... or really just my honest opinions of what I think of the Frontier 12. The only other kayaks I have paddled are an OK prowler 13 and a Fish & Dive so that's all I have to compare it to.

That said, here we go...

Stability--- It lives up to the hype. In fact, it's not hype at all. There is no doubt it is one of (if not THE) most stable rides around. I have put it to the test and you will have to try real hard to turn it over. I will go out on a limb here and say, under "normal" conditions, it's not going to flip. White caps, fast moving river, bass boat wake and drive by jet skis. It can handle them all and then some. Standing up for casting or SUP is a breeze.

Speed/Paddling--- Speed was one of the main concerns I heard from veteran kayakers. For me speed wasn't an issue. I paddled both the OK and the Frontier the length of the "Mile Long Bridge" (Hwy 147 @ Rayburn) which is just over a mile and covered the distance both times in 15-20 mins. I figured about 4 mph with just a moderate effort. I don't know if I could paddle wide open for a mile and I haven't tried, so I really don't know how fast it is. I have no trouble paddling and it tracks great. Considering I can now put in within 1/2 to 1 mile from any of my fishing holes and be no more than 15 mins. away from anchoring up, it's more than fast enough for me!

Weight/Capacity--- At 77 lbs. it is a little heavy, but when you consider it 's rated for 650 lbs., it seems like a good trade off to me. I have put different loads in it to simulate different camp/fish trips and it passed the test every time. I am confident it can handle all of my fishing/camping needs. Honestly, it's a pain getting it up on the car, but nothing I can't handle. Then again, it's not such a pain when I think of how much I save by not driving my gas sucking p/u!

Seat/ Open Deck--- The seat is great! No wet butt and you can spin around 360 degrees. It fits in the tracks on either side of the deck and can slide to any position. The tracks also hold my rod holders and my newly modified stern light (more info on that in another thread). The deck has plenty of open space so you are not limited to how you can arrange your stuff. The only molded areas are the crate space in the back and the places on the sides for either Scottys or RAM's. Lack of molded spaces was a big selling point for me.

Storage--- It comes up lacking in storage imo. It has one front hatch with a dry bag. You can remove the bag to access the inside, but unless you have arms 12 feet long, you won't be accessing much. It does have a couple of places to tie to on the inside, so you don't have to worry about stuff sliding to the back. If the sides of the deck were just a little wider, there would be plenty of room for some 4 in. hatches with dry bags. A 'one man" model with a larger hatch and shorter deck in front would be most excellent. Storage didn't play too big of a part in my purchase. The only things going in there are my battery, camera and rain slicker. Everything else needs to be within arms length. It would be nice to have access to more of the inside but not necessary, at least for me.

Overall, it completely lived up to my expectations. I am extremely happy with the Frontier 12 and I am very glad I waited to buy. I hope this has been helpful.

well congrats looks like your wait paid off enjoy the new ride

Thats what I've been waiting for...a REAL world report. What is your age? size? I have just about made my mind up on one of these Nucanoes for all the reasons you mentioned here. Do you plan on adding a motor?

Thanks!

I'm 48 yo. 6'2" tall and after weighing today down, to 240lbs from 250! I can see a motor on it in the distant future. I've always liked paddling in canoes, so paddling a kayak isn't much of a change. I forgot to mention it, but my son and I paddled it with regular canoe paddles and it will SCOOT! We are going on a river run soon with the regular paddles. Just another reason I like it. I said it before, it's a pirogue, flat bottom, canoe and kayak all rolled into one!

TexWolverine - Great review on the Frontier! Glad to hear you are enjoying it. Do you mind if we share it with others via our website?

Thanks!

Blake Young
NuCanoe, Inc.
blake@nucanoe.com

Not at all. Share away!

Could you put one of these in the main deck for additional storage access?
http://www.sit-on-topkayaking.com/Articles/Instruction/CobraAKayakHatch.htm

How much are they? Is the stock seat just the bottom or does it come with a back?

I'm currently shopping around for my first kayak and this is the first time I've seen this one. It looks nice I just wonder with so much space if it would be harder to secure everything down but I like the ability to take a nap on the water if I want to lol

skimo,

Call me at our store and I will be happy to answer all of your questions regarding the Frontier 12's.

Mike

Accurate review IMO Tex!
Thank you for sharing it with us

I doubt if it would work. The deck is molded to help it drain towards the scuppers holes and the hatch probably wouldn't fit flush all the way around. I wouldn't do it.

Call Mike on the price, He'll fix you up. The MSRP is $1129. The flat seat comes with the Frontier. You can add a regular kayak seat or flip it over and add a swivel seat.

When it comes to securing things down,the Frontier is more like a boat. I didn't see the need to add a lot of new rigging. I figured I would see what I could do with the hardware it came with. My crate is tied down with two big bungees. I used the smaller bungees to hold my rods in the crate. One bungee through the strap on my cooler and minnow bucket. Everything else is just tied to the boat with a length of string.

You're welcome!

My wife was asking about one of the NuCanoes the ther day.

She might want to look at yours sometime to see it she might like it. I know they cost more but if she really wanted it I guess she can have it.

BigDozer66