MAELSTRÖM VITÄL SEA KAYAK
Maelstrom Vital Sea Kayak — Here Now in Charleston
Maelstroms Vital is in stock, in Charleston, at Sea Kayak Carolina.
– Check the InStock list
– Visit the shop or call to schedule your test paddle!
The Vaåg for Small & Medium Paddlers
Vital - 16'6" - Fiberglass, Kevlar, or Carbon
Priced from: $3799.00
Experiencing a Vital 166 is to know the pleasure of paddling in a stylish sea kayak with flawless performance and quality construction. At Maelstrom Kayak, we know these characteristics are as important to you as they are to us. With the Vital 166, you'll feel like pushing the limits. Whether you're off on an expedition or to play in rough waters, this boat will let you discover new horizons.
Vital 166 technical specifications:
- Vacuum bag construction with vinylester resin
- Length: 16' 6" (5,03 m)
- Beam: 21" (53,3 cm)
- Volume (storage): 184 liters (48,6 US gal.)
- Day hatch: 35 liters (9,3 US gal.)
- Mini front "Glove box" hatch: 4 liters (1,0 US gal.)
- Stern compartment: 55 liters (14,5 US gal.)
- Bow compartment: 90 liters (23,8 US gal.)
- Bow depth: 10.25" (25,5 cm)
- Stern depth (just behind the cockpit): 8" (20 cm)
- Cockpit (inside): 31,5" x 16" (80 cm X 40,6 cm)
Standard features:
- Expedition weight fiberglass XPD construction
- Outside and inside (double) fiberglass seams
- Keyhole cockpit
- Unbreakable super comfortable thermoformed closed cell foam seat
- High performance customizable closed cell foam backrest
- Yakima aluminum footbraces
- Kajak-Sport retractable cable skeg
- 4 Kajak-Sport hatches:
- Bow hatch: 9.5" (24 cm) round Kajak-Sport
- Stern hatch: 17" X 10" (44 cm X 26 cm) oval Kajak-Sport
- Mini front hatch "glove box" 4" (10 cm) round Kajak-Sport
- Day hatch: 8" (20 cm) round Kajak-Sport
- Recessed Kajak-Sport deck fittings
- Kajak-Sport "Ergotoggle" end toggles
- Perimeter reflective life lines
- Reflective kayak logos (3M technology) for increased night visibility
- "Bonedry" rear bulkhead for super efficient emptying of cockpit during rescues
Sixteen feet, six inches. Designed especially for small and medium-sized paddlers, the versatility of the Vital 166 is sure to impress — from thrill-seeking beginners to the most demanding and experienced kayakers.
• Download the Vital tech PDF
• Visit the Maelstrom kayak website
• Learn what people are saying about the Vital 166
“This kayak proves that a kayak does not have to
be short (14-15') to be suited to the smaller paddler,
and provide outstanding all-around performance.
Bravo Maelstrom!”
—wannakayak.com's Fern White
What People are Saying about the Vital 166
Our friend and paddling partner Fern White 
test paddled the Maelstrom Vital in November, 2010 and shared her impressions with the Baffin Paddler's blog: you can see the complete coverage here — and we've pulled most of her review: Fern says —
I went to Sea Kayak Carolina Sea Kayak Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina, United States to demo the much talked about Vital 166. The kayak is 16'6" with a 21" beam. First, I took the kayak out to the protected water to play with the edging, turning and rolling (it was quite good!). The next day, I took it in the open water and surf and it surpassed my expectations.
I found no inherent issues with the hatches - all components were secure. The kayak surfed beautifully. It held to expectations of consistent turning ability and was responsive whenever demanded.
About me - I've been kayaking for about 15 years, and am an ACA certified Instructor. I've owned a Valley Anas Acuta and P&H Sirius S. I presently own an NDK Pilgrim. I also have a Riot playboat for surfing - I didn't think I was looking for another kayak - but, the Vital changed my mind.
As a matter of fact, I fell in love and put in an order for one... perhaps it will arrive in time for my birthday. If you see a paddler in a kayak that looks like an Orca, it will be me.
This kayak proves that a kayak does not have to be short (14-15') to be suited to the smaller paddler, and provide outstanding all-around performance. Bravo Maelstrom!
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Thanks Fern – great to see you in a boat you enjoy so much!
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For more impressions of the Vital, check-out what these folks are saying:
• The Baffin Paddler went ahead and bough herself a Vital: her blog covers her early thoughts and her decidion to take the plunge. Search her blog for Vital references, but be sure to read this entry; and this one.
• The Baffin Paddler also notes with interest that Alex Matthews review'd the Vital for Adventure Kayak mgazine.
• West Coast Paddler has an interesting forum discussion on Maelstrom Kayaks — read down, as this thread began before many folks had a chance to the paddle the boats.
• Similarly, Paddling.net has an on-going discussion of the Maelstorm Vaag and Vital.
Maelstrom Kayaks:
Vital 166 | Vaag 174
Designs by Maelstrom are manufactured by Boreal design.