Thoughts from the Curb

Aug 22, 2008 - 2001 Donalson One-Man Kayak: Worst Road Feel Ever

In the spirit of my E-Z-GO TXT Golf Cart road test, I thought I'd have a whirl at applying my automotive reviewing trade to other forms of transportation. It's gotta be synonymous, right?

I came upon the 2001 Donalson One-Man Kayak, described by the Wigamog Inn's 16-year-old activities dude as "yeah, I guess that's cool." I suppose that's like Motor Trend Car of the Year in the kayak world. This one seemed smaller than all the others, a roadster of sorts, the sports kayak. I liked the sound of that.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be one of the worst vehicles I've ever traveled in. First of all, the interior was chalk-full of hard plastic (still better than Chrysler, though). I could just hear Sadlier demanding some soft-touch stuff. Perhaps some Alcantara or maybe a carbon fiber applique to spruce things up a bit since this is the sports kayak.

Also, road feel is just awful -- again, not what I was expecting from the sports kayak. The ride quality was the epitome of floaty, you'd think they hired Toyota to do it. Steering feel was, well, it sucked too. No steering wheel, let alone one that tilted and telescoped. And the power? Oh my god. It was restricted to a 2-Rizpower motor. Are they flippin' serious? Look at that picture, do you see those guns? Basically Derringers.

So I walked away unimpressed by my sports kayak from Donalson. Perhaps I just stumbled upon the Dodge Avenger of kayaks, I just couldn't tell you.

-James Riswick

7:27 am | Categories: not-really-a-car reviews Permalink | Alert Administrator

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