In 2004 the design team at Impex Kayaks found inspiration while reading about and talking to paddlers who have taken part in and are planning numerous long distance kayak expeditions. Maximum efficiency must be the focus to succeed on these trips, with long hours of paddling and back-to-back days on the water. Yet with out the stability and nimble feel of our Performance Touring kayaks, that extra efficiency would be wasted as the conditions and fatigue increased. Compromises needed to be made to design a kayak that would round out our line with a solid long distance touring kayak. As we researched a plan, we realized that it was not just the hardy expeditioner that desired a more efficient, faster hull. Although many paddlers want the diversity that our Performance Series offers, still others, day paddlers and more modest expedition paddlers alike, desire the same increased efficiency as the marathon paddlers. Our aspirations were high; so we did not allow changes in designs and eventual slow downs in the debut sidetrack us from our path for greatness. With hard work and input from many, the Force is a proud addition to our line and will have a place in paddling trips of every size for years to come.

The key difference in the design of the Force versus our popular Performance Touring Line is the decreased rocker. Rocker, the amount of bend in the hull length wise from bow to stern, affects how a kayak will behave. The rocker in the Performance Touring Line offers a great balance of speed and maneuverability, giving the kayaks great diversity for the paddler who does it all. Enough speed and efficiency to take on the longer trips but the agility to maneuver in tight spaces or in big swells. For the paddler wanting increased speed and efficiency and willing to work harder for maneuverability, the hull of the Force has decreased rocker. Although we still used our trademark shallow V hull for maximum primary stability, we did combine a narrower beam and more aggressive medium chine to allow for increased turning ability in a long sleek kayak. The unique chine design offers more bite on edge, but unlike a true hard chine, does not get easily tripped up as wind and wave conditions increase. The Force paddles well with a load on and allows ample storage space for the longest trips or for the paddler still learning how to best utilize space. As in all of our kayaks all composite seams and bulkheads keep kit dry and your kayak protected from the torque and stress of high demand paddling. Other features include a longer cockpit opening to allow for easy entry and exit when challenged by advanced rescues and uneven or wave washed landing zones. A deep paddle channel behind the lowered rear cockpit rim allows for a stable paddle platform while performing rescues. See stats and features below for more data on this kayak.

Boat

Length

Width

Mid-Ship

Cockpit

Weight (Glass)

Force Cat3

17'

20.5"

10.5"

15.25" x 31"

55lbs.

Force Cat3 HV

17'

20.5"

11.25"

15.25" x 31"

55lbs.

Force Cat4

18'

20.75"

12.5"

15.25" x 31"

58lbs.

Force Cat5

18'

20.75"

13"

15.25" x 31"

60lbs.

Hatches-
Bow- Large Oval
Stern- Large Oval
Day- 8" Round

Bulkheads and Seams- fiberglass construction.
Skeg
Points of Contact Outfitting.
1-"On Demand" Immersion Research back band
2- "Non Skid" Immersion Research seat pad.
3- Werner Footrests
4- 15.25 x 31 cockpit and padded molded in thigh hooks.
Compass Recess- 70P model compass not included.
the "Clutch" rescue handles and Comfort Grip carry handles.
Expedition deck rigging.