Kayaking is a fast, easy and fun way of paddling across the water. That said, some people worry that the perceived tippiness of the boats makes it too easy a way of ending up in the water, too. That's why you sometimes see kayaks with stabilizing outriggers ... although those outriggers can get in the way. The TriKayak XS-1 is designed to offer the stability, without the hassle.
Depending on what you plan on doing, the outriggers can be quickly set to three different positions, via spring-loaded locking pins. Should you plan on standing up in the boat and fishing, for example, they can be extended almost straight out for maximum stability. If you're aiming more for speed, however, they can be pulled right in. In any case, they're located toward the stern, where they shouldn't interfere with paddling.
They can also be easily removed, for transporting the kayak on a car-top carrier.
Other features of the 12.3-ft (3.75-m) XS-1 include dry storage compartments (the largest has a volume of 13 liters), fishing rod holder mounting locations, a trolling motor mount, a paddle holder, and a removable flat floor conducive to standing.
The designers of the kayak are currently raising production funds, on Kickstarter. A pledge of US$2,100 will get you one, when and if they're ready to hit the water – plans call for the first batch to be delivered to backers in May. The projected retail price is $2,385.
It's reminiscent of another Kickstarter project, the DFP kayak. It features pontoons that sit flush within the hull while paddling, but that can be folded out to the sides when stopped. Unfortunately, the makers of that boat didn't reach their funding goal.
The XS-1 can be seen in use in the pitch video below.
Sources: TriKayak, Kickstarter
