Necky Kayaks
Reviewed
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.
The Pros
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.
The Cons
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.
Top
Necky Kayaks For 2011
Necky Manitou II Tandem
The Necky Manitou II™ tandem kayak with rudder lets the entire
family enjoy the performance of a touring kayak with the comfort
and stability of a recreational kayak. Tough and affordable
Polylite™ linear polyethylene hull. Cockpit features 2 fully
adjustable seats with a removable jump seat in the aft cockpit.
Rudder assists with tight maneuvering and tracking in rough
conditions.
See this kayak on Amazon.com
Necky Looksha 14
The Necky Looksha 14 is a compact, versatile touring kayak with
enough storage space for day touring or weekend adventures. High
volume bow for a smoother, dryer ride. Extrasport padded seat
with adjustable back for a comfortable ride.
See this kayak on Amazon.com
Necky
Rip 10.6 Kayak
Designed for beginning to intermediate paddlers, the Rip
features a sharp keel that promotes glide and a moderate rocker
that makes the boat easy to maneuver. Tough and affordable
Polylite™ polyethylene hull provides long-lasting wear.
See this kayak on Amazon.com
Shop For Paddling Gear On
Top | Home | Sea Kayaking | River Kayaking | Site Map | Contact Us
© 2004-2011 Kayakingjournal.com. All Rights Reserved.
