Introduction:
Wilderness Systems is a subsidiary of Confluence Water Sports. The Tempest is the winner of Sea Kayaker Magazine Reader's Choice award from 2008-2011 for best kayak for day and weekend touring. This kayak catches the eye of many paddlers. With its high-density Gen2 polyethylene construction the Tempest is very rigid and ready for a few bruises. The Tempest 170 is offered in 4 colors: Lime, Mango, Red, Yellow. This boat has an MSRP of $1599.00 US.




Overview:

• Length: 17' / 518 cm
  
• Width: 22" / 56 cm
  
• Max Capacity: 325 lbs. / 147 kg
  
• Deck Height: 13.5" / 34 cm
  
• Weight: 57 lbs. / 26 kg
  
• Cockpit Length: 34" / 86 cm
  
• Cockpit Width: 18" / 46 cm
  
• MADE IN USA:

Performance:
The award winning touring kayak scored very high with us. The Tempest is very stable while performing standard paddling maneuvers and while accessing the day hatch. Once pointed, this boat stayed on course and tracked with hardly any effort. Thanks to the TruTrak Skeg System there was minimal to no bow sway in most conditions, even a high angled power stroke to one side wasn’t throwing it off course. I was able to comfortably paddle at around 6mph and felt as if I were gliding through the water. Being 17' long this isn't the boat you want if you plan on navigating tight waterways. Even with careful paddling and proper technique this boat still took a lot of effort to turn. However, it wasn't unreasonable by any means. This boat takes a moderate lean to get a good edge but does so in a reasonable amount of time. I was easily able to perform an Eskimo roll in this kayak, even without a skirt attached.



Storage:
With a 325lb weight capacity this boat is capable of handling a lot of extra gear. It is equipped with 3 domed hatches which are separated by foam bulkheads. There is one a 10" hatch in the bow, an 8-inch midship (day) hatch, and an oval stern hatch with the widest point being 17" and the narrowest point being 10.5". These hatches are not water tight but do keep almost all the normal splash out. The only thing it's missing is a beverage holder!

Here's a view of the front hatch opened up. Storage space starts from the tip of the bow and is open all the way until about your feet.


The day hatch on this boat is very easy to reach. The rubber dome hatch cover is not the simplest hatch to re-close, but many manufacturers use a similar desgn.


This boat is equipped with both deck lines and bungee shock cord on a great portion of the deck.


There is 7.5" of storage behind the seat. You can easily stow small items such a watertight box and a towel but the seat back straps do limit what you can fit behind you.


Comfort:
Before reading this section, please note that this is now the older version seat. Wilderness Systems has incorporated their new "Phase 3 AirPro XP Seating System" into their newer models.



You're ready for the long haul in this expedition boat. I've paddled this boat for many hours straight with little discomfort. The seat backrest was a little uncomfortable after a few hours of paddling as it's quite low, but this is expected. A low backrest gives the paddler better form. The padding in the seat itself was adequate, but a little extra padding would have been appreciated. The seat has 2 straps built in that you can tighten to raise your thighs firmly into the thigh braces.



The thigh braces on this boat are a huge selling point for me. They are adjustable and very comfortable. They fit the shape of my knee really well.



The Tempest has very easy to use "SlideLock Foot Brace System". You can reach the adjustment knob without having to climb head first into your cockpit. You can even reach in while paddling to make your adjustment. To adjust the pegs simply lift the lever and either push or pull for the direction you wish to move them. Then it will lock into position by letting go.



Pros and Cons:
PROS

• High-density Gen2 polyethylene construction
  
• Excellent initial and secondary stability
  
• Deployable TruTrak Skeg System
  
• Adjustable seat, adjustable thigh braces, & SlideLock foot-pegs
  
• Bow, mid, & stern dry hatches with bulkheads
  
• Stays afloat upon capsize
  
• Location for compass to be added.

CONS

• Turning radius is quite large (but it's a 17' boat)
  
• Backrest becomes uncomfortable after hours. (Pre-AirPro seat)

Conclusion:
In the end, I highly recommend this kayak. After the first time I paddled the Tempest I knew I wanted to add this boat to my fleet. This is a very durable kayak that does just about everything you'd want a touring/expedition boat to do. Wilderness Systems really did a terrific job engineering and producing this boat.


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