I continue to paddle places where anything longer than 12’ is too long. Which 12’ rec kayak do you think is best for a large individual? I had an Acadia, but the cockpit was too short. I couldn’t get my legs out without bruising my shins. I paddled a Pungo 120,but the faster I paddled, the more the hull dug in.
Consider
Prijon Capri and Combi.
Manitou Sport
I know it’s only 11’, not 12, and 26 inches wide, but the Manitou Sport is worth considering. The cockpit is 42 inches long, which should give you plenty of room. We have one at our cabin, and we use it for getting into tiny, winding places. It’s also outfitted very nicely.
I don’t know your size and weight, but did you consider a solo pack canoe?
I have a solo pack canoe , a
Rapidfire, 15' long.At 235# , I may be on the heavy side for a 12 footer.
Try the Dagger 13.0
It may be a bit longer then you want but it’s a great rec boat; big cockpit, plenty of storage. It handles (tracks) well. It won’t win any races but then it’s a rec boat.
Regards,
Bill
Ah, yes,
I do remember reading that you have a Rapidfire. The 10 1/2 foot Hornbecks, with their added girth, are advertised as having a 300# capacity, and the 12 footer carries 425. We also have a Hemlock Nessmuk, but that’s too small for you. Maybe the Nessmuk XL; it’s not quite 12 feet.
Gnatcatcher
And its Fast for 11’
When I tried it, I couldnt believe how well it tracked and its quite fast for its length. Ditto the Manitou sport.
Old Town Dirigo
My 1st boat was the Old Town Dirigo 120. I am 6’ and 235 pounds and have plenty of room, along with a very comfortable seat. I have since moved to an Eddyline Nighthawk 17.5, but I still like to play in the Dirigo on occasions when I’m not going to be in sheltered waters.
Ditto, Necky Manitou Sport or 13
Hey, String. Although I did’nt bring one on our recent Christmas paddle (and I’m still kicking myself for bringing a f@*&^%$! slow-leaking inflatable on flat water) I own both the Manitou 13 (12’10") and a Manitou Sport(11’10"). My wife usually likes to use the Sport on ponds/lakes, but I use it a good deal on tight, winding creeks. The 13, I use on just about everything else up to Class II+ (including the the Delaware and choppy Hudson rivers). BOTH are quick boats. Both track like champs and carve nice turns. And both fit my 6’ frame quite nicely. For added control, I also outfitted them with thigh braces and foam (because I refuse to accept conventional wisdom about so-called “rec boats.”) One negative, if your feet are larger than size 11/12, you might have to consider another option. (There’s plenty of leg length/bending room in the Manitous larger cockpits, but a big foot might find the toe space a little cramped under the bow deck.) I’ve also paddled a friend’s Tsunami 125 and like it’s fit. Check 'em out. Best, Bob.
WS Pungo 120
Great kayak w/ large cockpit and dry storage
My wife may shoot me if I come home with
another boat, even a short one.
Look at this
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If you want something you can really
abuse hardcore and not worry about the expense of replacing it, look at Dick’s “Islander” America 11. It’s the old forms from Perception. This time of year you might be able to find some sales and get a really cheap price.
If you want a quality boat you’ll take care of though, that isn’t it . . . .
Poor String!
He covets my Swifty but his legs are way too long.
StingRay
http://www.heritagekayaks.com/stingray12.htm
I have the 14’ version (from back when it was made by LiquidLogic). Now that it’s in the Heritage line, they’ve changed it some (eliminated the storage area behind the seat, and changed the seat) but it may fit your needs. If you could find a good close-out deal on one of the leftover LiquidLogic Stingrays, so much the better.
Second that.
I also have the 14’ LL version. Just got out on it Monday for only the fourth time. Tracking is not the best, but maneuverability is great, and the 12’ would only be better.
WS Pungo, Because
I say go with the Pungo because a 12' kayak is always going to paddle like a 12' kayak so you might as well be comfortable.
And I have seen little ladies leading the pack in 12' boats plenty of times.
I guess if you want as much performance as you can possibly get out of a 12' boat you might consider a EPIC GP SOT, and its very light, too. I don't know if it can handle 235#, tho
Manitou
I’ve had a 13’ Manitou for 3 years now and echo spiritboat’s comments. I’m generally a flat water paddler, but have had it out in Tampa Bay in 2-3 foot seas and was amazed at how well it paddled.