I bought this as my first boat, and I am very happy with it. Contrary to the other reviews, I have taken this on multi-day trips (50 miles down James River; 45 miles down Potomac) and I have taken this into some class III water as well. No - it doesn't excell at either - but it does all pretty good - a great boat for someone who cannot afford more than one boat, but might like to play on some waves.

The seat is tough on the back - but necessary if you go into big water with it.

The foam between your legs can be removed, and replaced - for storage.
If you want a touring boat - buy one; if you want a whitewater boat - buy one; if you want an all-around boat - look for the crossover.

Customer Service

Never been used - no need to

Well! I bought the boat from a friend who is a doctor. They have more money than they know what to do with. The boat had only been used 3 times. I like using the boat on the lake and paddling to small islands.
My negative comments are: The rear hatch seals good, but the foam behind the seat allows water to leak through. I think all it needs is re-caulking. The seat is not that comfortable to me. My other kayak is very comfortable. The back rest is a tied strap, that is to narrow. My first day on the Lake for about 6 hours was rough. I felt like I had been hit in the back by a piece of lumber. I put my life jacket behind my back and that felt very comfortable. The seat and back brace are not ergonomically designed to me. The divider that supports the deck makes me feel a little claustrophobic. I need to modify the skeg so that it will flip over; otherwise it is a pain to deal with.
My positive comments are: I have noticed with most boats, that you have to modify them for your individual needs. I think it is a beautiful boat. Mine is blue. Its not that heavy. It does well on the lake and river. If fits very snug if you have to flip it over from in a role.

Customer Service

I have not used Customer Service yet!

I think the Crossover is a little heavy for a 12.5 foot boat. And honestly, the tracking isn't that good. It's an okay weekender "tool around the lake" kinda of boat. But this "one size fits all" design for both whitewater and touring doesn't do either very well.

Customer Service

I've yet to use Dagger's customer service.

Similar Products Used:

Perception Carolina 13.5 w/o the rudder. So far, it's a fun boat.

Small boat, very stable, enough cargo space for day trips but no really much for multiday trips. Hatch leaks. There is a huge divider in between your legs that prevents you from sliding up any cargo into the cockpit. Divider is there to prevent deck collapse in class III water, yet it is annoying as hell. Seat (back band) is uncomfortable and needs replacement. Skeg is manually attached. No drop in like on Blackwater but manually screwed in, I just wonder who was a genius at Dagger that came up with such idea. It makes it impossible to launch or drag the boat on shore without causing strain to the skeg which is a cheap plastic part. It's an average boat for average money. The only reason I chose it is because I can load and carry it by myself, it can do class III water and has a decent speed and tracking.

Customer Service

Horrible. Since Dagger = Perception their customer service thinks that since there is nobody out there they can treat you like dirt because in the end you will end up with one of their products. So to quote the tech from Dagger: "I don't care about your problem, if you buy Perception I'm still happy since we own it too".

Similar Products Used:

Perception Eclipse, Old Town loon138, Dagger Blackwater 12.5

The boat performs great in 3 foot waves on the Great Lakes of Lake Huron, Michigan as well as manny smaller inland lakes. The group I paddle with has large 16, 17, 18 foot sea kayaks and I am usually out in front with the 12 foot 6 inch Dagger Crossover. Many of my fellow paddling buddies are surprised at the speed the boat maintains, and definitely envious of the maneuverability. Sure it will never compare with a sea kayak for cargo space, but it works well with a little planning and conscientiousness.

Customer Service

Dagger personnel have been outstanding. I retrofitted the backband for one with more surface area, replaced the plastic footbraces with aluminum positive lock pegs, and changed out the thigh brace for