Dagger Blackwater Series Kayak - 2008 BCS

I have been paddling the 2006 model for several years (10.5 length). I really like the way it paddles. It's not as efficient as a touring boat, or as manueverable as a whitewater boat, but that's the point of the recreational class. I have been happy with it on flat water, but it shines on easier rivers. I've floated Class II rapids confidently in it, and I'm not much of a paddler. Tipping means a wet exit; you're not going to roll it with a spray skirt anyway. The hull compartment isn't waterproof, but it works to keep spray or waves out. The ability to raise/lower the skeg from the cockpit is a very nice feature. This boat may not have all the bells and whistles of some competitors (cupholders, dashboard compartments), but much of that can be added with aftermarket accesories. I have a Canpanion cupholder that I clip over the coaming, and it works fine. I'm 6'3" and ~230, and I've been very happy with the 10.5. Incidentally, the product info here disagrees with the Dagger website. They give a max load of 295 for the 10.5. One caveat- with plastic boats like this, careful storage is necessary to prevent deforming the hull.