I've had a Sitka for 3 years. If you want a boat that will haul a lot of stuff - fast - this is it. It's one of the largest capacity boats out there but it only has a 22" beam, and I can easily get 2 weeks gear in it. Strap a big dry bag on the deck and you can probably go a month. The boat's extremely comfortable: nice back band and seat, easy to enter, and lots of foot room (I can fit my of size 12 Xtratuffs in it easily). It tracks well in everything but quartering off following seas, but I've been with Mariners and Nordkaps that didn't handle it any better. I have mixed feelings about the integral rudder, which I don't use very often. It doesn't seem to have quite the bite of a conventional rudder, but it also doesn't have the drag. It turns fine with just a lean and a sweep stroke. I'd rather have this s rudder than a skeg box cluttering up my rear hatch. The initial stability is light, but the secondary is solid. Add a load and it can handle any seas you'd want to be in with no problem. This is a great boat for expeditions or for anyone who likes bringing the kitchen sink. It was very well thought out and built.

Customer Service

I had a couple problems with the rudder, and the service from Dagger was top notch. They were very fast mailing the parts and at no charge.

Similar Products Used:

Sea Lion, Sealution, Orion