Profile

I have owned my Otter XT since 1998 when I paid $300 for it. I have had this kayak so long it is like a member of our family.

I have taken my Otter XT thru all types of water and it has never failed me. Creeks, inlets, strong currents, waves, choppy water, calm water, salt water, freshwater.

Despite having no hatches, the cockpit is huge and there is plenty of storage space between and in front of your legs. I added bungees about 15 years ago and have never had a leak.

The durability of the hull is incredible as I have beached the kayak on every surface imaginable (rocks, sand, shells, seaweed) and have never had an issue. I can just about stand up in the cockpit if I wanted to and I would still have a hard time capsizing due to the extra width and almost flat bottom.

Although it is on the heavy side due to the strong construction, it's easy to portage with two people with the carrying handles or solo via the cockpit-shoulder method. The handles also allow for tie d own straps when transported on the roof of my vehicle.

I have paddled short and long distances. This includes two 20-mile circumnavigations of an island off the East End of Long Island. I have set small blue claw crab pots via my kayak, left the pots to fish for striped bass, come back to get the crabs, and paddled over to my favorite clamming spot - all due to the maneuverability and adaptability of my Otter XT.

I am never going to get rid of my Otter XT as it's always there for me when I need it.