The Explorer: the expedition kayak

The Explorer is the expedition kayak. It is fast, manoeuvrable and tracks very well. At 5.4m in length, it suits the medium to large kayaker. It’s available as Standard, Low Volume and High Volume. With generous hatch capacity, it loves being taken on expeditions - it has been used to carry six weeks’ supplies on an unsupported expedition to the iceberg waters of Greenland.

Low Volume & High Volume options

As well as the standard Explorer, there are Low Volume (LV) and High Volume (HV) options.

Explorer LV

The Explorer LV is designed for smaller paddlers. The difference is in the cockpit - the modified keyhole cockpit rim is 87mm shorter/25mm narrower and the leg braces are nearer the paddler. LV kayaks have a re-designed front deck and less cockpit volume but the hull is essentially the same as the Standard model.

Explorer HV

The Explorer HV has more leg room, increased cockpit volume and a modified deck around the thigh grips. Although the hull is the same, there's an extra 38mm of height between the top of the seat and the underside of the deck making it ideal for taller/heavier set paddlers.

Specification (all options)


  • Footrests
  • Backrest
  • Polished deck recesses
  • Fibreglass seat (foam in LVs)
  • Hatch covers
  • Wire operated skeg
  • Standard colour (see table below). You can choose different colours for the deck, seam and hull. Custom colours are available at extra cost: see link to colour chooser below.
1023 2009 3020 5015 9002 9016 9017
Yellow Orange Red Blue Quill White Black
RAL1023 RAL2009 RAL3020 RAL5015 RAL9002 RAL9016 RAL9017

The colours you see on the screen are approximate: if precise colour shades are important to you be sure to consult an RAL colour chart before ordering.


To visualise your chosen colour scheme or to pick custom colours, click here to use the colour chooser (opens in new browser window).

How to buy

We hold a selection of SKUK kayaks in stock for immediate sale: to see our stocklist click here.

To order your own custom made boat, simply email us or give us a call on 01292 571019.

Try for yourself

The best way to decide which kayak suits you is to try them out on the water. We regularly arrange demo days at one of our local beaches in the firth of Clyde. Click here for details of forthcoming dates or email sales@karitek.co.uk.

Dimensions

  • Length: 5.40 metres
  • Width: 0.54 metres
  • Front hatch: 58 litres
  • Day hatch: 39 litres
  • Rear hatch: 60 litres

Click on the menu at the top of the page to compare with other SKUK models.

Features

  • A low rear deck for easy rolling
  • A white water cockpit giving excellent grip and control
  • Three compartments, including an offset day hatch
  • Large round hatches for expedition gear
  • Sloping rear bulkhead behind the seat, allowing the kayak to be emptied by lifting the bow (no X rescue necessary)
  • Plenty of room for large feet or warm winter footwear
  • Exceptional manoeuvrability, with direction stability. Very fast in following seas
  • Minimum weather cocking in strong winds

Price

Explorer sea kayak £1976

Optional extras:

  • Custom colours £50/colour
  • Hydro Skeg® £242.65
  • Skeg Rudder £378.35
  • Foam seat £35.25
  • Silva 70P compass fitted £75
  • Knee tube fitted £52.15
  • Deck pump fitted £179.15
  • Foot pump fitted £179.15

Non standard kayaks may be subject to a £75 surcharge.

To order, email us or call on
01292 571 019.

Skeg Systems

SKUK kayaks are fitted with a skeg which counteracts the kayak’s tendency to turn towards the wind - to weather-cock. SKUK’s skeg systems, developed in conjunction with Kari-Tek, use a robust skeg box made from durable ABS plastic. It’s moulded in one piece, making it watertight, and it has a large dagger-board shaped blade which drops further into the water thus increasing performance.

Three types of skeg are available in your new SKUK kayak: click here for details.

  • Hydro Skeg® - heightened reliability, increased levels of control, less prone to damage, virtually maintenance free
  • Wire Skeg - positive, easy action, simple to use slider. A wire skeg is fitted as standard.
  • Rope Skeg - the simple, low cost option

Skeg Rudder System

The new Kari-Tek Skeg Rudder System (SRS) is now available. Both a skeg and an understern rudder, the SRS gives you maximum flexibility. With all the great features of the Hydro Skeg® plus the benefits of a rudder, the SRS is set to change kayak rudders for ever. Click here for details.