Description This recreational day-touring kayak provides performance as well as excellent stability for fun, confident paddling. Hull design offers good tracking for paddling ease and efficiency. Roomy cockpit w...
Summary: I chose the Loon 138 for my first Kayak and I could not be more thrilled. I got the 2006 model which has an aft bungee, rear bulkhead and hatch cover, and slightly modified deck for more strength. The cockpit area has also been reduced slightly for improved skirt design but is still plenty large to get my tired old bones in and out of without a problem. I was almost ready to buy a used yak at half the price but after reviewing my intended use the resident instructor, Shawn, convinced me I should test paddle the Loon 138 at least once before making up my mind. I am 6' 240 lb and I needed something that would float me over the rocks in shallow river water and be comfortable enough for day trips and tours. Being a beginner, the initial stability of this model did not hurt a thing. Once around their tryout pond and I was hooked. I have not developed my skill set well enough to tackle the river yet but I am having a blast on the ponds. This thing never feels like it will tip over and it seems I can cover hundreds of yards with a few strokes. If I was into fishing or hunting it would be ideal because there is plenty of room to stow my gear and even carry a small human passenger or a large canine. I think I could have a dog climbing in and out of the water without tipping over at all, maybe even a kid. Even if I get more adventuresome down the road and find I eventually need to get something that turns quicker to tackle the white river water, or handles the chop better for surf launches, I will be hanging onto the 138 for a long time. It definately has its place in my lifestyle.
Customer Service: I have not had any problems, nor do I expect any after researching the superior quality of the Old Town construction process on their kayaks. Anyone in the lower NH area, I do recommend a visit to Mountain Road Trading Post in Raymond (http://mrtp.net/). They have a nice setup, especially for novices like me.
Similar Products Used: This is my first foray into this arena, the similar products will come along later.
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Reviewed by: stevenhill00(Unregistered User)
,
Backpacker
, from Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Price Paid:
$450.00
at REI Seattle
Summary: My wife and I bought two Loon 138's while living in Seattle. They are great all-around kayaks! I would go out on Puget Sound 2-5 times a month for 3 years. Then I moved to Scottsdale AZ! Even now I use it about once every 2 months. I've spent many hours and covered many miles in the Loon 138. I even did a 1.5 mile hike down swicthbacks to Ross Lake(WA), then kayaked 30 miles into BC. I am 6'5', 250lbs and the Loon is comfortable and holds a ton of gear. The Loon tracks well...even without a rudder. I would not go through the extra expense, plus you may compromise the boat if done incorrectly. I participated in a kayak marathon and beat most other sea kayakers, even though this is not officially a sea kayak (it is recreation grade). It is not made for the 'eskimo roll', but that means it is extremely stable. A very good value for a rugged person into fishing and hunting. A fiberglass boat would have been destroyed years ago, and these things can clean up really well. It is hard to part with them after so many memories, but I need money for my mountain bike.
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Reviewed by: Dan (Unregistered User)
,
Paddler
, from Indiana
Price Paid:
$519.00
at Aarows Three
Summary: Very nice boat. Cockpit is large enough for two adults at least. Tough, flew off of my car at 60 in a wreck and survived. Scratched up but survived. Very stable, almost impossible to tip.
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Summary: The loon is a nice touring yak for slow waters. It dosen't turn very qickly, and tracks reasonably straight. Paddling effort is low and it coast well. A hatch can be easily cut out, but there are no bulkheads. Hull is made of material that has some insulating properties that prevents your legs from getting cold. I also have a Hobie Maui - a SOT- which I prefer for fishing. The loon is not as stabil as the Maui. I cannot reach behind myself without getting aquainted personally with the fish. The loon has a sliding seat, to help balance fore/aft. Cockpit opening is VERY large, which goes well with this being a touring yak. Bungee straps are included to store on the deck.
Similar Products Used: Hobie Maui
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