Mako 12

12' 3"
Length
34"
Width (in)
78
Weight (lb)
$1,599.99
MSRP

Mako 12 Description

The Mako 12 was created with adventure in mind. This pedal kayak was designed to perform well on flat water or big water for fishing, photography or as a dive platform. Our Impulse Drive pedal unit is the simplest and the lightest on the market, open to the elements yet requiring no special maintenance. Our Comfort Seat, adjustable for leg length and with a high supportive back, is comfortable and quick to dry, and the rudder steering box can be placed on either side to suit your preference. The Mako series is available in 10’, 12’ and 14’ models with more to come.

Mako 12 Specs and Features

  • Structure: Rigid / Hard Shell
  • Cockpit Type: Sit on Top / Open Cockpit
  • Seating Configuration: Solo
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Additional Attributes

  • The impulse drive
  • High comfort movable seat
  • Pilot rudder system with hand steering
  • 4 Flushmount rod holders
  • Storage: 8" Deck hatch and 6" access hatch
  • Impulse Drive Weight 8.8 lbs (4 kg)
  • Max Displacement 470 lbs (213.2 kg)

Where to Buy the Mako 12

Riot Kayaks
Mako 12 Reviews

Read reviews for the Mako 12 by Riot Kayaks 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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2

I have owned cross light…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 12/27/2023

I have owned cross light mako 12 for a few years and have had great times fishing with it far offshore. The problem is how fragile the hull of this kayak is. It's not to hard to damage and all your buoyancy is dependent on the integrity of the hull. I love the boat because with the use of a Hullivator I can transport on the roof of my car but recently I spent a few hundred on floatation bags to fill the hold incase the hull fails a mile offshore in cold water.

2

I have owned cross light…

Submitted by: paddler2819680 on 12/27/2023

I have owned cross light mako 12 for a few years and have had great times fishing with it far offshore. The problem is how fragile the hull of this kayak is. It's not to hard to damage and all your buoyancy is dependent on the integrity of the hull. I love the boat because with the use of a Hullivator I can transport on the roof of my car but recently I spent a few hundred on floatation bags to fill the hold incase the hull fails a mile offshore in cold water.

1

I liked the kayak when I…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 1/27/2021
I liked the kayak when I first got it, but after only 3 uses the steering cable went to hell. After digging on the internet Imfind that this is not uncommon.. I tried contacting customer service, but had to leave messages and email, all of which have been ignored. Now I am going to have to spend more money to fix a crappy engineering job.
5

I had the chance to try a…

Submitted by: paddler527915 on 1/24/2020

I had the chance to try a MAKO 12 this past week and it was my first "paddle" with your feet kayak I've ever tried. I really liked it and it was more comfortable than my current Kayak. I would recommend this kayak. I have learned, so far, in the world of Kayaks, you get what you pay for. My kayak is a cheaper brand because, I was not sure if I would stick with the sport. But, it is very relaxing, I like it. However, I may upgrade by next Summer to a more expensive model due to comfort.

5

I've tried out this as a…

Submitted by: paddler551384 on 9/4/2019

I've tried out this as a rental Kayak along the East Coast of Florida / Central Florida area. It's been particular very good to me several months ago. It's very durable and stable compared to most others I have tried in the past.

4

Several qualities: 1. The…

Submitted by: georgesb on 9/4/2019

Several qualities: 1. The length of this kayak is great for the Texas lakes and rivers. 2. Easy for a one person to carry if going fishing or just enjoying the outdoors for excercise. 3. The seat is a blessing for my back. What's not to love?

5

This is a great little Kayak…

Submitted by: paddler550263 on 9/4/2019

This is a great little Kayak for lakes. I use it a lot on Lake Tahoe, CA. It's very stable and moves smoothly. I love the design, it has enough room to be comfortable and enjoy the ride.

5

My uncle has this kayak. I…

Submitted by: paddler550247 on 9/4/2019

My uncle has this kayak. I used it in our Inlet against the tides. It was an easy ride.

5

I borrowed a friend s mako…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 9/4/2019

I borrowed a friend s mako 12 I have never been a kyak guy but after using his mako 12 I'm never going back to a canoe again. The handling and stability just blew me away. I'm 320pnds and this yak was awesome.

5

Great balance. Easy to…

Submitted by: keeganzpapa on 9/4/2019

Great balance. Easy to control and tracks well. Excess room for tackle. Good rugged material used when making this kayak.

5

This Kayak in particular has…

Submitted by: paddler539865 on 8/6/2019

This Kayak in particular has been very good to me over the last few months down here in Florida. It's very durable and stable compared to most others I have tried in the past in lakes out here and I plan to use for many more trips.

5

Stable vessel and a real…

Submitted by: paddler534455 on 7/29/2019

Stable vessel and a real pleasure to navigate with plenty of room for all my gear. It was easy to maneuver and glides smoothly through the water. Highly recommend to all.

5

Our family rented five…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 7/26/2019

Our family rented five kayaks for a long paddle, two of them were Mako 12's. We loved them. Stable, a pleasure to navigate, and plenty of room for coolers and gear. Highly recommend.

5

I used one of the mako 12…

Submitted by: paddler534242 on 7/26/2019

I used one of the mako 12 pedal drive a friend had and it was a blast ,moved easy through the water light enough that I could handle it myself. Great fishing kayak !

5

I absolutely love it!! Light…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 7/26/2019

I absolutely love it!! Light and responsive, it is ideal to maneuver, transport, and stow. I have the option to make every opportunity to be on the water a reality!

4

We used this kayak for our…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 7/24/2019

We used this kayak for our first time kayaking w my 7 year old son. It was light enough that I could get it into the water myself. super easy to get in and out of the kayak and easy to maneuver/handle, great for first timers or less experienced people.

5

The kayak moves easily and…

Submitted by: paddler531500 on 7/22/2019

The kayak moves easily and smoothly through the water. The mako 12 feels very stable in my opinion even in some water that is a little rough. I have used one for fishing in lakes as well as sight seeing and just excersizing while paddling. I feel it is built very sturdy and of good material that will hold up ton years of normal use. My family loves kayaking and paddling and use the mako 12 often. I recommend one for those who love the outdoors.

5

I'm really totally in love…

Submitted by: paddler530204 on 7/19/2019

I'm really totally in love with my brothers Mako 12. I may even run off with his yak and live happily ever after- just please dont tell my wife. But seriously while Im saving up to get my own the Mako 12 is just incredible. It moves so quick, tracks straight and is my ultimate fishing buddy. You guys designed the perfect watercraft that let's me get into some tight places where no one else can go and the big fish live. I couldn't be happier.

5

I'm really totally in love…

Submitted by: paddler530204 on 7/19/2019

I'm really totally in love with my brothers Mako 12. I may even run off with his yak and live happily ever after- just please dont tell my wife. But seriously while Im saving up to get my own the Mako 12 is just incredible. It moves so quick, tracks straight and is my ultimate fishing buddy. You guys designed the perfect watercraft that let's me get into some tight places where no one else can go and the big fish live. I couldn't be happier.

5

I'm an avid fisherman and…

Submitted by: paddler530204 on 7/19/2019

I'm an avid fisherman and love everything about it, but I wanted to try something a little different that offered me a way to stay fit and perhaps get me a little closer to the action. With spinal issues it was becoming cumbersome bending over on a boat to retrieve what fish I do catch, but with the Mako 12 I'm right there in the action and simply have to barely turn to land a fish. The Mako12 is indestructible, very steady, and maneuvers the exact moment I need it too. I'm so proud of owning a Mako and I'm currently saving to get my grandson his own, so he can make great memories with his children in about 20 years, because I know the Mako 12 will still be performing like it just came from the factory.

5

Fun every time, even in the…

Submitted by: A-A-RON on 7/11/2019

Fun every time, even in the rain! Easy access in and out! Not too challenging but not slow either.

5

I borrowed my friends kayak…

Submitted by: paddler522354 on 7/2/2019

I borrowed my friends kayak recently to try it out. For a beginner I thought the Mako 12 was an excellent choice. It was very comfortable and that is the most important thing to me. For a woman it was easy to carry and put in my truck too. I want one of my own now.

5

I am still relatively new to…

Submitted by: Tray01 on 6/27/2019

I am still relatively new to water sports as I only started last year. The Mako was my 1st experience with kayaking and I loved it, still do! Currently this is my kayak of choice as my primary day trips are exploring a 40 mile lake for sport or for fishing. It is easy to lift and launch from various situations, make me feel comfortable and confident with the stability in the water and ease of maneuvering, and for a beginner I believe it's perfect. Anyone of any ability will really enjoy the Mako 12.

4

If I was looking for a kayak…

Submitted by: rkell on 6/24/2019

If I was looking for a kayak it would be the Mako 12, it's wide, has easy access to the hold, gear storage ability behind the seat for cooler/fishing gear, easy steering and pump flippers for easy mobility and wide enough for stability. Easily packable into those out of the reach lakes of all but the most hardy fisherman!

5

I got the opportunity to…

Submitted by: paddler518990 on 6/24/2019

I got the opportunity to borrow my buddies Mako in the Uinta Mountains in Utah at a lake called Spirit Lake. We used it for trout fishing. It was very stable and the balance was great. In trout fishing you use spinners and flies. Spinner usages means you move a lot and the Mako balanced great. Also enough space to hold my tackle and small cooler for fish. Excellent, and really want my own!

5

In my time I have seen and…

Submitted by: paddler469916 on 6/24/2019

In my time I have seen and used quite a selection of kayaks, canoes, paddle boards etc. I know everyone loves trends, fads. But I love how mako12 handles, turns it's not just use of paddles but your body's shift of weight has a big notice on how it handles too. Not a big one for bells whistles but definitely worth your money if you love to get in the water as often as I do.

5

This kayak has a lot of…

Submitted by: paddler519554 on 6/24/2019

This kayak has a lot of pluses: easy in and out, stability, and maneuverability. Great daytripper for a variety of water types. I've used mainly on flat/ sheltered water and a bit on the bay. Just a very good all around kayak.

5

My husband is a disabled…

Submitted by: paddler518058 on 6/18/2019

My husband is a disabled veteran. The Mako 12 kayak allows for him to get in and out easily. It is a bit wider so it makes for better stability. He can bring his fishing poles, tackle, and cooler with all the awesome features. This is truly an amazing kayak. Great stability, design, and easy to maneuver.

4

have not had an experience…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 6/13/2019

have not had an experience with this product, but I have 12' enclosed. I capsized my kayak last year and it sank, and I lost all my fishing tackle. I was only able to hang on to my paddle and a sippy cup, along with holding the kayak which was completely under water. The tide was going out and took me miles down the river almost to the open ocean. A sandbar allowed me to pull the kayak up into shallow water. Using the sippy cup (plastic fountain large drink) I was able to get the water out of the kayak and eventually tip it over to get the rest of the water out. I then was able paddle back to the ramp. A Mako 12 appears to be molded so it wouldn't sink if a sharp turn caused water to slip into the kayak. I know I'd feel safer fishing in a Mako 12 kayak.

5

This kayak is amazing, I…

Submitted by: paddler516524 on 6/13/2019

This kayak is amazing, I used my friends on a lake near our house and we spent all day out there taking turns pulling each other on a raft behind the kayak. This might not be the ideal of how many use it, but we had a great time. The kayak is built really well and is extremely comfortable.

5

Perfect for fishing in any…

Submitted by: paddler515830 on 6/12/2019

Perfect for fishing in any pond, lake or river! Easy to maneuver with pedal and rudder assistance. Plenty of room for tackle, ice chest, rods or poles. Comfortable!

5

I've seen many different…

Submitted by: paddler515302 on 6/11/2019

I've seen many different types of Kayaks, but this one seams to keep an open for all levels. Simple and easy straps to adjust the chair back. The foot pads are easy to adjust as well. I haven't used the one with the pedal system but I imagine that that feature would be awesome as well. I know some are picky about the length of a kayak and well this ones right in the middle for length. And for me that makes it easier to throw in the back of a truck and get down to the water that much quicker. So If you want a Kayak that gives you ease and relaxing day, I would recommend this kayak. Go enjoy a day on the water in comfort and style!!

5

Only tried this one once but…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 6/11/2019

Only tried this one once but loved the fit, light weight, and balance of this one!

4

Me and my buddy went out and…

Submitted by: paddler514734 on 6/11/2019

Me and my buddy went out and he allowed me to use his Mako. It was easy to navigate, turned good, kept a pretty straight line. I felt like I was sitting a little low in the water. But it was still pretty stable.

5

Great stability when you…

Submitted by: alithecat19 on 6/11/2019

Great stability when you need to move around on top or getting in and out. Comfortable seat with enough setting to individualize. Storage is perfect and easy access. Such a comfortable paddle and connection to the water. Turns well. Easy to lift for car carry. All around enjoyable SOT. Great for a little exercise or an afternoon on the water.

1

I ordered this Kayak and was…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 3/13/2019

I ordered this Kayak and was exited to use it, after putting it together I noticed that a sit strap was missing. Contacted customer service and was asked of prove of purchase etc. It has been now about 3 weeks after they were 1st notified about missing sit strap, still has not gotten a new one. Crappy customer service. You will be lucky to get your kayak with all its parts, if not, you will be stuck unable to use it for looks like a long, long time, if ever. Thinking of sending it all back now.

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