Edisto

This has been a wonderful all around kayak. From the marshes, to rivers, to lakes I've taken this out on.. just like everyone else has said - this is the Swiss army knife of Kayaks.

This was my first kayak, even though it is a little more on an intermediate kayak. I've done everything from just casually paddle, to river runs, and even some races. I took it on the Chattajack 31 race, and was able to finish within the time constraints, so it's not the optimal racing kayak, but a great starter. The only problem is tracking. If there are any outside factors like wind or waves, it is difficult to keep on track. However, it's extremely easy to modify, as I've put in a rudder system, a bulkhead wall, and a couple other modifications. All in all, this kayak is extremely versatile, and I highly recommend it to anyone if they can find one.

The Good:
As someone said it is a Swiss army knife that can do a little bit of everything.
Not too long, not too short - just right.
Tracks well with or without the rudder model and responds nicely to hip and paddle input.
Great for a day tripper, multi overnight camping, or light whitewater river runs (probably Class II max.).
Typical old Dagger thick poly construction translates to a long life and many owners.
Excellent initial stability.

The Bad:
Not awesome at any task, so if you have a specific repeat use then it may be your second boat.
Will weathercock once waves and wind increase. Go with the rudder if needing more straight line control.
Like I said, hip turns very well for a longer boat, but length could get you stuck on a narrow river.

The Other:
I have enjoyed this boat on flat water lakes in mid TN, surfing the Gulf, and it was even big fun on the Hiwassee River typically reserved for play boats.

First I would have given this boat a 10 had it not been for the older outfitting, To be more precise the seat is hard and the back rest is too low,and non ajustable. Other than that this is a great boat, stable and quick enough for me. I bought this boat used. the only way to get one now that Dagger has discontiuned the Edsito. The rudder is a must for a longer boat like this. Most of my use is touring inland lakes and slower rivers. The Edsito does this with grace. Lots of storage is a good thing for a touring boat and this one has plenty. This is my second boat, but I'll probably use it more than the 12 ft Pamlico.

Love my edisto and have been paddleing it for 5 years. I did replace the 8" hatch with a 10" for better access on camping trips. Do not recommend it for Class III or above. Would recomend a rudder.

This boat has done everything I've asked it to. I'm a beginner paddler, small framed and used to packing for backpacking trips. This boat fits well (with the addition of thigh braces and a seat cover, I don't have the expedition verstion) and rolls without problem. I've added the rudder, which I find invaluable since most of my paddling is done on Lake Superior. For all the same reasons previously mentioned, the Edisto was the boat for me.

I don't mind it's slower speed, but I do like it's ability to handle gentle whitewater and rivers. I'm looking into getting a canoe eventually, but for now, I like being able to fish from the Edisto and use it for a bunch of different activities. I love kayaking the more I do it, but I don't see myself going on major sea expeditions. But if I wanted to do that, I'd probably need to find a new boat.

I am looking at getting another boat for my boyfriend and I think I'd like to go with this one (may need to find it used or get it's newer version, the Savannah) or perhaps a Perception. But with the few additions that I mentioned (rudder, thigh braces, additional deck rigging), I think I made a really good purchase. (first time kayak, bought from Rutabaga in WI).

As the first kayak I have owned I think it was a good choice due to its versatility. After a year of ocean paddling with my three friends, two of which have perception chinooks and one with a perception sea lion, I find the absence of thigh braces to be my biggest complaint. In swelling surf and chop you have to jam your legs to the side to maintain contact and control of your boat. On the up side, I have found that it is much faster than a dedicated sea kayak and can explore inland waterways much further due to my overall length being only 14'6'.

The Edisto is a great Swiss Army knife sort of kayak, much like the previous review said. It does a LOT of different things. The problem with that, of course, is that it doesn't do any of them spectacularly. I use mine on area lakes (big Corps of Engineers impoundments and little lakes), big lazy rivers (White River in AR), and even some smaller rivers and creeks. It will handle up to Class II water, but nothing very tight, as it's too long for that. I've taken mine down the Buffalo National River and it did just fine, especially in the lower flat parts. It's plenty stable to photograph, bird, or fish out of. I use mine to flyfish local lakes, and it's a great fishing platform. Secondary stability is OK, but nothing like a dedicated sea kayak. Easier to roll than I thought it would be. Tracking is adequate (flat bottom doesn't help), especially at slower speeds. Turning is excellent for a touring boat. However, it doesn't lean turn very well. It still takes some big sweeps to get it turned or to correct when it wanders off course. Leaning helps turning, but not much. I would definitely recommend the rudder for tracking and turning, though it can be paddled without it. Speed is good for such a short, wide boat, and it can keep up with longer, narrower boats. A paddling friend has a new Perception Shadow, and I could keep up with her at a casual touring pace with no extra effort. Even though it sounds like I'm trashing the boat, I really like mine. It's very stable (great for a beginner, or for fishing, etc.), maneuverable, pretty fast, and it holds plenty of gear for a weekend trip if you pack well, longer if you use backpacking camp gear. I'll add a bigger touring boat next fall probably, but I'll keep the Edisto for fishing and for rivers.