An olde NDK Explorer .. rope skeg, even

I just purchased an older NDK Romany Explorer from someone in Spokane - on Saturday March 29, 2025. Like all Explorers, it is a handsome boat. And, like all early Explorers it is relatively heavy. It will either evolve into a guest kayak or be sold after 'restoration'. This is my third Explorer and the oldest, maybe also the heaviest. This is one of the most famous expedition designs. A new Explorer costs $4585 + tax, from Maine Island Kayak,

The kayak is sound, but needs straightforward refurbishing. It has the old rope skeg which needs a new bungee and control line. I hope the parts are not too worn. The skeg is currently disassembled, so hopefully I can figure it out. I had to adjust the rope skeg on an older Romany some years ago, but that memory has faded. In a worst case scenario, I could abandon the skeg, but my recollection is that the Explorer weathercocks enough so that I would want a skeg. We'll see ...

Update: The skeg is now installed and works smoothly. Luckily, I had appropriate lines in the garage i.e. a bungee and a control line - both the right size. Rope skegs are sometimes reviled, occasionally being finicky and hard to keep properly adjusted. But, they can be worked on when out in the wilderness.

Further plans:

• drill hole in skeg so jammed skeg can be freed when on the water
• fill holes in front bulkhead, no longer needed for foot pump mount
• repair a few spots on hull
• install deck mounted tow rope (with bungee extension)
• figure out a back band
  
• inspect marginal compass (remove?)
  
• name the kayak 
• weigh  the kayak
  
• further inspection
  

I have the needed parts etc. For example, I have well nuts to plug the holes in the front bulkhead. So here we go. The next report should provide results.

The Explorer specifications for this boat are

• length: 17' 6"
• width: 21.26"
  
• measured weight: with hatch covers etc., ?? pounds
  
• storage volume: 166 liters
  
• suggested paddler weight: 150 to 220 pounds
• 3 hatches: bow, stern, and day hatch
• rope skeg
• Keyhole cockpit 
• Coaming: inside 32.25" long, 15.5" wide
• Coaming: outside 34.5" long, 17.75" wide
• minicell seat (custom redfish at $255)

  

 

Verdict on Classic Nordic Fischer 62 skis

After 10 days on the classic Nordic Fischer 62 skis, I have formed an opinion. These new skis seem to climb ascents with better traction than my mohair inset skis. However, the Fischers don't seem to glide as well, but close. The metal edges don't seem to matter much for the trails I use. I have no measured data to support these conclusions, nor am I about to gather such data. So ... not very persuasive.

My typical route covers just over 13 km on the moderately hilly Schweitzer terrain, certainly more than at the start of the season. My most recent outing was in warmer weather than I'd prefer. Had I begun that outing much later, I would have had snow sticking to my skis, despite the glide wax I usually use.

My season distance is ~250 km so far. While on the trails I encounter 10 to 25 other Nordic skiers during my ~3 hour outing, I know perhaps a third of them, fewer on the weekends when the tourists show up. I most likely the oldest (age 84) and the slowest of anyone I meet. 

It is doubtful that Schweitzer makes money from its Nordic skiing trails. But some of the customers will buy food, drink, or other items from the Schweitzer shops ... so maybe a little money. Yet the grooming is just excellent and quite expensive. Schweitzer also maintains a short Nordic trail near the 'roundabout'. It is unadvertised and groomed less frequently (maybe 3 times per week). It is wonderful for beginners or short races. When and if the resort expands, the roundabout trail is destined to become a plowed/maintained road for a lower parking lot. Similarly, the main Nordic trail system will most likely be modified.