Gear Review
Great recreational boat
By Eric Sivers
Ranked #192 - Kayaks
May 20, 2009
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.
View Details: Dagger Blackwater Series Kayak
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Tech Specs:
- Hull Material:
- Plastic
- Length:
- [10.5] 10ft 5in; [11.5] 11ft 6in; [12.5] 12ft 7in
- Width:
- [10.5] 27in; [11.5] 25.5in; [12.5] 24.75in
- Weight:
- [10.5] 44lb; [11.5] 45lb; [12.5] 53lb
- Cockpit:
- [10.5 & 11.5] 38 x 21in; [12.5] 38 x 21in
- Storage Volume:
- [10.5] 4200cu in; [11.5] 4450cu in
- Maximum Load:
- [10.5] 235lb; [11.5] 280lb; [12.5] 295lb
- Hatch Type:
- Soft rubber
- Skeg:
- Retractable
- Rudder:
- No
- Recommended Use:
- Slow-moving water, day tripping, nature viewing, touring kayak
- Paddler Skill:
- Beginner to advanced
- Warranty:
- 3 Years
Change me.


