Strait 120

I recently purchased an Elie Strait 120 based , in part , on the reviews written here . As well, I've paddled off and on for a number of years so althought I didn't currently own a boat I did have some idea what I wanted /needed in one .

Two factors helped narrow the decision down .The boat had to be light and manageable on my own and it had to fit in my storage shed ....12 foot max . I realize these factors should perhaps NOT be top of the list but once I put them there the choice became easier to make . I researched the rec boats offered locally and kept coming back to the Elie boat based on specs and my criteria . Ultimately a sale price came up that I could not turn down and I bought the boat .

So I've had it out several times now and I have to say that most of what people here reported I would concur with . It IS a great boat if you aren't looking for something to get you across the Pacific but gives you the option of heading out on it when conditions allow . Tracks pretty well , handles 1-2 foot swells just fine ( you'll need a skirt but the rear hatch was dry as a bone ) , its a bit more work when the wind picks up but that's to be expected with a 12 footer ....even if it has some characteristics of a longer boat . Its plenty quick ( V-hull , hard chine ) and quite stable . I like it a lot . For a rec boat it lacks nothing , in my estimation . It responds pretty quickly and .........well its very light ,at 42 pounds ( I'm 67 and will be more likely to use a boat that doesn't wear me out BEFORE the paddling ) , AND ....it fits in my storage shed

It's a shame they discontinued the Strait 120 XE model - I wanted one with 2 bulk heads. They tout this as being designed for women, but if it tips and fills with water no woman I know will be able to get it to shore to empty it. I am installing a second bulk head for that reason. Aside from that, an awesome boat for small lakes and slow moving rivers and streams.

If you have never owned an Elie kayak I would highly recommend one! Superior design and customer service that others should strive to be, make this company truly world class! Do yourself a favor and make sure that your next kayak is from the Elie family, you won't be disappointed!

I would recommend this kayak for someone who wants a light weight, moderately priced nice boat...and it's pretty, too! Great for beginners and intermediate kayakers

Once I got past the breakers, about 1/2 mile out, the boat was quite pleasant on the rolling sea with just enough stability that I didn't feel nervous and enough secondary stability that I stayed very buoyant and stable as the waves rolled under me. I now understand primary and secondary stability much better.

The 12 foot length made it a nice surfing boat and it was very maneuverable and responsive. The waterproof bag in the bow hatch... failed and the rear bulkhead was not entirely watertight, but I think in more capable hands it would have taken on much less water. After a few hours of ocean pummeling we transitioned to the ICW on the Sound side of Topsail Island and paddled on calmer water with a stiff northerly breeze, about 17 knots worth. Again, the boat just rode up over swells and wakes from the bigger boats on the ICW and I did not feel unstable at all.

The boat was quite fast for it's length and handled very well. The seat was quite comfortable, even after about 4-5 miles of paddling, with no unsettling effects in my lower limbs. On the downwind leg, headed home, we had a right rear quartering wind and there was some tendency to weathercock but a slight lean and the occasional bow stroke was all I needed to track straight.

I am planning to work up to longer trips so this will not be my long term boat, but it seems like a great boat to get a base-set of skills in. I would recommend it to anyone. It is a light quick boat with features normally found on much more expensive boats. That makes it a solid buy, especially if you want to get started kayaking without dropping four or five grand for a composite. I kitted it out with a Sealz 1.7 skirt, a Werner Skagit paddle and an Astral V-8 vest. For the 56 degree water, I had a full sleeve wet top. A local loaned me a helmet and I was grateful for it.

The Strait 120 exceeded all of my expectations so I rated it a 9. I have very little experience to compare it to anything else or it may have gotten a 10.