osp std specs

The Osprey-Standard made her debut into the kayaking world at the Northwest Sea Kayak Symposium--North America's largest paddling event, held here in Port Townsend, Washington each year. At the September 1996 show, this kayak turned heads! The test paddlers at the 1000 person symposium raved over her looks, lightness, and great performance.

An Excellent Kayak
The Osprey-Standard is identical to our GoldenEye-Standard kayak beneath the waterline, and so an objective review of the GoldenEye-Standard that appeared in Sea Kayaker magazine in the December, 1996 issue also applies to our Osprey-Standard. Here is what one reviewer said about our GoldenEye-Standard:

"Its comfort and sea handling characteristics are excellent. It is light, simple and does everything well." (DA)

"It is so light, so comfortable and handles just beautifully." (VS)

For the full text of this review, click GoldenEye-Standard review.
For more information about the boat, click GoldenEye-Standard

Design Features
Tremendous positive feedback regarding the cambered decks on our Osprey-HP, Double, and Triple encouraged John to create the Osprey-Standard. His design goal: to create a hull nearly identical to our GoldenEye's excellent speed, tracking and nice turns, with the pretty and practical 4-panel deck. The deck's "beveled" panel takes 1 and 3/16" off the side of the kayak at the sheer seam (where the deck meets the hull). It looks great, but even better, it gets the deck away from your elbows and knuckles. Bring your paddle in closer to the kayak on your high angle power stroke. Keep your hands lower and more relaxed on your cruising stroke.

Great for Touring
Whether you intend to day paddle or tour for 2 weeks, the Osprey-Standard easily does the job. At 38 pounds, she will outstrip most other kayaks on day paddles. We hope you don't mind waiting for your friends in their heavier plastic and fiberglass boats. You will experience a similar advantage on longer tours. Saving 25-30% on boat weight makes a difference when carrying 100 pounds of gear, plus yourself. Our okoume panels, epoxy laminated between layers of 6 oz. glass cloth, makes the Standard as strong and rugged as fiberglass boats. Her beauty is incomparable. Enjoy her for a lifetime of adventures.
Osprey - Std., GoldenEye - Std., and Queen Charlotte Std.

Choosing an Osprey
The Osprey-Standard is a 24" beam, medium volume kayak, and fits average size adults. She provides comfortable foot room for a person with up to a men's size 12 shoe. Beginners and intermediate paddlers, alike, buy her for her performance and graceful lines. Use her on open saltwater coastline, bays, lakes, and meandering rivers. People as short as 5'1" find her stable, easy to paddle without having to raise their shoulders, and easy to cartop alone. Folks as tall as 6'4" choose her for her light weight and speed.