Frontier 12

10'
Length
39"
Width (in)
77
Weight (lb)
$1,449
MSRP

Frontier 12 Description

The Frontier is the ultimate hybrid kayak, designed from the hull up for serious anglers and hunters. Whether you are fly fishing in salt water, bass fishing in a river, or hunting in the marshes, the Frontier fishing kayak will maximize your experience.Ridiculously stable, surprisingly agile, and easy to paddle, the self-bailing Frontier knows no limits. Go solo in style or tandem with room to spare. Position seats, rod holders, and accessories anywhere along the 70" Freedom Track. Face the action with 360 degree mobility. And don't just stand, walk & fish with confidence on the 20" wide Cast & Blast Deck.

Frontier 12 Specs and Features

  • Structure: Rigid / Hard Shell
  • Cockpit Type: Sit on Top / Open Cockpit
  • 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

NuCanoe Inc
Frontier 12 Reviews

Read reviews for the Frontier 12 by NuCanoe Inc 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!

Embed these reviews on your site

4

My only complaint is that I…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 5/17/2024

My only complaint is that I developed cracks in the stern and flooring after a few years. Customer service was always helpful and quick to send me repair material, polyethylene discs. It requires heat transfer and is not the easiest to apply and can be tricky to apply. I should mention that this occurred even though the kayak has been stored inside during the winter.

2

I bought a Nucanoe Frontier…

Submitted by: paddler494586 on 2/7/2020

I bought a Nucanoe Frontier in 2012 - it was sold by a dealer that was new to the area, and I believe we were one of the earlier customers in the St. Petersburg Florida area to buy one.

We loved the boat, and it served as a fantastic tender to our Sailboat – also so stable that our large dog got almost daily rides in it. Why the low rating? After several years we noticed stains around some of the fittings. Then about three years ago, the fittings started crumbling and the hull splitting - because amazingly the fittings were not stainless. They were obviously plain nickel steel and all crumbled into rust. We have now taken the boat to the dealer we bought it from and they are contacting the manufacturer to see what they might be able to do, but told us today that they didn’t think that they would be able to repair it. I was pretty disconcerted to hear the retail rep explain that this is bound to happen in saltwater - but I never received any warnings when I bought the boat that I could expect all the fittings to crumble apart after 4-5 years of use in saltwater. It would be different if you could just replace the fittings, but when they rust, they expand and the hull has now split in about 8 different spots. So, while I loved the boat - unless you plan to only use it in freshwater (or they now use stainless fittings) I would plan a five-year life for the boat before having to scrap it.

If the manufacturer comes back and offers some type of fix, I will be the first person to come back on and let you know.

5

Great boat and even better…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 7/25/2019

Great boat and even better customer service! These guys go above and beyond to make sure all customers are happy! Donna and Robby are great as well as the local pro staff member Christian.

5

I purchased a 2013 Frontier…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 5/6/2019

I purchased a 2013 Frontier 12, 2 seat about 6 months ago that had been neglected and barely equipped to begin with. I wired it for cockpit lights and a search light for night time use. The design of the boat allows good access for running wiring. I wired my kayak to have the plug in for a trolling motor at the stern and battery in the bow for the sake of weight distribution. I added a volt meter to monitor the battery and a raised seat kit for the sake of comfort. Now its both comfortable and feels stable. It's a good bit of work to paddle in windy weather which it often is on the Gulf where I live but worth the effort for the comfort and stability the design provides. I just purchased a 2.3 hp Honda outboard based on recommendations from Nucanoe staff and look forward to motoring to my destinations then paddling quietly while my wife and I go bird watching in the mangroves. I also purchased miscellaneous items from Nucanoe at what I felt were fair prices. The Frontier 12 offers the best of motoring and paddling opportunities. Many thanks to Donna at Nucanoe who has been very helpful and generous by providing a couple of needed items at no cost. Nucanoe is a great company to do business with.

5

One of the best and most…

Submitted by: paddler457438 on 7/31/2018

One of the best and most stable kayaks on the market.

5

I was in the market for a…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 1/31/2018

I was in the market for a multi functional kayak with great stability. I wanted a boat to take my two boys and dog fishing. I am able to accomplish this with the Frontier 12! What an amazingly stable kayak. Not to mention it trackes well and paddles smooth. Even with both my sons on board. You even have a troll motor option! Well done Nucanoe.

5

Best fishing boat/kayak I…

Submitted by: TroyOH on 9/6/2016
Best fishing boat/kayak I have used. Very stable and hauls like a barge. It isn't fast but it's not hard to paddle for this big of a yak. Easily stand and paddle or cast. Want to go swimming no problem. You can climb over the side to get back in and all the water goes right out the scuppers.
5

"2 Year follow up - NuCanoe…

Submitted by: biglenr on 6/6/2016
"2 Year follow up - NuCanoe Frontier from a big guy's viewpoint. I've had my NuCanoe Frontier 12 for 2 years. And the things that attracted me to this kayak are even more visible today than they were 2 years ago when I bought it. Unparalleled stability, both primary and secondary. 650lb weight capacity. Ability to do anything from Class II rapids to inshore fishing. I'm a very tall, very wide guy at 6'6"" and 290. And I can get up and walk on this kayak with the casting bar installed. My ""normal"" sized teenage sons are able to throw cast nets from it. I've never come close to flipping it. You want comfort? I have a regular upholstered jon boat seat raised about 12"" from the floor. I can cross my legs, stretch them, or get up to walk. (or answer a call of nature). Note that for big guys this is not a tandem kayak. If you weigh more than 250, you probably want to evaluate it in tandem mode, but mine has never had it's 2nd seatbase installed.

While not all Frontier owners shop at a big and tall store (stability appeals even to shorter people), this kayak really has attracted more than it's share of larger owners.

It's also a particularly good kayak if you want to fit it with a motor. Built for up to a 2.5 hp gas, or can easily support the weight of a type 29 battery and trolling motor. That's not my scene, but it's a growing demographic.

Downsides? Well, the weight. About 70lbs with no seat, with my big comfy jon boat seat installed, it's close to 90. I cartop it on a Ford Escape, but others have expressed the viewpoint that it's a bit heavy for that.

The other downside is the speed. You're not any slower that the other fishing paddle kayaks out there, but you're sure not fast either. I have no problem keeping up with friends in Ride 135's, Slayers, or Predators, but something like the Ultimate or a Manta Ray will leave you behind. Tracking is very good.

In short... I still love my NuCanoe, 2 years after the original purchase, and I've done a lot of different water in it. You won't find a more stable kayak anywhere, or one that's as comfortable, or friendly to big people. If that meets your needs, and you can deal with the weight and not being the fastest thing on the water... you should consider this kayak.

4

The Frontier 12 is highly…

Submitted by: paddler236762 on 5/14/2016
The Frontier 12 is highly favorable especially for solo fishing and most enjoyable to take a grandchild out into the outdoors. It has superb stability, easy to control, and limitless ways to arrange and modify for comfort, fishing, or just paddling. The only negative is that of weight for lifting and loading for me personally but that is highly offset by the reward of all the above. The manufacturer is wonderful in service and reaction to any problems!!!! They represent and set the standard to great American service!
5

I recently purchased a 2013…

Submitted by: paddler236696 on 4/14/2016
I recently purchased a 2013 Frontier 12. It was used and at the time I didn't realize that the 2 railing were in very badly damaged, I called the folks at Nucanoe and told them of my problem, with absolutely no hesitation they are sending me at no cost a new set of rails. This is the type of company that wants to backup their products. Thank You to the folks at Nucanoe for that kind of service.
5

Love my Frontier Model, I…

Submitted by: paddler236661 on 3/7/2016
Love my Frontier Model, I have balance problems, so i had a heavy duty, fold down casting rack made for mine, and really helps me in my senior years stand up, and do some casting from the upright position.
I graduated from a decent 12ft sit in kayak, and love the ease of getting in and out of the Frontier 12ft, i can even sit on the edge at shore and it will not flip over to step out
5

Great kayak for us older…

Submitted by: kayakcarp on 10/8/2015
Great kayak for us older paddlers, easy to get in and out of, stable enough to stand up, also has the option to use a trolling motor the days you're hurting to bad to paddle. It's better to be out on the water than sitting in a recliner. Makes a great fishing kayak and can be converted to tandem in minutes.
5

I like my NuCanoe Frontier 12…

Submitted by: Marktrahan on 9/8/2015
I like my NuCanoe Frontier 12 it is a great fishing kayak because of stability. Both myself and my wife fish out of it has double seats we fish along Louisiana coast. I like the track system for seats and rod holders.
5

Have owned a Frontier 12 for…

Submitted by: Irongoat on 9/5/2015
Have owned a Frontier 12 for a couple months, definitely a 10 as far as i am concerned and i make it work. Im 6'2" 280 and my latest adventure was as a drift boat, set up with a modified rowing frame, on the middle fork of the Clearwater River in Idaho, never got wet except a little spray. Best yak I've been in and stable as a rock.
3

- stability is a 10 - dry well in front is…

Submitted by: ntrain32 on 8/5/2015

- stability is a 10
- dry well in front is a 2
- weight is a 6
- handles and straps are a 2 (within first 2 months, the front and rear handles broke off and the dry well strap broke as well)
- lacks enough hardware for securing to truck racks
- overall a decent product but less rugged than the marketing suggests

4

The NuCanoe Frontier 12 is…

Submitted by: sshirley8x on 7/2/2015
The NuCanoe Frontier 12 is what it is advertised to be. It is wide and stable and a great platform for fishing. Equipped with a Water Snake 54# trolling motor it cuts through the water quite nicely. I thought that the Frontier was a little hard to paddle but I admit I lack good paddling skills. Good boat.
5

I started out with Nucanoe in…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 5/20/2015
I started out with Nucanoe in April of 2012. I bought the 10' Nucanoe and hit the water every couple of days. Then they came out with the Frontier 12', and I moved up to it. I fished every chance I can, and put it through it's paces. I am not gentle on it and it has never let me down. But now they have the Pursuit and I want it. I like all of the new features they have on it. Has soon has I can convince my wife that it is going to be better for my fishing trips I will get one.
5

Have owned my Frontier for…

Submitted by: paddler231087 on 5/14/2015
Have owned my Frontier for two full seasons now and can't imagine life without it. Performs great in all waters fresh or salt. Fly fishing for Stripers or large mouth... Awesome.
5

Great kayak for just about…

Submitted by: paddler236223 on 5/14/2015
Great kayak for just about everything, I use mine to fish rivers,lake and inshore. The frontier is very stable and it is easy to modify.
5

The frontier 12 is the most…

Submitted by: paddler236219 on 5/11/2015
The frontier 12 is the most stable platform I've fished from since going kayak only. It's 12 by 42 with a 20 inch casting deck. First day on the water I put it thru all the paces, walking around on it, jumping in it (within reason) and standing and paddling. The stability(primary)is just amazing, flipping and pitching was a breeze, turning around for another rod and reel, easy, and catching that Big ol bass and getting her in the boat, piece of cake!

For a kayak this size the frontier is very nimble and turns on a dime, though not the fastest paddling kayak, the huge weight capacity will handle your small outboard or troller and battery. you simply launch, and setup. Your seat for stability thanks to the slide tracks loading in my truck is also a breeze thanks to the oversized handles, and the accessories are endless!

Blake Young and everyone at Nucanoe really pulled out ALL the stops, you owe it to yourself to try the Nucanoe Frontier 12

5

It's a 10 for MY NEEDS. I do…

Submitted by: paddler236201 on 4/29/2015
It's a 10+ for MY NEEDS. I do a lot of fresh water / brackish water fishing and wanted a good "yak" that would allow me to stand and sight fish. The NuCanoe Frontier 12 was that boat. Yes, there are others that you can stand in, but I dare you to being to move around while standing! Especially if you're 240 and your partner is 190. Yes, the TWO of us can do that.

It's not the fastest, but then I'm not racing. Plenty of deck space, easy to customize, not any heavier that boat of a similar size. It's fit my needs perfectly, but I will acknowledge it is not for everyone.

3

Frontier 12: good kayak for…

Submitted by: paddler236068 on 12/1/2014
Frontier 12: good kayak for newbies - and for those needing stability and max weight capacity. Okay for calm waters and weather. In currents and winds it's a barge. Funky flaws like uneven deck that keeps water from flowing to scupper holes. And massive foam insert (without which voids mfg. warranty) that eats up much of its potential internal storage space. No mid or rear internal access or storage. With seat(s) and accessories a bit unwieldy to handle, lift, load, move when solo.
5

Perfect for Louisiana marshes…

Submitted by: paddler236057 on 11/14/2014
Perfect for Louisiana marshes and chasing redfish in shallow water!
5

I can't imagine life without…

Submitted by: paddler231087 on 9/8/2014
I can't imagine life without my Frontier. I fish many different waters. Lakes, rivers, fresh and salt. Harbors and estuaries. I launch from boat ramps , beaches and lake shore openings and the frontier excels everywhere. I've owned other kayaks but none are as comfortable or as stable. Tracks straight. Might not be the fastest yak on the water but it's an awesome fishing machine
4

This boat is amazingly…

Submitted by: paddler235766 on 7/21/2014
This boat is amazingly stable. Within the first 30 seconds of her maiden voyage I was EASILY stand up paddling with a DOG (80lb pitbull) also standing and walking shifting her wait around on the stern. it's so stable that when my dog went for a swim and had trouble getting back aboard. I was able to stand up, reach over the side, and pull her by the scruff right back in. And I didn't buy the casting bar it's just that stable.

I'm 5'6 145lb, and I got no problems car topping this on my minivan solo. I really can't say enough about this boat the reviews don't lie!

5

This is my first "kayak"…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 4/29/2014
This is my first "kayak" after many years of owning canoes (both aluminum and plastic). I looked at many models on the market and asked for the most stable kayak available (I've been known roll a canoe on occasion). This model is far and away the most stable I've ever seen and to roll it you would have to work very hard.

I use it on Kansas and Missouri strip pits, ponds, and small rivers, with the occasional trip to a major lake. At 64 years of age and 240 pounds it fills the bill for my needs. The only drawback is that for one person it can be a handful to portage or carry. That pales in comparison to its other features. I have also sometimes mounted a trolling motor on it and the ride and performance are terrific.

All in all, I feel that after two years of use, this was and is a great investment.

4

Let me start by saying I'm…

Submitted by: biglenr on 4/17/2014
Let me start by saying I'm not your typical kayaker... I'm more the size of the typical offensive lineman, about 6'7" and 330 lbs, and very top heavy. I wanted a kayak rated for at LEAST 500 lbs, which really left me with fewer than 10 real choices. Before I purchased this, I test paddled the Wilderness ride 135, OK Stealth 14, and the Diablo Adios.

The Frontier is rated for 650 lbs. 400lbs dry without scupper plugs, so mine are essentially permanently installed. But that's misleading... The seat bases aren't that strong. I had to buy a "rigid" seat base (list price $75 but manufacturer gave discount when I complained) to support my greater weight. Kind of upset me that they didn't mention this fact.
I have a jon boat seat mounted.

Now, obviously... The strength of this is stability. Even with my tonnage, and riding with my butt 10" over the floor, it's not tippy at all. But what is surprising is that it is NOT as slow as you would expect. Granted, it's not going to win any races, but you should be able to keep up with your companions in other fishing kayaks.

Tracking is very good. Storage is very good... It's essentially a big open deck. It has a hatch with a dry bag with a way into the hull, and a "gear track" system that accepts yakattack mounts... I see no reason to ever drill into the hull.

I have a second seat base that I can take a "normal" sized person out with me. I haven't used it yet.

The downside is the weight. That 74 lbs they talk about is with no seat bases... You put a seat base, a rod holder, and a job boat seat on this, and we're pushing 100 lbs. I am strong enough to car top this on a Ford Escape, but I don't think that's something most people would choose to do. You also need a cart to move this. It's just too heavy.

Summary:
A good kayak for king sized paddlers or tandem usage. Tracks well. Very stable. Very friendly for stand up fishing. Not fast (not slow, but definitely not fast). Very heavy.

5

The NuCanoe Frontier 12 is an…

Submitted by: paddler235222 on 7/29/2013
The NuCanoe Frontier 12 is an excellent fishing platform. I have fished from it solo as well as with my wife using the adjustable seating. The Frontier 12 is extremely stable to fish from allowing for beginner mistakes as well as allowing for standing to cast for the experienced angler.

The Frontier 12 is not the fastest fishing kayak, but it tracks very well whether you're moving upstream or out on a wind swept lake. I previously owned a small canoe and I am much more confident and comfortable in the Frontier 12.
I love my Frontier 12 from NuCanoe.

5

I live in the central…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 1/14/2013
I live in the central Florida's east coast known as space center - walking distance to Indian river and less than three miles of banana river NMZ. For saltwater fishing this is like a free ticket to heaven. Half a day off and I am on the river. Rain or sun, who cares it. A bad day fishing I never had.

So I got my Nucanoe after a long research and a test drive. I am really surprised with its stability and comfort (the Frontier 12). I fish alone but I love to have my boys with me when they are home. Last week I cast my 7ft net and it felt like I was on the solid grounds as long as I spread my legs properly.

I can walk up and down my kayak and yes, it's not the fastest but I am in no hurry either. As the matter of facts I only carry the necessities and don't believe in rigging with permanent holes in my kayak. My transport cart and a truck bed extender and my Toyota Tacoma is all I need to go where I need to. the only thing I suggest is a long paddle maybe an eight footer.

4

This is a stable, heavy, slow…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 1/7/2013
This is a stable, heavy, slow and surprisingly flexible boating system. I with swivel seats but hated them. The seat bases flexed so I sold them and got elite seats which are way better for comfort. The boat is not perfect because it is fairly slow but if you're not in a hurry then it may not matter for you. I've had my boat for 5 months now and I believe it was a good purchase. My 5 year old kid loves the boat. We catch fish in the lakes nearby. This thing can be rigged up anyway you want and has lots of storage. For lake fishing and maybe close to shore salts this is a good boat. Ok on calm rivers too...
5

I was looking for a…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 8/3/2012
I was looking for a kayak/canoe that I could use for fishing, crabbing or as a recreational kayak in a tandem configuration. The Nucanoe Frontier fits the bill. I do not believe there is a more versatile kayak/canoe on the market today.

Another big selling point was its stability. The secondary stability of this boat is unbelievable. I have seriously tried to flip it over to figure out where the limits were - WITHOUT any success. I stood in it, walked around on it and never felt unsafe. Keep in mind that this was my first time in a kayak in over 30 years.

This should lead one to the conclusion that it is a lumbering barge - Not at all! The Frontier tracks beautifully and is surprisingly fast. I have paddled it by myself with an injured passenger on board for 6 miles on the lake with no problems. It has a load capacity of 650lbs and my wife has loaded it up to the point that an onlooker asked: Are you sure its a kayak and not a houseboat?

Although I still don't know if its a kayak or a canoe - I would have given it an 11 on here if they let me.