The newest kayak in the Necky Chatham series. The Chatham 17 has more speed then the Chatham 16 and more stability then the Chatham 18. If you are interested in any of the Chatham line of kayaks, you owe it to yourself to test paddle the Chatham 17. It will be the best of the Chatham kayaks for many paddlers.

The Chathams are good looking kayaks with great features and limited number of negative items. It is hard to beat a Necky Chatham made in Advanced Composite. The front hatch is very low, which gives the Chathams low windage, but makes them harder to pack and reduces their storage. Another inch of height at the front hatch would give all the Chathams more and easier storage and a dryer ride in rough conditions. Like everything in kayak design it is a compromise.

The Chathams are great additions to the sea kayaking market. If you fit these kayak, they should be on your short list. The Chatham 17 should appeal to kayakers who like the NDK Romany or the VCP Avocet, but want a faster kayak. The fit of the Romany, Avocet and Chatham will appeal to different kayakers.

Make sure you also read the information about the Chatham 16 and Chatham 18. While these kayaks are similar, we have different information and photos on each page.

Necky Kayaks says: The flowing lines of the Chatham series are inspired by classic Greenland designs. The 17 is built to minimize windage, have great maneuverability and superb rough water performance. The hull has a very full chine, which provides great stability for a boat of this beam and quick response to edging and lean turns. Volume in the bow is carried well forward ensuring good resurfacing characteristics when riding wind waves or punching surf. A drop skeg, three bulkheads and waterproof VCP hatches complete the package. This boat truly excels at coastal exploration through surf zones, rock gardens and convoluted “tide rips?. Composite construction is considerably lighter and much stiffer than the poly model.

Available in poly and composite, the Chatham 17 truly complements our line. This seventeen footer features a fine bow entry and a sleek stern to offer exceptional glide and efficiency. The rocker is less pronounced than the Chatham 16, resulting in stronger tracking and greater hull speed. The 17 sits comfortable on edge just like its longer and shorter siblings and responds quickly to a deliberate paddle stroke. The adjustable outfitting is relaxed and roomy, offering great comfort while still providing positive fit for aggressive edging and rolls. Three hatches (two oval and one round day hatch) are standard on the low profile deck. A retractable skeg operated by our own kink free "Necky Wire" completes the package giving the Chatham 17 bomb-proof tracking in even the most severe conditions.

Download Necky Chatham 17 Data Sheet PDF (High Quality 394KB)

Download Necky Chatham 17 Data Sheet PDF (Low Quality 138KB)

Chatham 17 Standard Equipment

Material: Fiberglass, Carbon, Polyethylene

Three Watertight fiberglass bulkheads

VCP Hatches

Day Hatch

Recessed deck fittings for deck lines and bungee cords

Compass recess

Yakima foot braces

Retractable Skeg (?Necky Wire?; Self-Healing, Kink-Free Wire),

Adjustable Thigh Braces

Adjustable Hip Pads

Backband with Forward Seat Adjustment (features easy to use ratchet system)

Low Deck Profile for Reduced Windage

Specifications

Length: 17', 1.5", Width: 22"

Cockpit: 31" X. 15"

Hatches

• Front : 16"x9"
• Rear: 16"x9"
• Day Hatch 7.5"

Weight

• Fiberglass: 50 Lbs.
• Carbon: 46 Lbs.
• Polyethylene: 63 Lbs.

2007 MSRP

• Polyethylene with Skeg $1,699
• Fiberglass with Skeg $2,999
• Advanced Composite with Skeg $3,699

Images courtesy of Necky Kayaks