The Try-Yak is a 3 person boat with a storage box in the rear. It is stable, and can haul 661 pounds. It comes with a basic backrest for each seat and has built in ropes along each side for easy holding on should you elect to fall off on purpose. I'd suggest it might be the best family boat available in today’s market. My 80 year old mother-in-law and the nieces/nephews will be capable of using this yak.
My experience is as follows. The boat was stable enough that I was able to step into it from a dock deck about 12" above the kayak. While a bratty 4 year old stated that I was going to fall in, everyone else soon stopped watching--it's that stable.
I paddled myself from the middle position and enjoyed the large smile on my face because this yak is fast enough to satisfy me. I'll be able to paddle for long periods of time at trolling speeds (4-5 mph) that interest salt water fish, and at speeds (1-2 mph) that work well for fresh water fish...well, nearly forever.
The middle seat is infinitely adjustable due to the adjustable backrest. There are 2 built in foot chocks. I think people from 4'10" to 6'8" will find a suitable fit.
I then talked the 6 year old nephew and that bratty 4 year old into a ride and was once again pleased with how well the kayak handled. The front & rear seats have multiple foot chocks in addition to the adjustability of the backrest.
I haven't raced canoes or kayaks since 1982 so it was with some apprehension that I ordered a Try-Yak. FeelFree Kayaks didn't exist when I was involved and they don't have a world class paddler like Greg Barton (Ocean Kayak) designing their yaks. Regardless, this kayak was exactly what I expected, performed like I wanted, and is as represented. If I had designed it myself, I'd be extremely pleased.
