Panache specifications; Length: 18'4" Width: 22 1/2" Weight: 35 lbs. Cockpit: 33"x 16" Panache©, designed by Rob Macks, was inspired by a native West Greenland kayak design. Panache is a fast, long, narrow and responsive sea kayak. The shallow-arch hull becomes a deep V at the bow and stern to cut smoothly through waves and to track effortlessly in winds. The bow is designed with added volume to rise over waves . "I take great pride in 'WoodenBoat' magazine's award to Panache for 'Outstanding Paddlecraft' at the 1992 WoodenBoat Show, Newport, Rhode Island." Rob Macks

Panache is 21 " at the waterline. This narrow rounded hull reduces wetted surface for a fast kayak hull. The deep vee sections fore and aft, along with the deep foot of the stems make this sea kayak track extremely well in strong winds. A long, sleek, fast, sea kayak in the tradition of the West Greenland boats. Panache is a true joy to paddle!  The Panache pictured above is stripped on deck with light-colored sitka spruce and dark-colored western red cedar, to produce a bold graphic design. There are many possibilities for color designs with different combinations of woods.  "Wherever I go with Panache I see heads turn and I hear people say 'how beautiful' and 'what a work of art!' I've had an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from kayakers, outfitters, guides, and other builders and designers.

The light weight of this kayak makes it a joy to paddle and maneuver. The shallow-arch hull design and narrow beam make Panache a very responsive kayak with moderate initial stability; because of the hull's generous flare above the waterline, it has high secondary stability. The cockpit opening is large for easy entry and exit, allowing knees to be raised from the seated position. In warm weather and calmer waters, with the spray skirt off, the large cockpit is cool and comfortable. Generous bulkheaded watertight compartments, fore and aft, are accessed by large, double gasketed, hard-shell hatch covers. Underwater, fore and aft edges are protected by skid plates made of a special abrasion resistant, epoxy impregnated cloth. For current pricing on a finished Panache follow this link. Contact me for details.

I have a Panache available at my shop to view and paddle for those who wish to see and feel what this kayak is really like. I charge $35 an hour to try out boats. If you order a kayak from me this charge will be refunded. Building plans are available.

Study drawing of Panache showing profile, plan and body plan views

Built from Plans

"Your directions were very easy to understand. Everything worked well with no problems. I enjoyed every minute of building it." Thomas Templeton, Union Dale, PA

"Tigara (Norm calls his Panache) is a sweet boat, a tribute to your skill as a designer. She tracks beautifully and carries a big load..she is very easy to Eskimo roll."  Norm Sanders, Toss Head, NSW, Australia

"I am pleased to report my kayak (Panache) looks great, tracks true and has fostered a revitalization of my love for the water." William E. Acheson, Killeen, TX

"Dear Rob Macks, In October 2001 I launched my Panache after 300 hours of happy working. I was eager to see and feel how this beautiful design behaved in it's right element - salt water. And I wasn't disappointed, she was a joy to paddle. As you will see from the picture she isn't fully rigged when launched, but now the deck hold - downs is on its place. I use under - deck - hatch - hold downs. The name is "Theistungen" which means a little (child) Black Guillemot. As you understand, theist is a bird, but the kayak did not got its name after the bird. Theist is my wifes surname before we got married, and when we where young I used to call her "theistungen". Yours sincerely (and happy builder/paddler) Laurence Østlie Revetal, NORWAY

I am really proud of it (Panache). The little boat handles well. The boat was very stable and took the waves like a duck. Thanks for a great design. I sure am happy with the way it turned out. It sure is a beautiful boat.   Skip Kelly, Louisiana