Find that Perfect Fit
In Paddle sports, many manufacturers produce products designed to be one size fits all and that size usually seems to be "men's medium". If you're a "woman's small" or "men's extra large", you are out of luck because the boat you are purchasing will never perform optimally on the water for you. When a boat is designed to fit its user, the difference is dramatic. Here at Hornbeck Boats, we offer multiple sizes and profiles along with our adjustable backrest, foot brace system, and seat to create a boat just right for you.
Our staff are trained, experienced, and patient to guide you through this process. We have an on-site pond to demo boats and related equipment, to insure that perfect fit.
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The perfect fit program came out of the experience, our founder, Peter Hornbeck had
while shopping for another of his hobbies.
“I came up with the perfect fit program after I purchased a bicycle at a high end bike shop.
I was impressed with the wide range of bikes available in my size and the effort taken by the staff to insure I got a bike that actually fit me. I've ridden bikes most of my life and the bike I bought that day was the first bike that actually fit me. The difference was dramatic. I was convinced the bike shop model would work in paddle sports." says Peter
Our models are designed following two basic categories:
The Classic and the New Trick
The Classic is the time-tested original, with a versatile hull suited for a wide variety of uses and conditions. New Trick has a more streamlined hull for speed and
longer-distance travel. Along with these categories, we also offer a performance line specifically designed for racing, the Fast Trick.
The Classic designs have beams of 28" to 30". Their lines are curvaceous, with hollow cheeks in the bow and stern and a rounded belly in the middle. The net result is a very user-friendly, stable boat that is well-suited for all your paddling needs. This is the everyman's boat. Perfect for just a day on the water, pond hopping, photography, fishing, and carrying gear for an overnight, even in windy, wavy conditions. The hull exterior is built standard of Kevlar giving it a yellow
color. Other options available.
New Trick
"I am in it for speed, i like tight turns and a dynamic feel"
The New Trick designs have beams of 24" to 26" and a linear hull shape that allows them to cut through the water faster than the Classic designs. The narrower hull requires a little more initial attention from the paddler but, like The Classic, final stability is high. The smaller beam provides more of a kayak feel, like you are wearing the boat. These boats are more suited to those looking to travel long distances faster or like a more sporty feel. The hull exterior is built standard of matrix (Kevlar and carbon combination), giving it a greenish color.
Other options available.
Profiles
The depth of a canoe can make all the difference in how you feel in the boat. A pack boat that fits well should have no more than 7" of free board (distance between the top rail of the boat and the surface of the water). A boat that is too deep for you will require you to hold the paddle higher than necessary, causing greater fatigue. This is particularly true for smaller and lighter individuals. Excess free board does not increase your safety in windy, wavy conditions; rather, it causes more of the boats surface area to act as an unwanted sail and reduces the amount of water contact with the hull making the boat harder to control. Ask any kayaker, the better the boat fits, the more control you have, and the more responsive the boat.
We offer all of our models in multiple profiles to best suit your needs and body type.
The Classic
Performance
The New Tricks
Kid's Boats
