Review by Ken Morrow, author of the Adaptive Fly Fishing Handbook:
"Back in August, I ordered a NuCanoe Frontier 12 with the Tandem Stand-up Angler Package and the Transport Cart. I’ve been using it for solo and tandem fishing ever since. I’ll break my thoughts and observations on this kayak down into the following categories: design, paddling, fishing, safety, and transportation.
Design
Anglers who seeks the ultimate in solo-tandem fishing versatility from a modern kayak design would be well-served to take the Nucanoe Frontier 12 for a spin. I began teaching advanced canoeing when I was fifteen years old. Since then, I’ve paddled just about everything...."
Read the full review at FishCampRehab.com.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
The Frontier 12 Helps Save a Capsized Kayaker
As Reported by Veerapol Pimsaen, a NuCanoe Frontier 12 owner from McKinney, Texas
The Frontier 12 saved a life Saturday January 4, 2014!
I arrived at the boat ramp at Little Ridge Park on Lake Lavon (Texas) mid-afternoon. As I was backing my vehicle down the ramp to launch, a person came up to me and told me his buddy is out about 300 yards, capsized and holding onto his Ascend kayak that was anchored in 22 ft. of low 40 deg. Water. He had been in that condition for 15-20 minutes.
While 911 had been dispatched, I offered that I can get him and his yak out. As soon as I was ready to launch my Frontier 12, a Texas Game Warden, Lavon police, and first responders showed up. The patrol boat was two hours away, and there were no other boats on the lake due to the 25+ wind, so I was the only option to help the capsized kayaker.
The area was a protected cove but still the gusty wind was still challenging for any kayak. I had no doubt the Frontier 12 could handle it. Well, I rescued the person and dropped him off at the ramp for the first responders, then went out and got his yak. It was filled with water since his bow hatch was open.
All in all, the warden and police were appreciative for what I did saving his life, as he probably would not have been able to hang on another 15-20 minutes. He was pale, tired, and little responsive when I pulled him into the canoe. They were very impressed the Frontier 12 being able to complete such a task so quickly and with little effort to support two people in that rough windy weather.
I spoke today with the young man I rescued and he too was impressed with the Frontier, for it saved his life. His body temp was 88 F when we reached the ramp. He was very fortunate to have a vessel capable of pulling him out of the water and easily handling two people in that windy condition. He was also appreciative for also getting his kayak back since it was his father's.
Also, during the launch, another by-stander was skeptical of what I was about to do and feared I too would be overwhelmed in those conditions, after the event was over he too was left amazed.
Since everything happened so fast with the launch, rescue, and recovery, it just did not leave much to report, we are all just glad there was not a body to look for, then the story would have probably made press.
The Frontier 12 saved a life Saturday January 4, 2014!
I arrived at the boat ramp at Little Ridge Park on Lake Lavon (Texas) mid-afternoon. As I was backing my vehicle down the ramp to launch, a person came up to me and told me his buddy is out about 300 yards, capsized and holding onto his Ascend kayak that was anchored in 22 ft. of low 40 deg. Water. He had been in that condition for 15-20 minutes.
While 911 had been dispatched, I offered that I can get him and his yak out. As soon as I was ready to launch my Frontier 12, a Texas Game Warden, Lavon police, and first responders showed up. The patrol boat was two hours away, and there were no other boats on the lake due to the 25+ wind, so I was the only option to help the capsized kayaker.
The area was a protected cove but still the gusty wind was still challenging for any kayak. I had no doubt the Frontier 12 could handle it. Well, I rescued the person and dropped him off at the ramp for the first responders, then went out and got his yak. It was filled with water since his bow hatch was open.
All in all, the warden and police were appreciative for what I did saving his life, as he probably would not have been able to hang on another 15-20 minutes. He was pale, tired, and little responsive when I pulled him into the canoe. They were very impressed the Frontier 12 being able to complete such a task so quickly and with little effort to support two people in that rough windy weather.
I spoke today with the young man I rescued and he too was impressed with the Frontier, for it saved his life. His body temp was 88 F when we reached the ramp. He was very fortunate to have a vessel capable of pulling him out of the water and easily handling two people in that windy condition. He was also appreciative for also getting his kayak back since it was his father's.
Also, during the launch, another by-stander was skeptical of what I was about to do and feared I too would be overwhelmed in those conditions, after the event was over he too was left amazed.
Since everything happened so fast with the launch, rescue, and recovery, it just did not leave much to report, we are all just glad there was not a body to look for, then the story would have probably made press.
Friday, November 15, 2013
2014 Frontier 12 Upright Duck Blind
Upright Duck Blind cover that fits snuggly on the Frontier 12. The blind consists of a bow section with dog pod and folding cover, and a stern section that is 30” off the deck floor. Provides great concealment and lots of room for gear.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Introducing the RIGID 360 Base for the NuCanoe Frontier
After months of development, we are pleased to introduce the RIGID 360 Base
for the NuCanoe Frontier models. It is a lightweight, super strong
base for the Max 360 Seats on the Frontier that is packed with great
features and benefits.
The RIGID 360 Base represents a departure from our multi-seat base platform. As 85+% of Frontier owners are using 360 Seats, we focused on designing a base exclusively to meet the unique demands of these seats.
Constructed from Continuously Stranded Uni-directional Thermoplastic Composite, aka Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic, the RIGID 360 Base offers many great features:
The RIGID 360 Base represents a departure from our multi-seat base platform. As 85+% of Frontier owners are using 360 Seats, we focused on designing a base exclusively to meet the unique demands of these seats.
Constructed from Continuously Stranded Uni-directional Thermoplastic Composite, aka Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic, the RIGID 360 Base offers many great features:
- Light Weight - Thanks to the advanced composite construction, the RIGID 360 base weighs in at only 2.2lbs.
- Super Stiff & Rigid - Bottom line, this base is not going to flex, bend, and warp. It is strongest part of on the Frontier, and will hold up to the most extreme uses.
- Unaffected by Heat or Sunlight -The fiber material will not be affected by heat or sunlight, providing superior performance in all conditions.
- Elevated Seat Position - The seat position is 12" off the deck floor, delivering more comfort and fish-ability without compromising balance or stability.
- More Storage Space - 6-3/4" of clearance underneath the base gives more room for storing tackle, gear, and paddles under the seat.
- Versatility - The Quick Release Bracket, swivel, or 360 seat can be mounted directly to the RIGID 360 Base. Plus, any standard swivel seat or swivel will mount to it with no custom hardware.
- Ease of Use - As the seat is less than 1/8" thick, it moves effortlessly through the Freedom Track.
- Good Looking! - That's right, the new seat base looks great in the Frontier!
View more images in the RIGID 360 Base Gallery.
2014 Frontier Models & Upgrade Special
The RIGID 360 Base will be standard on all 2014 Frontier models.
For
existing Frontier owners who wish to upgrade, we are extending a 33%
discount from the $75 list price through November 30th. Contact your
NuCanoe dealer to place your order today!
Shipments on the RIGID 360 Base start today.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Journey Into Serious Kayak Fishing
It took me more than 6 months to take the plunge
(figuratively, not literally) and become a Frontier owner. Here's my story....
My first kayak experience was in a much different kayak. One that I thought would be extra stable, and impossible to tip over. Well, not only did I flip it over, it was impossible to control in the wind. This kayak has retractable outriggers, and yes when they are OUT, the boat is quite stable. This stability came at too high a price. Paddling in a wind (with or across) was not fun. The kayak just wanted to turn nose into the wind. Into the wind, it still didn't track all that well, and it as a lot of effort to make headway.
My first kayak experience was in a much different kayak. One that I thought would be extra stable, and impossible to tip over. Well, not only did I flip it over, it was impossible to control in the wind. This kayak has retractable outriggers, and yes when they are OUT, the boat is quite stable. This stability came at too high a price. Paddling in a wind (with or across) was not fun. The kayak just wanted to turn nose into the wind. Into the wind, it still didn't track all that well, and it as a lot of effort to make headway.
I first looked into the NuCanoe
Frontier on the Internet, and in March stopped in at Kayaks By Bo in
Titusville, and talked to Tom. I knew I wouldn't be able to try it that
day, or fish much until I got a lot of things done on our new house in
Orlando, so I said I would get back over in a few months.
During that time, I was able to
read up and watch videos on a LOT of kayaks. All of them said they were
stable, and a great fishing platform. After my first experience, I
knew I would have to try out ANY boat before I made my decision.
I tried and paddled a lot if
kayaks in the last 6 months. Many big names, and highly touted models.
They all paddled OK, during tests, but they all fell short of what I
wanted in the way of stability. There were only two boats that I felt I
could feel comfortable in standing up and casting. One was the very
expensive Hobie Pro Angler, nice but too heavy (no way I was going to
get that up on my CRV). The other was cheap, stable, but just felt
flimsy.
I finally went over to see Tom
at Kayaks by Bo again yesterday, and they sent me over to the IRL with Chuck. After 15
minutes, I was convinced that this was the Kayak (Canoe, SUP, what ever
you want to call it) for me. We went back to the shop and wrote it up.
Only problem was they didn't have a
Transformer paddle in stock. It should be on order now. I took the
kayak home with a loaner paddle last night, and today I spent 3 hours
fishing and paddling. My only concern was that the width of the boat
would make for difficult paddling. The loaner paddle is only 240cm, but
I had no problem paddling in any direction. With the wind, cross wind,
up wind, it didn't matter, the Frontier tracked well and was easy to
paddle. I stood up, fished, and paddled for a half hour. Again, no
problems, even with boat wakes. There was a breeze, but not a "wind,"
but standing or sitting, I was very happy with the handling.
I have just begun this journey
into serious kayak fishing, but I am confident I made the right choice
in a Kayak. I can hardly wait for the new paddle to come in so I can
see what the Frontier can REALLY do.
I will be reading through the
forums and other pages to see what other folks are doing with their
Nucanoes. I hope to soon be an active contributor.
Continue Success,
C.B, Orlando, FL
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Frontier 12 Review by Bill Laminack
For the past three weeks, I have been using a NuCanoe Frontier 12.
While I cannot say that it was love at first sight, I can now say that I
am in love with this boat. The manufacturer calls it a Kayak hybrid,
but I am not sure what the mixture is. Maybe kayak mixed with awesome.
Yeah, I know it doesn’t have sexy curves and eye catching lines. No. Not
at all. It looks cumbersome, slow and clunky. All of this is deceiving.
It is only on the first paddle will you find out what is going on with
this boat.
I passed by the NuCanoe in Sunjammer’s showroom many times until I got serious about fly fishing. Even then I didn’t pay it much attention. Only after a friend who also got serious about fly fishing started mulling over paddling options that were best suited for this did the NuCanoe come to my attention. I saw a video online of Joe Mahler and Drew Chicone fly fishing out of a Frontier 12. Yes, both of them in the boat. One standing and the other paddling. Now they had my attention.
My friend was in the market for a new kayak and was looking at Diablo’s and was very close to buying one. I suggested that we demo a NuCanoe. We took it out on the first trip. Will, got in the Frontier and pushed off from shore and stood up, and just started giggling. Up to this point he had never stood in any kayak. He had just popped up and started paddling. There was a little swell, and he just kept paddling, standing up for about half a mile. Every once in a while he was would bend over and grab his rod and make a couple of casts and each time there was a new set of giggles. He had discovered a new world of fishing. Standing up in a kayak and sight fishing. All he could talk about was how easy it was to stand up and fish. Mind you we didn’t have the grab bar accessory (Frontier Casting Bar). He didn’t need it. As he paddled sitting down he was telling me how easy it was to paddle. I was fishing in a Native Slayer 12 that day and he had no trouble keeping up with me. Needless to say, my curiosity was peaked! Will was impressed enough that he went and bought one the next week.
The following week end it was my turn to try it out. Having his new NuCanoe tricked out with all of the accessories
Will decided to really give it a serious try. We paddled about 6 miles
in open bay with stout 15 to 20 mph wind. We fished most of the day
getting beat down by the wind, and still enjoyed the day. The demo that I
had didn’t have anything but the basic bench type seats and they had no
backs, similar to a canoe type of seat. Paddling this way was not quite
comfortable, but still doable. With the seats in this manner, I found
that getting on my knees and paddling in a more leaning forward type of
posture, I was able to deal with the nasty conditions quite well. I
wouldn’t recommend this though. You’ll want a nice comfy NuCanoe seat.
This day we encountered 1.5′ chop and enough wind to get some spray. I
didn’t see much difference here from any of the other kayaks that I had
fished from. Heavy winds in any kayak is not a lot of fun and is work.
My next trip was after I picked up a 7″ pedestal seat from Sunjammers. I figured that raising the seat this high would create uncomfortable instability. Heck just raising a seat 3 inches in other kayaks does dramatic things to the stability. Not in this boat! The stability is just awesome. It feels like a 12′ Jonboat in it’s stability. There is very firm initial stability and the secondary stability was rock solid. I am totally impressed with this aspect. It allowed me to stand and fly fish all day in comfort.
We started off fly fishing on the salt water flats looking for trout and redfish and found that the Frontier 12 poles very well. It is reasonably quiet and very easy to maneuver with just a 8′ stake out pole. Later in the day we took it to the flooded river swamps and fished among the flooded cyprus forests for bass and bluegill. Man it really shines in a bass fishing environment. It is easy to keep in position and move around in tight quarters. Again very stable for standing to fish in comfort. This to me is essential for bass fishing.
I have in my reviews in the past tried to compare each kayak to others that I have had experience with. In this case, this is much tougher to do. Why? There is not much else out there that I am aware of, much less been in long enough to properly compare it to. I have spent a day on a Diablo. And I have spent a while in a Hobie Pro Angler. The stability of the NuCanoe is much greater than the Diablo, which is also a very stable kayak, but really the better comparison is to the Pro Angler. I would say that the stability and comfort level is much closer. Now sure there are a lot of amenities on Pro Angler than the NuCanoe, having Skiff style rod tubes etc, but The Nu Canoe has a VAST array of options on add ons that make each one a Custom set up. The Frontier 12 is about 40-50lbs lighter than a PA, and there is a substantial difference in price as well. Of course a NuCanoe doesn’t have Hobie’s awesome Mirage Drive, but to be honest, I wouldn’t want it on this kayak type as the set of features that I am looking for make it perfect for fly fishing. The stability, ease of maneuvering and flexibility of options, are the ones that make this set up ideal for me.
Needless to say, I really like the NuCanoe Frontier 12, but there was a few things that I would change if possible. First, the deck seems a bit softer than I would have expected. Now, I weigh 245lb. This could be due to how much I am putting on it, but I think that I would have preferred it to be more stiff and solid feeling. This isn’t really a problem per se, but rather a preference. The next issue is also with the deck. It has sort of channels cut in that are designed to make water flow to the two scuppers behind the seat. These are right where you will be standing, and I found them uncomfortable to stand on bare foot. I will at times fish bare foot and I had to shift around every once in a while to keep my tender little size 13s from getting sore. When I wore wading shoes, this was not an issue. The third issue was that I would have liked a little better drainage in the cockpit of the boat. It never presented a problem in the scenarios that I presented it with, but I could see a Surf Launch and taking a wave into the cockpit taking a good bit of time to drain. This is could be better in my opinion. I don’t see this stopping me from taking it offshore however.As it is now even rain water will collect in parts of the kayak instead of draining nicely. None of these “issues” are deal breakers for me.
In conclusion, I believe that with it’s amazing stability and ease of paddling and poling, it looks like I have found my next paddling purchase.
I passed by the NuCanoe in Sunjammer’s showroom many times until I got serious about fly fishing. Even then I didn’t pay it much attention. Only after a friend who also got serious about fly fishing started mulling over paddling options that were best suited for this did the NuCanoe come to my attention. I saw a video online of Joe Mahler and Drew Chicone fly fishing out of a Frontier 12. Yes, both of them in the boat. One standing and the other paddling. Now they had my attention.
My friend was in the market for a new kayak and was looking at Diablo’s and was very close to buying one. I suggested that we demo a NuCanoe. We took it out on the first trip. Will, got in the Frontier and pushed off from shore and stood up, and just started giggling. Up to this point he had never stood in any kayak. He had just popped up and started paddling. There was a little swell, and he just kept paddling, standing up for about half a mile. Every once in a while he was would bend over and grab his rod and make a couple of casts and each time there was a new set of giggles. He had discovered a new world of fishing. Standing up in a kayak and sight fishing. All he could talk about was how easy it was to stand up and fish. Mind you we didn’t have the grab bar accessory (Frontier Casting Bar). He didn’t need it. As he paddled sitting down he was telling me how easy it was to paddle. I was fishing in a Native Slayer 12 that day and he had no trouble keeping up with me. Needless to say, my curiosity was peaked! Will was impressed enough that he went and bought one the next week.
My next trip was after I picked up a 7″ pedestal seat from Sunjammers. I figured that raising the seat this high would create uncomfortable instability. Heck just raising a seat 3 inches in other kayaks does dramatic things to the stability. Not in this boat! The stability is just awesome. It feels like a 12′ Jonboat in it’s stability. There is very firm initial stability and the secondary stability was rock solid. I am totally impressed with this aspect. It allowed me to stand and fly fish all day in comfort.
We started off fly fishing on the salt water flats looking for trout and redfish and found that the Frontier 12 poles very well. It is reasonably quiet and very easy to maneuver with just a 8′ stake out pole. Later in the day we took it to the flooded river swamps and fished among the flooded cyprus forests for bass and bluegill. Man it really shines in a bass fishing environment. It is easy to keep in position and move around in tight quarters. Again very stable for standing to fish in comfort. This to me is essential for bass fishing.
I have in my reviews in the past tried to compare each kayak to others that I have had experience with. In this case, this is much tougher to do. Why? There is not much else out there that I am aware of, much less been in long enough to properly compare it to. I have spent a day on a Diablo. And I have spent a while in a Hobie Pro Angler. The stability of the NuCanoe is much greater than the Diablo, which is also a very stable kayak, but really the better comparison is to the Pro Angler. I would say that the stability and comfort level is much closer. Now sure there are a lot of amenities on Pro Angler than the NuCanoe, having Skiff style rod tubes etc, but The Nu Canoe has a VAST array of options on add ons that make each one a Custom set up. The Frontier 12 is about 40-50lbs lighter than a PA, and there is a substantial difference in price as well. Of course a NuCanoe doesn’t have Hobie’s awesome Mirage Drive, but to be honest, I wouldn’t want it on this kayak type as the set of features that I am looking for make it perfect for fly fishing. The stability, ease of maneuvering and flexibility of options, are the ones that make this set up ideal for me.
Needless to say, I really like the NuCanoe Frontier 12, but there was a few things that I would change if possible. First, the deck seems a bit softer than I would have expected. Now, I weigh 245lb. This could be due to how much I am putting on it, but I think that I would have preferred it to be more stiff and solid feeling. This isn’t really a problem per se, but rather a preference. The next issue is also with the deck. It has sort of channels cut in that are designed to make water flow to the two scuppers behind the seat. These are right where you will be standing, and I found them uncomfortable to stand on bare foot. I will at times fish bare foot and I had to shift around every once in a while to keep my tender little size 13s from getting sore. When I wore wading shoes, this was not an issue. The third issue was that I would have liked a little better drainage in the cockpit of the boat. It never presented a problem in the scenarios that I presented it with, but I could see a Surf Launch and taking a wave into the cockpit taking a good bit of time to drain. This is could be better in my opinion. I don’t see this stopping me from taking it offshore however.As it is now even rain water will collect in parts of the kayak instead of draining nicely. None of these “issues” are deal breakers for me.
In conclusion, I believe that with it’s amazing stability and ease of paddling and poling, it looks like I have found my next paddling purchase.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Introducing the Frontier 10
Production is starting this week and Frontier 10 shipments start Monday, May 6th. Contact your local NuCanoe Dealer to learn when the Frontier 10 will be arriving to their store.
The Specs
Length = 118 1/2"
Width = 38 1/2"
Weight = 67lbs
Capacity = 500lbs
Self-Bailing Capacity = 350lbs
All in all just about as expected, except for the weight. We'd have loved for the F10 to be down in the low sixties, but we were not willing to compromise hull strength and integrity to make this happen. That said, when handling the Frontier 10 off the water, it feels much lighter and easier to carry/transport/load than the Frontier12. Two feet less length and 2" less width makes a big difference!
Speaking of strength, the Cast & Blast Deck is rock solid, and the contour of the hull is such that water will not pool near the bow or on the sides. The redesigned channels near the scuppers means the F10 bails fast and no water stays behind.
On The Water
Stability - Well, it is a Frontier, so you'd expect it to be stable. And it is super stable and very comfortable for standing.
Tracking - I think the biggest surprise for most people who paddle the Frontier 10 will be how well it tracks. It is not quite up to the "straight as an arrow" tracking of the Frontier 12, but once you get a couple paddle strokes in, the F10 holds a straight course. And maintains a straight glide when the paddling stops.
Tracking - I think the biggest surprise for most people who paddle the Frontier 10 will be how well it tracks. It is not quite up to the "straight as an arrow" tracking of the Frontier 12, but once you get a couple paddle strokes in, the F10 holds a straight course. And maintains a straight glide when the paddling stops.
Paddling - Again, this is going to surprise people. The Frontier 10 moves real nice through the water...nothing like you would guess form the 38.5" beam.
Maneuverability - The Frontier 10 can literally be turned 360 on its own axis. Easily whip the boat 180 degrees with just 2-3 paddle strokes. Nimble as can be for those tight waters and small creeks.The New Features
The Frontier 10 is very similar to the Frontier 12...but it does have some great new features. Here's a quick overview:
Gear Vault Toggle - The Frontier 10 uses 2 rotating toggles to provide a secure fit on the Gear Vault, and enable easy opening and closing with one hand.
Oversized Mount Docks - Located near the front of the Cast & Blast Deck, the Mount Docs provide the perfect place to install your Yak Attack, RAM, or Scotty Mount Bases. Convenient access through the Gear Vault makes it easy to install washers and locknuts on the back for maximum security.
Bow Battery Box Dock - When using the Frontier 10 with a trolling motor, it is ideal to have the battery located in the bow to ensure even weight distribution. So we made a nice dock for a battery box at the front of the Cast & Blast Deck. Footman's loops can easily be installed to run a strap over the batter to keep it secure.
Buckets in the Crate Space - The Crate Space has always been ideal for coolers, Crate Packs, and battery boxes. Now it is a welcome home for 5 Gallon Buckets, too!
Tow Ring Dock - To enable easy towing on the water and easy trailering off the water, the Frontier 10 has a dock for a Eye Plate for towing. Access through the Gear Vault enables installation of washers and locknuts.
Lowrance Scupper Transducer Mount - The Scuppers on the Frontier 10 are specifically designed for the Lowarnce Scupper Transducer Mounts. The channels on the hull provide great protection for the transducer.
Foot Pads - Adjacent to the bow end of the Freedom Track are two foot pads, perfect for providing a secure place to brace your feet while paddling.
We'll continue to post more photos and videos in he coming weeks. And we look forward to reading reviews and stories from Frontier 10 owners!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Outdoor Hub Reviews: NuCanoe Classic 12 and Frontier 12 Hybrid Kayaks
Being
a kayak guide and outdoor writer, I am often asked about watercraft.
The most asked questions are “kayak or canoe?” and “what do I use?” The
answer is no surprise or secret: my craft of choice is the NuCanoe system–hands down.
About seven years ago, I was paddling down Coon Creek in Wisconsin with my then-eight-year-old daughter when all of the sudden, and for no apparent reason, we flipped. The current pushed her into a brush pile and she struggled to escape, the cold water pushing against her. While I was fighting to rescue her, the canoe drifted down stream, and we lost a lot of gear. My cell phone was damaged (they weren’t as easy to come by back then) and we lost a rod and some tackle. It would take quite a few outings on completely stable water before she would get in a canoe again.
A few years later, a buddy of mine’s brother bought a NuCanoe 12. He was bragging about how stable the unit was, and how he can adjust the seating in it. He had me at stability–as soon as I got home I looked at NuCanoe on YouTube, read a couple forum reviews, and ordered one sight unseen.
A few days later, the NuCanoe 12 arrived, and on the first day I had available, I tossed it in the water and put it to the test. It did everything that it was advertised as doing. Modular seating (check), stability (check), and stand up and fish (some difficulty but done). I bought one more for my guide business.
Last
year, NuCanoe launched their second model, the Frontier 12. They
advertised it as being just as stable as the NuCanoe , but with more
features: cast and blast decking for user mobility, scuppers for easy
draining and tracking, built in storage compartment, and cup holders.
Basically, everything the user wanted in the NuCanoe is found in the
Frontier.
Being a fan of NuCanoe already, I purchased my first Frontier when they first came out and put it to the test. The unit is very stable; the built in storage compartment basically runs the entire length of the unit, providing lots of room to place long items such as rods, tents, or blankets. The maximum weight capacity is 650 lbs, but most importantly, as advertised, one can stand up and fish out of it with very little discomfort.
My daughter and son both feel comfortable and safe in the NuCanoe and we go out as a family all the time in them. I highly recommend this product for anyone that loves the water, as well as other kayak rental and fishing guides.
About seven years ago, I was paddling down Coon Creek in Wisconsin with my then-eight-year-old daughter when all of the sudden, and for no apparent reason, we flipped. The current pushed her into a brush pile and she struggled to escape, the cold water pushing against her. While I was fighting to rescue her, the canoe drifted down stream, and we lost a lot of gear. My cell phone was damaged (they weren’t as easy to come by back then) and we lost a rod and some tackle. It would take quite a few outings on completely stable water before she would get in a canoe again.
A few years later, a buddy of mine’s brother bought a NuCanoe 12. He was bragging about how stable the unit was, and how he can adjust the seating in it. He had me at stability–as soon as I got home I looked at NuCanoe on YouTube, read a couple forum reviews, and ordered one sight unseen.
A few days later, the NuCanoe 12 arrived, and on the first day I had available, I tossed it in the water and put it to the test. It did everything that it was advertised as doing. Modular seating (check), stability (check), and stand up and fish (some difficulty but done). I bought one more for my guide business.
Being a fan of NuCanoe already, I purchased my first Frontier when they first came out and put it to the test. The unit is very stable; the built in storage compartment basically runs the entire length of the unit, providing lots of room to place long items such as rods, tents, or blankets. The maximum weight capacity is 650 lbs, but most importantly, as advertised, one can stand up and fish out of it with very little discomfort.
Quality
Both the NuCanoe and Frontier are made from injected mold plastic. I've had my Frontier for over a year and my NuCanoe for three years. Both models get used in professional fishing and experience a high amount of abuse. Neither unit is showing signs of wear and tear and function well under those circumstances.Reliability
Both units perform as advertised, and both serve a purpose for the user. The NuCanoe reminds me of a sit in canoe and the Frontier reminds me of a sit on kayak. For fishing, hunting, and utility craft, I recommend the Frontier. For leisure paddling, I recommend the NuCanoe. Having the ability to get up and walk around takes the Frontier to a whole new level of watercraft.Price/Value
Price point for the NuCanoe 12 is around $950, and the Frontier 12 is around $1,200. Because of the versatility of the craft, and the amount of use I got out of them so far, the NuCanoe systems are spot on in value. Industry standard for kayaks/canoes start out at $200 for the el-cheapos, and $5,000 for custom-made models. In comparison to other crafts similar to the NuCanoes in the industry, the price point is well within industry standard.Referability
This is the biggest category when I consider writing a product review: would I tell my buddies about this unit and recommend they buy it? YES. The NuCanoe system is made in Ohio, and most of the accessories are made in the United States.My daughter and son both feel comfortable and safe in the NuCanoe and we go out as a family all the time in them. I highly recommend this product for anyone that loves the water, as well as other kayak rental and fishing guides.
Image by Anthony Larson
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
NuCanoe Frontier- A Family Freindly Watercraft
By Anthony Larson
Originally Published on WisconsinParent.com
As an outdoor communicator, one of the questions that frequently come up are “canoe vs. kayak” or “what boat do I like”. Like anything, there are compromises that have to be made. All watercraft have their advantages, and disadvantages when compared side by side. One has to consider what the watercraft is designed for, amount of usage it will get in comparison to the price, and what the desire for usage would be.
I have seen kayaks go for as little as $200.00 at your run of the mill big box retail store (there is no exclusivity to the brand or chain). I will say that similar to most things in the watercraft industry- you get what you pay for. These cheaper units are great if you plan on using it for a season or two, if you have waterfront property where transport is not an issue, and if they don’t see much abuse via rocks or scuffing on concrete.
I have also seen kayaks go for $6,000- a rich man’s game I don’t plan on getting into.
There is one watercraft that stands out from the pack. The NuCanoe Frontier. NuCanoe launched the Frontier last year, and advertised it as a stable, versatile watercraft; designed for fishing, hunting, and paddling.
I purchased the Frontier when they first came out, because I was already a fan of the NuCanoe product line. I will tell you that the Frontier definitely hit the nail on the head. I did everything I could to flip the Frontier; I feel very comfortable being in boat, and can stand up and sight fish, or just cast; the accessory line makes the Frontier adaptable for just about any situation; most importantly, THIS IS SOMETHING I CAN HAVE MY KIDS IN!
Being a parent of a special needs child, stability in watercraft is essential. I once flipped a canoe with my daughter a few years ago, and it was the scariest thing ever. She would cry every time she would set foot in a canoe, it was just too scary for her. Taking her out a few times in the Frontier has rebuilt her connection with the outdoors and watercraft industry; and with my son’s disability, I trust the stability to keep him dry while we explore the back waters of the Mississippi River and the cranberry marshes of Tomah/Warrens.
Overall I highly recommend the Frontier as a family friendlily watercraft and am impressed to see a product that lives up to its advertised potential.
-------
About Anthony Larson
Anthony owns Coulee Region Adventures, an online resource for outdoor adventures in the La Crosse area. He has been a fishing guide in the area for the last 7 years, promoting silent sports and green eco tourism featuring the trout streams of the Coulee Region and kayak adventures in the Mississippi, Black, and La Crosse Rivers; as well as the Cranberry Marshes of Rural Tomah/Warrens and the mysterious Trempealeau lakes.Anthony is also a freelance photographer having his photographs featured in BASS, FLW, Coulee Region Parenting, and Outdoor Hub.
To learn more about Anthony- visit his website www.couleeregionadventures.net
Friday, April 5, 2013
Frontier Power Yak by Unique Yaks
Check out this Frontier customization by NuCanoe dealer Unique Yaks in Tampa, FL:
"This is our new Frontier Power Yak with Aluminum seat base, Solar trickle charger, built-in battery with on-board charger, battery meter and on-off switch, stake out pole, anchor trolly, and motor with extension handle. It has a deep cycle AGM 12v 35 amp hr. battery with an on board automatic charger. The Solar assist Charger is putting 7 watts or 2 amps into the battery from daylight to dusk. We sent a boat out fishing and camping for more than 3 days and it still had almost half power at the end of the trip with no additional charge except the solar assist. It also has a quick release to raise and lower the motor for shallow water. In the picture showing the solar panel, you can see the Red Key. This is your power key and can be turned off and removed if you stop on the water at a restaurant or for an adult beverage. No one can power off with your craft.This is the Ultimate Flats or Deep water Power Yak. Only in America and only from NuCanoe and Aquaterrasports."
~ Doc, Unique Yaks
"This is our new Frontier Power Yak with Aluminum seat base, Solar trickle charger, built-in battery with on-board charger, battery meter and on-off switch, stake out pole, anchor trolly, and motor with extension handle. It has a deep cycle AGM 12v 35 amp hr. battery with an on board automatic charger. The Solar assist Charger is putting 7 watts or 2 amps into the battery from daylight to dusk. We sent a boat out fishing and camping for more than 3 days and it still had almost half power at the end of the trip with no additional charge except the solar assist. It also has a quick release to raise and lower the motor for shallow water. In the picture showing the solar panel, you can see the Red Key. This is your power key and can be turned off and removed if you stop on the water at a restaurant or for an adult beverage. No one can power off with your craft.This is the Ultimate Flats or Deep water Power Yak. Only in America and only from NuCanoe and Aquaterrasports."
~ Doc, Unique Yaks
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)