Delta 12s

Hello, I like the boat.. i have used it a lot and I love that I can lift it solo from the side onto any car by myself. the negative not mentioned so far is that after 2 years of use and only indoor storage, all of the hatch seals have deformed and don't really seal like they used to (on our 2 boats). At this point the bungees just hold them roughly in place but they are not snapping into place any more. the Neoprene seal idea used by other mfrs lasts much longer than the seal used in these boats. I plan to buy all new seals if I can get them.

I have very little paddling experience and the only thing I have to compare this to is an inflatable I owned about a month before deciding to upgrade. I did a lot of research as I didn't want to have to upgrade again this year and since selection was down due to covid and late in the season, testing wasn't possible. I bought this based on reviews alone and the fact it's so light. I use Malone Sea Wings and load assist to easily slide it on my Outback.

I'm still learning correct paddling. I recently started edging and am fascinated by how responsive this boat is! I am really appreciating the dry storage and well thought design including adjustable foot pegs. I find the seat gets a little tiring on my not so cushioned behind. I am glad this will give me the option to explore some open water and shorelines of larger lakes instead of just the small lakes and rivers I started with. Maybe I'll even do am overnight! This kayak could do it!

I fell in love with kayaks by sitting on the edge of the lake And watching others kayaking some I talked too some told me the come back from a long trip back country camping I always loved talking to them ! I bought a canoe for very cheap and started my own backcountry camping trips! Loved it! buddy of mine said one day to me he would like to try a kayak some time I looked at him and said now we're really friends!! 4 days later it was early spring in Manitoba Canada we rented two kayaks out of Winnipeg both of us never kayaked before the kayaks happened to be Delta 12s kayaks it was cold and windy on a Friday afternoon! The Kayak was very very stable easy to paddle the day hatch was very convenient lots of room in the front and back compartments. Two nights and 3 days later for it being or first time in a kayak I can't compare it to other kayaks out there but from my first time ever and 2 nights and 3 day trip I would buy the delta 12s.

Due to the small number of reviews found on the 12s, I thought I'd put in a word or two regarding my experience. Mind you, I've only used it a handful of times since it's a week old but I'll be sure to append this review as needed.

The 12s is a delight to paddle. Great primary and secondary stability, accelerates and glides very well and it's small size makes it quite nimble. The bulbous nose makes easy work out of choppy waters and small waves. (Haven't tried it in large waves yet.)

The build quality is exceptional and its thermoformed construction makes it look 3 times as expensive as it is. So eye catching that I decided to keep it indoors as opposed to storing it on my roof rack.

The only negative I can comment on is the seat. The adjustment plate which allows you to move the seat forward/back just happens to be located where you'd normally step in to enter the cockpit. Making it a little tougher to get in and out. A minor thing but that's how close to perfection this kayak happens to be.

We bought a 12s for my wife last week. She feels very comfortable and safe in the 12s. It gives her good contact points and control. The day hatch is very handy and spacious, and the hatch lids are great - there is one loop to unhook to remove the lid and then they work like tupperware to replace the lid.

Due to being slightly narrower than the 12.10 I have, my wife is actually faster on the water in the 12s. The high bow handles waves really well with minimal splashing. Initial and secondary stability are very good. Because it weighs only 38 lbs, my wife has no problem carrying the 12s to the water herself.

We've done only lake paddling so far, but we'll be trying them out in the river sometime in the future to see how they handle rocks and current.