# Van Dusen Mohican

> Surfski by Van Dusen. Canonical page: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/van-dusen-mohican/
> Cite as: Van Dusen Mohican, Surfski Index, https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/van-dusen-mohican/ (checked 2026-10-15). Terms: https://surfskiindex.com/using-our-data/

## Specifications
- Length: 6.46 m
- Beam: 44.45 cm
- Deck height: 33.5 cm (estimated)
- Usually paddled by: Racers

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability band 5–7 out of 10 (dimension estimate, low confidence).
- Speed rated 8 out of 10.

Modelled from published beam, length and deck height. Low confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight.

These ratings are Surfski Index estimates, worked out from published dimensions, traced hull shapes where we have them, and reviews. They are not supplied by the maker or timed on the water. How a ski feels depends on your weight, skill, set-up and the conditions, so use them to shortlist skis and paddle one before you buy. Method: https://surfskiindex.com/how-it-works/#limits

Evidence note: This band is estimated from published dimensions. Qualitative context includes 1 paddler report and 3 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Estimated sweet spot 81–94 kg, broader estimated guide 66–98 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
Marathon, multisport and open-water racing; the self-bailing cockpit is what makes it safe offshore.

## Hull
21'2.5" x 17.5", 6.46m x 44.45cm: with a 21ft waterline and a beam of 16.1" at the 4" waterline, in autoclave-cured carbon over core. A decked unlimited racing kayak with a self-bailing cockpit rather than an open ski, so the beam figure is not directly comparable to the open hulls beside it: you sit in this one. Under-hull rudder as standard, kick-up optional, tiller or pedal steering, and a 6" inspection port behind the seat.

## What works
- Published price, from the builder, in writing
- Autoclaved carbon construction
- Legal in USCA unlimited class as well as surfski racing

## Trade-offs
- Decked hull: a swamped cockpit is a different problem from a ski's
- No published weight
- One small US builder, so no dealer network

## Generations
- 2006-present: Ted Van Dusen has built racing boats as Composite Engineering in Westport, Massachusetts since the 1970s. The Mohican arrived in 2006, drawn to the USCA unlimited class rule, and is the only self-bailing hull in the range.

## What paddlers say
- Reviewed by SurfskiRacing.org in 2012 alongside two Nelo Vintages. No owner quote is reproduced here because the review itself was not reachable when this record was written.

## Sources
- https://composite-eng.com/kayaks/mohican-kayak-design/
- https://composite-eng.com/kayaks/kayak-order-form-and-prices/
- https://composite-eng.com/kayaks/kayak-models/

## Prices
Current new prices and dealers: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/van-dusen-mohican/#buy