Upgrading from Ascend Fs12T? Who has experience?

[Ads7633]

My fs12T has a crack in the deck after 9 years and might be time to start thinking about a replacement.

Want opinions from those who have had a 12T and upgraded to something else. 

 

1.) I car top- so the fs12T is about as heavy and long as I want to go. (wouldn't mind going smaller if it doesn't mean giving up standing stability)

2.) I paddle- so I want at least as good of tracking, speed, and wind resistance as the fs12T

3.) under $2000

 

Some models I'm looking at:

Old Town 120 (could get used for $800)

Bonafide ss107 (could get used for $850)

Bonafide ss127

Nucanoe U10

Nucanoe Unlimited

 

Primarily want to know about how they compare in stability, paddling, and wind resistance (I don't want to spend all day repositioning) . Basically, If I'm going to buy a kayak that is twice as much $$ I don't want to find myself missing something about the old cheaper boat.

 

Thank you!

 

[Smirak]

I know you said you wanted opinions from those that have upgraded, but I’ve never been a rule follower. A few observations from my boat.

 

I paddle an SS127. I would NEVER think of putting it on top of a car, but that’s me. Naked, the thing is like 78lbs. I don’t use a trailer, but transport in the back of my truck. Transport ready, it’s like 90 (anchor, blackpack pro, etc…). I would seriously consider looking at the SSS107.  I don’t have experience with the other brands, but… The differences lie in the front and back area. The main “standing/fishing cockpit” is nearly identical in size as the SS127. I wanted the longer boat for stability and tracking, but honestly, I’ve paddled the 107 of a friends and do not notice any difference.

 

As for the Nucanoe unlimited, that thing is really nice. I was over at KBF headquarters a week or so ago and Chad was showing me the boat. I was going to take it for a quick spin in the river, but ran out of time. He seems to really like it.

[Ads7633]

2 minutes ago, Smirak said:

I know you said you wanted opinions from those that have upgraded, but I’ve never been a rule follower. A few observations from my boat.

 

I paddle an SS127. I would NEVER think of putting it on top of a car, but that’s me. Naked, the thing is like 78lbs. I don’t use a trailer, but transport in the back of my truck. Transport ready, it’s like 90 (anchor, blackpack pro, etc…). I would seriously consider looking at the SSS107.  I don’t have experience with the other brands, but… The differences lie in the front and back area. The main “standing/fishing cockpit” is nearly identical in size as the SS127. I wanted the longer boat for stability and tracking, but honestly, I’ve paddled the 107 of a friends and do not notice any difference.

 

As for the Nucanoe unlimited, that thing is really nice. I was over at KBF headquarters a week or so ago and Chad was showing me the boat. I was going to take it for a quick spin in the river, but ran out of time. He seems to really like it.

Appreciate the feedback on the ss107. Did you stand in it? How is the stability?

 

Unfortunately- no truck in my near future, but the fs12t is about 75 lbs and I've been able to manage cartopping thus far (but it's probably my max to do safely).

[Smirak]

10 hours ago, Ads7633 said:

Appreciate the feedback on the ss107. Did you stand in it? How is the stability?

 

Unfortunately- no truck in my near future, but the fs12t is about 75 lbs and I've been able to manage cartopping thus far (but it's probably my max to do safely).

I didn’t fish out of it, but yes, I have tested the stability. It’s the same exact model as the SS127 only 2 ft shorter. Width is the same. My SS127 is VERY stable… I stand up

fishing in mine very frequently. I do sit a good bit but that’s because I’m lazy (and thanks to the army have a crap knee). 

[Standard]

I actually started out with a 12T.  It was ok for a starter yak, but I never really found it that stable.  I upgraded to a Jackson Bite FD.  Actually a bit shorter at 11'6", and a bit heavier at 90lbs for the bare kayak and 110 pounds if I leave the upper drive and seat on it.  I do have a truck, but it often gets put on a bed rack for longer trips.  I know the pedal drive is out of your budget, but they do make a paddle version with the same hull and seat, and that is the same weight as the 12T.

 

Pros:

Seat is worlds better.  Seriously, it's so much better than what came with the Ascend.

Overall fit and finish is better. 

Much more stable than the 12T.  

The deck drains much better than the 12T.  

 

Cons:

Gear track setup isn't great, although if you're not afraid of drilling holes you can always add more track

No in-hull storage.

 

I think it paddles at least the same if not easier than the 12T, despite being 4" wider.  I can't speak as much to tracking, as the pedal version has a rudder.  Wind resistance.. well, they're kayaks.  You'll get blown around no matter what.