When I review a kayak, I prefer to take it on a real adventure. For the Boreal Designs Storm 17, I loaded it up for a five-day sea kayaking trip across Ontario’s Georgian Bay, one of the most stunning paddling destinations in the world. Out here, conditions can change from calm glassy mornings to wind-whipped crossings in a heartbeat, making it the perfect testing ground for a touring kayak.
Specs and Features
The Storm 17 retails for around $2,300. It’s 17 feet long, 24 inches wide, weighs 59 pounds (27 kg), and has a carrying capacity of 348 pounds (160 kg). It comes equipped with a rudder, Boreal’s Flex 4 seat system, two bulkheads, three hatches (stern, bow, and a day hatch), perimeter lines, and plenty of bungees.
Boreal has also added self-rescue safety straps behind the seat. These are a welcome feature. On paper, it’s an attractive all-around touring kayak. But how does it hold up on the water?
Portability
The Boreal Designs Storm 17 earns its “Ultralight” label because it’s thermoformed, not rotomolded. That makes it about 15–20% lighter than your average rotomolded sea kayak of the same size. At 59 pounds, it’s noticeably easier to carry solo or load onto a car rack than the typical 70-pound alternative.
While it’s not as featherlight as a composite kayak—some of which dip into the low 40-pound range—it’s far more affordable. You’re looking at a fraction of the price compared to high-end composite boats, which can easily cost twice or three times as much.
Stability and Performance
With its 24-inch width, the Storm 17 hits a sweet spot between stability and speed. I found it to be a balanced, all-conditions kayak. On windy open crossings with the boat fully loaded, with an extra 45 pounds of camera gear, it still tracked and cruised nicely, while feeling stable and confidence inspiring.
Maneuverability, however, isn’t its strong suit. This isn’t a quick-turning playboat, and that’s okay, because lightweight thermoformed kayaks aren’t designed to play hard and potentially take beatings in the surf zone or rocky shallows. On Georgian Bay’s granite shores, I found myself babying it a bit more than I would a rotomolded boat. But for general touring, it proved its durability while delivering reliable performance.
Comfort
On multi-hour days, comfort is critical. The Flex 4 seat system is solid and supportive, and I was happy with it for the first couple of hours each day. Around hour three, though, I found myself wishing for a bit more padding. That’s not unusual for sea kayaks, and it’s something most paddlers can easily remedy with aftermarket padding or small adjustments.
Where I did feel some compromise was in outfitting. The Storm 17 doesn’t come with thigh hooks or hip pads. While this doesn’t affect casual touring, it does reduce the “connected” feel you get with more performance-focused sea kayaks. In rough water, I felt more like I was sitting in the kayak rather than wearing it. Still, for most touring scenarios, the comfort and fit were more than adequate.
Storage and Features
This boat shines when it comes to storage. Between the bow, stern, and day hatch, plus extra space in front of the foot bulkhead and behind the seat, there’s ample room for multi-day expeditions. I carried more than enough gear for five days, with space to spare. The deck rigging and perimeter lines add versatility, allowing you to lash down extra items like pumps or camera gear.
The rudder system worked well throughout the trip. I’m typically more of a skeg user, but I found the toe-control rudder intuitive and effective, especially when battling crosswinds.
Who It’s For & Value
The Storm 17 Ultralight is best suited for paddlers who want a lighter sea kayak without paying composite prices. Beginners through advanced paddlers can enjoy it, depending on the type of trips they plan. It’s not the most playful kayak, but it excels as a versatile touring boat for flatwater and multi-day adventures.
At $2,300, I think the value is excellent. You’re not paying a major premium for the lighter weight, yet you’re saving yourself a lot of strain moving the boat around off the water. The trade-off is durability—you’ll need to treat it with a bit more care than a heavier rotomolded kayak.
Boreal Designs Storm 17 Touring Kayak
After five days on Georgian Bay, the Boreal Designs Storm 17 proved itself to be a reliable, capable, and comfortable touring companion. It offered plenty of storage, handled rough and calm conditions alike, and saved me from lugging around unnecessary extra weight. For paddlers who value a lighter boat and plan to use it for touring rather than hard play, it’s an excellent option.
Is it the right kayak for you? That depends on your priorities. But if you’re looking for a versatile, lightweight touring kayak at a reasonable price point, the Storm 17 deserves serious consideration.
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Special Thanks
Destination Ontario https://www.destinationontario.com
The Seven https://www.northeasternontario.com
Explorer's Edge http://explorersedge.ca
Ontario Creates, Boreal Design Kayaks, NRS, Aqua Bound, Killarney Outfitters, Destination Ontario
