If you've spent any time browsing for a high-end sea kayak, you've almost certainly seen the current designs solstice gt pop up in your search results. It's one of those legendary boats that people just seem to keep coming back to, year after year. There's a reason it's considered a flagship model for Current Designs. It isn't just a fancy-looking piece of fiberglass; it's a workhorse that manages to feel incredibly refined on the water.
I've spent a fair amount of time talking to paddlers who swear by this boat, and after getting a feel for it myself, I get the hype. It's built for the long haul, designed for someone who wants to cover distance without feeling like they're balancing on a tightrope. Let's dive into what actually makes this boat tick and why it might—or might not—be the right fit for your next adventure.
What Exactly Is the Solstice GT?
The Solstice series has a few different versions, but the GT is the "big brother" of the group. If you're a larger paddler or someone who likes to pack enough gear for a two-week expedition, this is the one you're looking at. It's a North American-style touring kayak, which basically means it prioritizes tracking and stability over the "playful" or "twitchy" feel of a British-style boat.
At 17 feet 7 inches long, it's a big boat. But don't let the size scare you off. The current designs solstice gt uses a "Swede form" hull. This means the widest part of the kayak is actually behind the cockpit. This design choice does two things: it gives you a very clean, narrow entry for your paddle stroke, and it helps the boat move through the water with a surprising amount of speed for its width.
The Stability Factor
One of the first things people mention when they hop into a Solstice GT is how "planted" it feels. If you're used to narrower, more aggressive sea kayaks, the primary stability here is going to feel like a dream. You can sit in this thing, take photos, eat a sandwich, or fiddle with your GPS without feeling like you're one ripple away from a cold swim.
But it's not just "beginner stable." The secondary stability—the way the boat feels when you lean it over on its edge—is very predictable. It doesn't have that scary "dead spot" where it suddenly wants to flip. Instead, it lets you know exactly where the limit is. For long-distance touring, this is a huge plus because it means you aren't wasting energy trying to stay upright when the wind picks up or the chop gets messy.
Speed and Tracking
Because it's so long and has a fairly straight keel line, the current designs solstice gt tracks like it's on rails. If you point it at a distant island, it's going to go there. You won't find yourself constantly correction-stroking just to stay on course.
Now, the flip side of that great tracking is that it isn't the most "turny" boat in the world. You're not going to be doing tight 360s in a narrow sea cave with ease. It takes a bit more effort and a good edge to get it to swing around. However, Current Designs equips these with a rudder system. To be honest, you probably won't need the rudder much in calm water, but when you've got a stiff crosswind or a following sea, having that rudder to help you stay on track is a lifesaver. It keeps you from burning out your arms just trying to keep the nose straight.
Comfort and the Cockpit Experience
If you're going to be sitting in a boat for six hours a day, comfort isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. The cockpit of the current designs solstice gt is what I'd call "roomy." It's a keyhole design, so it's easy to get your legs in and out, which is great if you aren't as flexible as you used to be.
The thigh braces are positioned well, giving you a solid connection to the boat without feeling like your legs are being pinched. The seat is also pretty adjustable. Current Designs has been doing this a long time, and they've figured out how to make a seat that supports your lower back without causing those annoying "numb legs" after an hour of paddling.
For the bigger guys and gals, this is where the GT really shines. There's plenty of footroom. You aren't going to feel like your toes are smashed against the top of the deck. It's a "big person" boat that still manages to feel sleek and sporty.
Storage for Days
If you're into kayak camping, you're going to love the hatches on the current designs solstice gt. It has massive bow and stern hatches, and the bulkheads do a great job of keeping things dry. You can fit a ridiculous amount of gear in here. I'm talking a full-sized tent, sleeping bag, stove, food for a week, and maybe even a small folding chair if you're feeling fancy.
The hatches use a tethered cover system that's pretty easy to pop on and off, even with cold hands. And because the boat has such a high volume, even when it's fully loaded, it doesn't sink deep into the water or lose its handling characteristics. In fact, many people say the Solstice GT actually performs better when it's got 50 or 60 pounds of gear in it. It settles into the water and feels even more stable.
Build Quality and Materials
You can usually find the current designs solstice gt in a few different layups, typically fiberglass or Kevlar. If you've got the budget for it, the Kevlar version is a treat because it drops the weight significantly, making it much easier to load onto your car roof at the end of a long day.
Regardless of the material, the finish on these boats is usually top-notch. The gel coat is thick and durable, and the seams are clean. Current Designs has a reputation for building boats that last for decades. You'll often see 20-year-old Solstices on the used market that still look and perform great, which says a lot about how they're put together.
Who Is This Boat For?
I think it's important to be honest about who this boat is not for. If you're a 120-pound person looking for a light, nimble boat to play in the surf, the current designs solstice gt is probably going to feel like driving a suburban. It'll be too much boat for you to handle comfortably in tight spots.
But, if you fit into one of these categories, you'll probably love it: * The Expeditioner: You want to go out for days or weeks and need a reliable "mule" to carry your gear. * The Larger Paddler: You've tried other sea kayaks and felt like you were being squeezed into a sardine can. * The Open-Water Voyager: You spend your time on big lakes or the ocean and want a boat that handles wind and chop with confidence. * The Efficiency Junkie: You want a boat that holds its speed well so you can cover 20 miles a day without feeling like you've been through a meat grinder.
A Few Minor Gripes
No boat is perfect, right? If I had to nitpick the current designs solstice gt, I'd say that its size can be a bit of a handful on land. At nearly 18 feet, it's a lot of boat to maneuver in a parking lot or a garage. You're definitely going to want a good cart to get it from your car to the water unless you have a very helpful (and strong) friend.
Also, as I mentioned before, it's not a "play" boat. If your idea of fun is doing "edging" drills and quick pivots, you might find it a bit stubborn. It's a cruiser, not a sports car. But hey, that's not really a flaw—it's just what the boat was designed for.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the current designs solstice gt is a classic for a reason. It doesn't try to be something it's not. It's a fast, stable, high-capacity touring machine that makes long days on the water feel easy. Whether you're paddling across a massive bay or just exploring your local coastline, it provides a level of confidence that's hard to beat.
If you get the chance to demo one, do it. You'll notice immediately how it just wants to glide. It's a refined, well-thought-out kayak that has stood the test of time, and in a world where everything seems to change every five minutes, there's something really nice about a design that just works. Happy paddling!