Necky Kayaks -- Sturdy, Stable Boats That Deliver Performance

The Necky Kayak corporation, located in Ferndale, Washington, has long been known for producing high quality kayaks that combine durability, stability, and high performance.

We receive emails from paddlers all over the world, and most are loyal to the boats they own. Necky Kayak owners are no different, and they constantly praise their kayaks for their ruggedness and stability on the water. Paddlers also like Necky's flared hull designs, sturdy construction, good looks, and exceptional handling, even in high winds.

But alas, just as with any other kayak brand, we've heard a few complaints about Necky Kayaks. These have mostly been minor nitpicks about uncomfortable seats (in some of the older models) and awkward thigh braces in the Chatham 16. But these negative comments have been relatively few and far between, and Necky Kayak owners seem to be a loyal and satisfied bunch overall.

The Products

Necky produces a full line of boats, from poly and composite touring, to whitewater and recreational kayaks, and composite racing models.

All of Necky's polymer kayaks are made from the highest grade plastic currently available (superlinear polyethylene). They have continuously upgraded this formula over the years, so that their current hulls offer the highest quality, durability and value. Necky Kayaks also feature flared hull designs and dolphin bows, giving them exceptional stability and user-friendliness even in high winds and choppy waters. The new boats offer a comfort seat system that is generally regarded as one of the most comfortable seats in the industry.

Necky Kayak's current whitewater lines include the Vibe, Chronic, and Orbit Fish playboats, along with the Mission river runner and Crux creek boat. The boats come in a variety of planing and displacement hull models for river running, creeking, playboating, and freestyle applications.

Necky's poly touring lines include the Zoar, Manitou, Elaho, Chatham, and Amaruk series. They also offer composite touring boats in the Elaho, Chatham, and Amaruk lines (along with two tandem models). The composite hulls are stronger, stiffer and lighter than comparable poly kayaks (and more expensive, of course).

As far as recreational boats, Necky produces two lines -- the Sky and Manitou. These are great platforms for bird watching, fishing, photography, and all around recreational use.

As we said in the opening, Necky Kayaks have a dedicated and enthusiastic following. Users have raved about their good hull speed, manuverability, and great overall performance. They also like the surfing abilities of the planing hulled whitewater boats. The touring models are noted for their speed, stability and well thought out deck rigging.

As also mentioned earlier, we have heard a few complaints as well. Several owners were unhappy with the aluminum seat frames on some of the older models, and there were reports of denting/warping with the poly-hulled boats if left on a roof rack for any length of time (although they did return to their normal shape once removed from the rack).

Conclusion

These few minor faults aside, we would still highly recommend a Necky kayak to anyone considering a new whitewater or touring boat. These boats feature solid designs, bulletproof construction, and a good manufacturer's warranty.

Need a New Touring Kayak?

Is that trusty old touring kayak getting a little long in the tooth? Are you finding it harder and harder to keep up with your paddling companions? Are you finding that your current boat just doesn't have the storage capacity for those long, multi-day excursions? Or are you in the market for your first sea or touring kayak?

If so, you might consider purchasing your next boat from one of the online merchants. Retail paddling shops are great if you can find one, but most only carry one or two brands, and expect to pay the full retail price. Online merchants, on the other hand, often carry several brands and dozens of touring and recreational kayaks, and usually at very competitive prices. They have secure ordering systems, good warranty and return policies, and will ship virtually anywhere in the world. And you won't have to spend a weekend driving all over town in search of that perfect new boat.

If you've got a moment, check out one of our recommended merchants. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what you find.

Touring kayaks from Backcountry.com
Shop Backcountry.com for a great selection of name brand touring kayaks, including Perception and Dagger.

Tips & Tricks

Testing new equipment.

Always test new equipment before going out on the
water. A seat cushion may come loose and get jammed forward when you reenter the cockpit. That new bilge pump you just bought may be defective. Or the batteries that came with your new VHF radio may only work for 20 minutes. The same rule applies to gear that's been in storage for a long period of time.

Always test, and you won't be surprised at a
critical moment on the water.