Zydeco 11.0

by  Dagger
11' 2"
Length
27.75"
Width (in)
48
Weight (lb)
$659
MSRP

Zydeco 11.0 Description

The ultra-stylish, fully redesigned Zydeco series now offers an all-new size with the Zydeco 11.0 that provides performance for the adventure right in front of you and the features you'll need for the adventure beyond.

The 11.0 adds a stern hatch and bulkhead for more dry storage capacity, an extra two feet in length for a boost in speed and comes equipped with additional bungee for easy access to more gear. It's perfect for aggressive day trips, gear-heavy hobbies or even an overnight trek. Offering the edging and turning ability the Zydeco series has always been known for, this redesigned model now brings even more advanced maneuverability for the most exciting experience around on lakes, inland waterways, and slow moving rivers. The well proportioned cockpit is roomy and performance-minded – a perfect blend. The upgraded CFS-R outfitting completes the experience with multiple adjustment options and ergonomic padding.

Zydeco 11.0 Specs and Features

  • Structure: Rigid / Hard Shell
  • Cockpit Type: Sit Inside
  • Seating Configuration: Solo
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Additional Attributes

  • ConTour CFS Seating System
  • ConTour Knee/Thigh Pad
  • SlideLock Foot Brace System
  • Stern Hatch
  • Bungee Deck Rigging
  • Soft Touch Handles
  • Stern Bulkhead
  • Paddle Park

Dagger
Zydeco 11.0 Reviews

Read reviews for the Zydeco 11.0 by Dagger as submitted by your fellow paddlers. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community!

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4

I love this boat. At 6'3" it…

Submitted by: paddler1473000 on 6/3/2021

I love this boat. At 6'3" it is easy to get in and out of and the foot braces are a breeze to adjust. It turns well enough that I enjoy paddling it on small rivers. It also has a relatively flat bottom so you don't need a lot of water to float it. It is also long enough and comfortable enough to paddle all day in on the Hudson River and I can generally keep up with boats much longer than it. My first boat didn't last 3 years though paddling it several times a week though. It cracked under the seat in the stiffening grooves where it was too thin. I got a replacement boat and the same thing happened even though I was as careful with it as I could be. You just can't always avoid submerged rocks and tree stumps. Now I am looking for another boat as I haven't found a good way to repair it. I wish I could take the seat out.

5

I have paddled both the…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 8/13/2018

I have paddled both the Zydeco 9 and 11. The 9 has more responsive turning but is slower (as expected for a kayak 2 feet shorter). The 11 is easier to paddle and keep up with other boats. The seat is comfortable. Both sizes track well when paddling. They did tend to turn with the current when I stopped paddling. This is expected from a kayak that doesn't have a skeg and also shows that it will turn well when you want/need it. The Zydeco has a lower profile than the Axis and doesn't get caught by the wind. I didn't notice any issues with it being thin but I wasn't going over any low rocks. I enjoy paddling this kayak and will let friends paddle my Axis and Blackwater on flat to class 1 water. I will still pick the Axis or Blackwater 10.5 for class 2 -3.

4

I bought this boat early…

Submitted by: paddler450994 on 7/9/2018

I bought this boat early spring after a couple of trips where my 14 Necky was just too long for the environment.

This is a really sharp looking little boat that is quite comfortable for it's price point and is very easy to paddle and dare I say athletic for its size. Its highly manouverable, tracks as good as you can expect for an 11' long 28" wide boat and the fit and finish is better than most boats in it range.

This is a tough size range where you get some pretty low end Perception options, or some really overpriced Old Town boats. The Zydeco falls in the middle in terms of price and quality and you can get them for less than 500 bucks on sale.

I've read that folks think the hull is thin, I dont think so. It's not as thick as some other but it also keeps it lighter and easier to portage. I'm 6'3" and 235 lbs and I can stand in this boat and its fine. Dagger makes a good quality product that land in between a Percpetion and Wilderness and in the 400 to 550 prige range , its the best 11' footer out there.

It's made for running tight and slower rivers or lakes and ponds. Use it for that and you'll love the boat.

4

The Zydeco 11 is a good…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 5/19/2016
The Zydeco 11 is a good little boat. The seating system is comfortable. It tracks well enough for an 11' boat and is very maneuverable. This boat really excels in situations where you might have to get out and lift over an obstacle, due to its large cockpit opening and light weight. The only concern I have with the Zydeco is the molded in seat support. The hull seems to show stress where the supports connect to the hull, but have had no issues with them breaking through or leaks after 4 yrs of hard use.
5

Very happy with my new…

Submitted by: paddler236604 on 11/25/2015
Very happy with my new Zydeco. Tracks well on flat water and the seating system is very comfortable for long trips. Highly recommend
5

Love this kayak. Stable ,…

Submitted by: joozer on 9/24/2015
Love this kayak. Stable , roomy. Dry hatch is very nice feature. Still leaves a nice amount of room for stowage behind seat. Great adjustable seat back, very comfortable. Great kayak quality for the money. Able to place lower thigh under cockpit coaming to be securely fixed with kayak for a bit of rough water. Love it's quality.
5

The Zydeco 11 is lightweight,…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 7/1/2015
The Zydeco 11 is lightweight, easy to handle, has amazing storage space for its size and a large cockpit which allows for easy entry into the most comfortable, adjustable seat of any kayak I have paddled.

As an experienced kayaker who has completed many overnight wilderness camping trips on the ocean and lakes, I find the Zydeco 11 hull design has proven its ability to store as much as larger kayaks, and handle rough water even without a rudder, making it suitable for beginners as well as experienced paddlers that are looking for a more a affordable lightweight craft to handle for day or multi-day trips. I highly recommend the Zydeco 11.

5

Great boat for a great price.…

Submitted by: paddler233476 on 6/30/2015
Great boat for a great price. With a good paddling technique this dagger will track quite well. I disagree with the other reviews that say the hull is thin. I would recommend this boat to any beginner kayaker who is looking for a solid boat without breaking the bank.
2

I purchased a Zydeco 11 two…

Submitted by: paddler230486 on 10/3/2014
I purchased a Zydeco 11 two weeks ago and had to return it due to oil canning. I weigh 240 lbs and that may be some of the cause however the boat is rated for 300+. Like others comments in this review the plastic is very, very thin...
5

Great first kayak , price…

Submitted by: seadog1 on 8/10/2014
Great first kayak , price reasonable, lightweight, easy to enter exit, plenty of storage space, handles rivers and flat water well.
2

I rented one of these for a…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 9/14/2013
I rented one of these for a day thinking I might like to own one since these are very affordable kayaks. I specifically chose the 11' boat in hopes it would go straight, but unfortunately it would not (this was true for both when paddling and when coasting, I think it pulled to the left iirc). This was in a pristine weather day on a small lake, about as flat as flatwater gets with no real wind or currents to speak of and practically no other boat traffic present. The seat was reasonably comfortable and the storage area seemed dry enough. The large but not enormous cockpit size made it easy to get in and out of. I did not wet exit the boat so I can't comment on how it would perform in that scenario.

If you're just looking for a cheap boat to poke around in for a couple of hours, this boat should do but I think there are better boats for not tooo much more money (i.e. Pungo), but I would not recommend it for longer paddles or overnight trips.

5

I bought this boat earlier…

Submitted by: paddler235328 on 9/7/2013
I bought this boat earlier this summer it is a great boat I took it on the coast of the Atlantic and it did fine my concern is the plastic is very thin and I wonder if it will buckle easy and break given the right conditions this is great for slow moving water but Dagger could of done better with the plastic
4

This kayak is great for…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 7/24/2013
This kayak is great for beginners looking to paddle slow to medium flow rivers and lakes. Handling is easy and it is very comfortable. Light enough to carry and small enough not to take up too much space in an apartment. Highly recommended kayak!
4

My first kayak was the 9'…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 11/20/2012
My first kayak was the 9' Zydeco. While that's a fantastic entry-level boat for new kayakers and I'd recommend it to anyone, the 11' Zydeco is best for people who want to get on flat-water a few times a year at a low investment cost - like something people would keep at a summer camp on the lake.

Initial stability is okay, secondary is better. This Zydeco tracks well as long as I'm paddling, but it veers when I stop. I enjoy the re-designed seat and the hatch. It's great on long paddles.

My biggest regret about this purchase is that the plastic is so thin, and has so much give, that I can't imagine it wouldn't fold up if I got pinned in swift-water. When I go over stumps or "butt-rocks," on a river I can feel the bottom bend and give. This is not a comfortable sensation, especially in a new boat.

I applaud Dagger for trying to make an affordable 11' boat for Zydeco fans, but if I had the choice to make again, for the same price, I'd have opted for a better-made, used, longboat.

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