbulent water, rip tides, cross currents, whirlpools, boils and big water. With the Dreamcatcher's rounded hull shape and full ends there is nothing for turbulent water to work on so the Dreamcatcher doesn't get yanked or tossed around as a finer lined or shorter canoe would.
The Dreamcatcher is more stable and dryer than its predecessors. It has up to 50% more volume in the aft 1/3 of its length than the Loon. It is wider across the deck all the way which gives the hull more flare, throwing the splash away and increasing lift for final stability. The Dreamcatcher is up to 2" wider behind the rear of the cockpit and 2" deeper in the hull besides being fuller toward the ends than the Loon.
The Dreamcatcher tends to ride with the waves instead of diving into them. When the Loon was fully loaded, the gunnel would be flush with the water. When the Loon dipped down, it went under water losing rather than gaining stability as the Dreamcatcher is designed to do because of the deeper hull.
There is enough foam flotation poured into the ends of the Dreamcatcher to keep the kayak afloat in case of capsize. In addition the rear storage compartment is waterproof.
When traveling with a companion, two Dreamcatchers can be connected to form a very stable catamaran for sailing, sleeping, or cooking. Or one person can paddle both canoes. On solo journeys you can use inflatable outriggers to form a small trimaran type configuration.
Comfort
My
number one requirement in a canoe is comfort. On a long haul during long days,
in all kinds of weather, discomfort magnifies. All the Dreamcatcher features
are designed around comfort and convenience. After my more than 90,000 miles of
paddling and much trial and error, the discomfort wrinkles have been pretty well
ironed out. You sit on a comfortable bucket seat in the middle of your own
world, surrounded by all that you need. Everything is within reach for your
convenience and control.
The seat is installed in the Kevlar hanger at a height of 4", 6", or 8" depending on your comfort and the water conditions. You can remove the seat to allow sleeping in the boat.
< Cooking on the go!
The foam padded form fitting yoke is strongly riveted to the under side of the seat. To use it -- flip the seat/yoke assembly over -- it is securely held in place by shock cords. Quick and easy.
Capacity
The Dreamcatcher is an extra large volume, one-person kayak designed to handle a big load in big waters on big trips. The Dreamcatcher easily handles a 200 pound paddler and 300 pounds of gear.
The Dreamcatcher paddles easily and handles exceptionally well fully loaded, yet when empty, it is as much fun as any play boat. Contrary to what some may believe, a larger, longer boat paddles easier, safer, and with better handling characteristics than many smaller less stable craft. For all its size and stability the Dreamcatcher is as fast as some of the marathon racing C-1's.
Construction
The outer layer of fabric is expensive S-glass with three full layers of DuPont Kevlar 49 bonded together with a special high impact vinyl ester resin with exceptional adhesion and crack resistant properties called Derakane by Dow Chemical Company. Additional layers of Kevlar are applied in a complex pattern according to high stress or abrasion requirements. Some areas of the boat have a total of 12 layers of Kevlar.
A rope of Kevlar strands is glassed into the curve and rise of both the bow and stern -- making the ends of the canoe log-jumping, rock-splitting tough!
The deck and rim are molded in one piece Then the hull and deck are strongly bonded together with three layers of Kevlar.
When all the layers are counted up, some areas of the boat have 12 layers of Kevlar for a total weight of 73 pounds.
Cockpit
The factors of comfort, convenience and efficiency have gone into the design of the Dreamcatcher cockpit. The inside measurements of 19" by 37" are extra large. The Kevlar seat hangers permanently bond together the cockpit rim to the bottom of the canoe. This serves the multiple purpose of making a very strong seat support, a rigid cockpit rim, and helps hold the shape of the canoe.
A spray cover is available that fits around the rim of the cockpit. The spray cover will repel wave pounding.
Rudder
The Dreamcatcher rudder is constructed of heavy gauge tempered aluminum alloy and stainless steel for extra rugged use. The rudder is sturdy enough and shaped to slide over a log without slowing down or hanging up. The fin flips up and down automatically but can also be controlled by a line from the seat.
Accessories (See prices in order form)
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Spray Cover -- Heavy duty, custom made with an extra heavy non-locking zipper, heavy shock cord fits snuggly under rim, installed with aluminum hoops and snaps, and with an elastic waist band
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Catamaran pole -- 1 1/4" OD by 6' long tempered, anodized aluminum with stainless steel locking snaps, air chamber (will float),
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Canopy -- Rain and sun shade, 37" high, can be made higher, 50" x 50" waterproof fabric over a 37" x 37" frame, installation hardware and carrying bag