Sisson Kayaks is a maker of handcrafted sea and multisport kayaks. The business is in one ownership since 1974. First kayak made 1975. Peak production was not much short of 50 per week. This is now a one-man-band retirement hobby business. Annual production halts at 50 kayaks - about one per week. Get your order in early.
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Defender


A compact shorter and more stable Evolution Classic for mid range NZ multisport paddlers plus export markets worldwide.

Multisport, the New Zealand invention is now a rapidly developing sport overseas. In Australia the sport commenced several years ago with the advent of the Subaru Classic race series. Steve Gurney won several cars using a Sisson Kayaks Infinity. One reason Steve did not use his larger Evolution kayak was due mainly to the fact that it is very difficult to travel overseas with such a long boat.

For export reasons alone, we needed to develop an Evolution type kayak that would fit inside a 20ft container. In addition, our market research has shown the need for a large kayak that is midway between the Evolution Classic and the Esprit in both performance and stability.

We call this the Defender.

  • The Defender is the optimum kayak for the multisporter who needs a compact ‘Evolution’ style boat. The shorter length also allows for easier car-topping and in-garage storage.
  • The on-water performance of the Defender in a river will be slightly less than an Evolution Classic. On open water the performance will prove to be very similar.
  • The primary stability of the Defender is less than an Esprit and more than an Evolution Classic.
  • The Defender is styled in the same manner to the Evolutions. In all respects the Defender is similar to the Evolution Classic except it has a shorter length and a wider beam at the waterline. The available space in the cockpit is larger and more spacious at seat level. Paddlers with wider bottoms are able to use lower seating arrangements thus accentuating the already good stability.
  • The Defender is only available constructed in Kevlar lay-up.

  • Grahame Sisson
  • Kevlar, carbon, fibreglass, carbon and premium grade resin. Unidirectional glass fibes (23000 doubled to 46000 near ends) laid into keel and fordeck. Foam pillars Overdeck rudder and adjustable footrest included. Seat pan included as a start point for owners seat creation against hull.
  • Length: 5.73m
    Max Beam: 435mm
    Depth(knees): 420mm
    Depth(feet): 320mm
    Std Weight: 13.5kg

    Cockpit opening 580mm x 380mm. Coaming fits GroundZero spraydeck code SPRAYN1. GroundZero spraydecks are available in S, M, & L tunnel sizes.

    Coaming fits GroundZero cockpit cover COVN1.

 

 

 

 

 


Start here to begin the customized design process of your next Sisson Kayak.

Contact us via freephone to discuss any questions about our products or to find more information about this site.

Ever wonder how to make sure your water photography comes out clear and beautiful? Check out this video of camera stabilizing techniques in a Sisson Nucleus 100 Kayak.

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