Thoughts about the Zegul 550

After last summer in which I have used the Nigel Foster Shadow a lot, I took the Zegul 550 on a few trips lately. The last trip was a crossing of the lake IJsselmeer from Trintelhaven to Urk and back. We made this trip with 3 men. Soon, the wind developed to a 4 Bft with gusts to 5. Nice circumstances to get a better impression of the Zegul 550.

departure at Trintelhaven

The pointed bow of the Zegul likes to point into a steep wave instead of going over it. This gives a wet ride but doesn't seem to slow down the boat too much. Also when surfing this happens. Despite it's length the Zegul surfs quite well. That is, it is quite easy to get it in a surf, controlling it is much more difficult as the boat is very eager to break out.

on the beach at Urk

The long waterline makes the Zegul difficult to turn. Edging does work a little but you feel that you have to turn a long boat. Turning on top of a wave is always a good idea but 'within' the waves the sharp stem and stern lock themselves in the water. That could be an advantage like it is with a Baidarka: just going straight no matter what. But not the Zegul: the stem and stern are easily pushed away by the waves. In a three quarter or following sea I couldn't control the boat very well without using the vario skeg. It just wants to break out. You really need the skeg and if for any reason the skeg wouldn't work you would have a hard time then. 

To make matters worse the stem is also pushed aside very easily by the wind and waves resulting in bad pointing against the wind. I have managed up to bft 5 now but this would probably develop to a severe problem in stronger winds. 

Lighthouse Urk

Because of the high and narrow cockpit in front of the seat, the boat contact is not as good as other boats like the Shadow or even the Baidarka. For use as a sea kayak some extra padding for the thighs/knees would be a good idea. This would also help for rolling. Otherwise, this cockpit shape fascilitates a racy way to paddle with both knees together. I am not used to that but may be I can.

on the beach at Urk

Stability was never a problem for me. The initial stability is clearly better than the Shadow or Baidarka. The Zegul feels quite safe also in the waves.

What really is quite impressing is the speed. The Zegul 550 is certainly my fastest sea kayak that I have owned until now. Especially when using the Kinetic Wing paddle it is easy to leave all other group members behind you.

My current impression of the Zegul 550 is that it is mainly a fast sea kayak. Good for training and fast expeditions but on relative flat waters. It would have been perfect for the last circumnavigation of Flevoland e.g. For wild water and sea I would prefer other boats like the Shadow or Baidarka. These boats do sacrifice some speed but are far more comfortable and manageable under rougher circumstances.