Flux
Overview:
The Flux is a brand new creek boat from Verus Kayaks. When we started the design process, we knew two things first, we did not want to make a race boat and we did not want to make a barge. We wanted a true river running creeker; a boat you can rely on for whatever the rains bring in, from a fun run down your local classic, to your biggest line yet. The Flux is the perfect weapon for all battles. It’s forgiving and nimble, it boofs, it skips, and it does so with style. Bias aside, it’s the best creek boat we’ve ever paddled and think you’ll agree once you get a chance to #FluxAroundAndFindOut. As soon as you get a chance, take the demo out for a rip and see for yourself. Down below, we’re going to run through a few points of the design and tell you how we made it that way.
Specs:
Medium Large Size
Length: 8’8” Width: 26″ Volume: 88 Gallons
Weight: 50 lbs Cockpit: XL Paddler Range: 150lbs- 240lbs
Small Medium Size
Length: 8’5” Width: 25.25″ Volume: 79 Gallons
Weight: 47 lbs Cockpit: XL Paddler Range: 100lbs- 200lbs
The Hull
The Flux implements a semi planing hull with a kick rocker to kick rocker profile. Rounded outside to side with a flat planing section under the paddler, as soon as you sit in the Flux, you’ll feel how stable it sits on the water. The edges are substantive but subtle, giving you enough to dig in and carve through a line without getting hung up on rocks or grabbed in boily currents. Highlighting the kick rocker in the design, the Flux maintains contact with the river for a stable feel, and skips through holes with ease. In short, the hull is predictable, engaging and provides confidence inspiring performance for the paddler.
Key Points
- Semi Planing hull
- Tons of Rocker all the way around
- Kick rocker to kick rocker, this allows you to get over any feature yet be maneuverable and control speed
- 8’8″ leads to a more maneuverable and easy to control creekboat
- Shorter length and intense kick rocker leads to less “stern tapping”
- Subtle but substantive edge
The Bow
Starting up at the front, the first thing you’ll notice is the rocker. We’ve got (ML: 15.7in, SM:15.2in) inches of lift in the bow that will get you up and over just about anything the run throws at you. The next thing you’ll see is the geometric features of the deck, and while they look pretty dang good, they are not simply aesthetics. These features and geometry improve the stiffness and rigidity of the plastic through the bow by providing structure to the shell of the boat. The third thing you’ll notice is that the bow narrows down significantly at the front. Rather than the ‘bow forward’ designs on the market today, we want to provide a more nimble front end for making quick maneuvers and allowing pinpoint placement for precision moves.
Key Points
- Big Rocker- dry bow
- Improved geometry for plastic stiffness
- Narrow bow for precision placement
The Stern
As you move down the boat, looking at the side of the hull, you’ll see the parting line swing up as you approach the stern. This provides a strong secondary stability profile which allows for a forgiving feeling while paddling. With just a little brace and you can use the side profile of the boat to avoid unwanted inversions on the river. You’ll also see across the deck of the kayak we’ve implemented five, full sized, aluminum grab handles. These make for easy hard points for strapping boats on a roof rack, or assisting in a river rescue scenario.
Key Points
- High parting line for improved secondary stability
- Forgiving feeling without compromising performance
- 5 full sized all aluminum grab handles
Quantum Outfitting System:
We spent much of 2022 developing what we now call the Quantum Outfitting System. Our guiding principles in the design process were simplicity and solidity. We started out with developing fully rotomolded components across the entire system that will provide the paddler with a sturdy platform and a customizable fit. There are no thermoform components and every piece provides additional structural support to the hull. We’ll go through here piece by piece and speak to the key elements of the design.
Bulkhead- Footrest
Up in the bow, you’ll find the adjustable bulkhead footrest. Similar to the deck lines on the hull, the aesthetic features and plastic geometry implemented here not only look sharp, but they help to improve the part’s stiffness and rigidity. Set at a 15 degree angle, the bulkhead provides ergonomic comfort for the paddler’s feet,
Key Points
- Fully rotomolded
- Improved plastic geometry for increased part stiffness.
- 15 degree angle for ergonomic foot placement
Droidhead
At the top of the pillar you’ll find the Droid Head. This piece acts as a keystone that mounts through the deck grab handle and the hull to lock the outfitting into the kayak. It also holds the bow’s foam pillar in place. Further this part provides additional structure and helps distribute force through the bow on impact.
Key Points
- Integrated force distribution
- Strong
- Stand on the deck- no flex
Pillar Rail
With a single piece rotomolded construction, we have eliminated the potential for failure in the part and improved the quality of our outfitting construction. This piece is lined with closed cell foam underneath to support the hull and provide support for the paddler. Also, you’ll find both a gear tray on the bottom, and additional bungee on the rail for quick access to a throw rope. Finally, while shoulder carrying you kayak, the pillar provides an ergonomic hand grip to improve comfort.
Key Points
- Strength and rigidity
- Stomp on top/kick the pillar
- Gear trays and bungee loops- Easy to store water bottle and throw bag
- Ergonomic hand grip- Easy Carrying
Seat
The seat is fully rotomolded, highly adjustable and comfortable for a range of paddler sizes. The boat includes multiple foam shims in the outfitting kit to dial in the fit for a given individual. Mounting to the side of the cockpit rim, the seat position can be adjusted in the field using the included allen key provided and stored in the stern foam pillar. Further, you’ll find closed cell foam underneath the seat to provide additional support for the hull. Finally, the rear end of the seat provides two gear loops to clip any additional gear into the kayak on an overnighter or expedition.
Key Points
- Additional Foam Kit to build seat higher and give additional leg support under thighs
- Big and easy to use gear straps behind seat
Back Band
The ratcheting backband provides an easy to adjust platform and high quality materials making it the strongest and most comfortable system available on the market. We sourced 1 inch utility polyester webbing with a 3500 lbs break strength and a maximum dynamic working load of over 1200 LBS. In addition, we’ve also backed up the buckles with a heavy duty steel double cam to avoid any chance of slipping.
Key Points
- Strong- 3500 lbs+ Break strength
- Easily replaceable