As I mentioned in my interview with Brian Connolly (head of marketing and content for Nucanoe) I found this company around 2021. From the start the platform caught my eye; I thought “Well this looks like a deck you’d find of the bow of a boat!” Over the course of my conversation with Brian I learned that there was a lot more to these Kayaks than just looking like a “Nu” take on a “Canoe” shape!

Touching on the premise of new takes, Brian indicated in our talks that “The ‘aha’ Moment came with the Frontier 12…” They’d already formed a great concept around 2006 with the Nucanoe Classic; a design that truly incorporated aspects of both canoes, and sit-on-top kayaks. The flat deck format allowed for optimal balance. Giving the Classic line the ability to seat more than one angler. While still functioning as a kayak when operated alone. They were so solid some even exist still today in the wild! Brian told me that sometimes customers to this day will bring their boats to the shop in Bellingham, Washington for a crack. He’ll mention some of the other available models, and they still choose their Classic from 2008; over newer models today!

The Frontier 12 was their flagship model introduced in 2013. Taking the unique styling of the classic, and making it even more unique. Brian mentions that although the Frontier twelve was introduced before starting his career, he mentioned “We can make these be whatever we want them to be.” That was thanks to the addition of track systems being installed throughout the kayak. Allow setup times to be shorter, and customization easier for any application. Hunting, fishing, freshwater or salt! Even the later introduction of their Smaller more river centric counterpart the Nucanoe Flint, released around 2018.

Brian and I spoke more about how the with the Frontier 12 “Stability was the main thing … Open it up and let people do what they want to do, and have it be super, super stable” Nucanoe’s Frontier 12 kayaks were an industry leader due in part to community input being heard. With the addition of track systems on the Frontier 12, it allowed for a wider diversity in customization. If you wanted your crate. There was plenty of space! Tools under your seat in case something ever goes wrong? Not a problem!

Alongside one of the other notable foucuses in their designs; the weight. Most kayaks in the 12-foot range, like the Old Town Sportsman 120 can weigh 100+ lbs prior to gear going on board. Making applications like cartop a little more difficult and less accessible. Nucanoe sought to decrease the weight and managed to make the Frontier 12 weigh around 80 lbs making it a bit lighter than the competition, but just as capable! Nucanoe Flint coming in at around 11 foot 3 inches, weighs in at approximately 63 lbs. Making both models very good choices for those looking to load their boat car top, or in the bed of their truck.

I have personally owned a Nucanoe Flint. My opinion on it was its great for car-topping, or truck be loading for a paddle down your favorite river. Over the time I’ve been in a Nucanoe Flint it has never failed me! I could safely stand on it and do whatever I needed to do with it 0 problem after I found my balance. River fishing in my Flint I’ve had some of my best fishing memories made on the Saco River in Maine targeting Smallmouth bass. It handled and maneuvered easily down the river. Cutting the water smoothly and with solid tracking using the paddles at slower speeds. Meanwhile still being a very capable vessel for tournament fishing on lakes up here in the northeast with smaller recreational vessels.

The Flint handled 25 mph winds without any issue although it was nonetheless a slightly frustrating battle. The only minor frustration I had with my flint after fishing on it for 2 seasons was the lack of deck width. Although it’s crucial to understand that the Flint was more geared towards the river. This is where Nucanoe seemingly had been brewing up models like the F10; a 10 ft version of the Nucanoe Frontier 12. Alongside the U10; a shorter variant to their current flagship model the Unlimited.

The Unlimited is my most recent kayak purchase for the 2025 season. I’ll admit, there’s quite a few hammers up in the northeast like Jake Angulas, David Ficek from Team Nu: that it wasn’t hard to convince me to graduate from the Flint! The Unlimited truly keeps to that name with its enormous levels of versatility, and each angler gives it a personality all its own! With several wiring plates located at the bow, alongside either side of your Fusion 360 seat this allows you to build these any way you want! Drainage is also some of the best in the business. The Tarpon drainage channels were so purposefully placed to ensure fast draining through the 7 scupper holes located throughout the boat! Ulimited’s are also incredibly hard to roll over. Coming in at 12 feet 6 inches, and 84 lbs. it’s possible for this kayak to experience a rollover; but with these vessels it almost has to be intentional for it to happen! The whole team also tried to give anglers and enthusiasts alike the ability to add any attachments you’d ever want with a whopping 22 feet total worth of aluminum track throughout the entire boat. For most applications like fishing, hunting, photography, or even yoga; as Brian mentioned in our interview! The Unlimited is a buy once cry once solution, and I’m certainly excited to hop into mine this year!

Although there’s one model we have not touched on and that is the Nucanoe Pursuit. Please note I’ve never owned a Pursuit, so please take this section with a grain of salt; as I have very little information on this particular kayak. From the looks of the Nucanoe website the Pursuit is still in production to this day. It is Nucanoe’s longest model coming in at 13 and a half feet long and weighing in at around 82 lbs. This boat has far less drainage than its predecessor the Frontier 12. On the other hand, it is just as narrow as the Flint. Making it a great option for wider rivers providing great stability, with a sleek and “quick” body. They handle basically everything you can throw at the Flint and the Frontier. The Pursuit is a much more uncommon sight with models like the wider, shorter Nucanoe Unlimited. Or it’s slightly lighter and shorter cousin; the Nucanoe Flint (11’3”, 63 lbs.).

So, my humble little buyers guide for the models on the market and where they’re best served stands as such. For smaller rivers and ponds like what’s found up here in the Northeast; the Nucanoe Flint is my #1 choice from their lineup! They are Narrow but stabile. Agile powerhouses of the water. With an array of attachments available to take this smaller craft any direction you please, and squeeze it wherever you need it to go. #2 is the Pursuit; the slightly heavier duty design, with attention to its mobility still taken into account. Pursuits are my #1 in lager rivers like you’d find further down into the Midwest; such as the Mississippi River, the Tennessee River, or the St. Lawrence river; but seeing as I’m not fishing those here in the Northeast I have to put it here just on specs and capabilities on paper. Shifting then to a close #3 would sit the Unlimited. A monster all around it’s a little on the wider side making it a little less agile than its predecessors on this list, but nonetheless impressive with what it can handle. It is their most popular model out as of writing this article for a reason! My #4 in this scenario would be a tie between the U10 and F10, and this strictly comes with their lower profile: being the shortest kayaks in their lineup they’re ideal for youth anglers, and adults looking to throw them in the back of the truck, drive to the launch, and get fishing! They’re a great option if youre looking for some of the most stable 10 ft kayaks I’ve ever seen! If we switch over to lakes that’s where things change a bit though!

My #1 Nucanoe for the lakes and bigger water is the Unlimited. The Drainage is almost impossible to beat; 30 gallons of water come in, and drain it all out in less than 15 seconds! Hugely important for safety. Helping you handle big water anywhere you are! Combine that with superior stability, and that’s where it stands out the most on bigger water in my eyes. #2 is going to The Frontier 12. Super stable format, and truly began bringing Nucanoe to its current form today. The amount of storage and track space leaves you in a sea of configuration options; with solid draining capabilities; paired to a wide and stable body making it a solid alternative to the Unlimited. Especially if you can find one used on somewhere like Facebook marketplace for around $800-$1000 in the used market! #3 logically feels like it would be an Honest 3 way tie with the U10, F10, and Pursuit all falling in line for different reasons. The U10 and F10 are smaller retrains of already successful platforms! With similar drainage configurations to their larger counterparts. #4 has to be the Pursuit, primarily this is due to its length, giving it a slight stabilizing edge. That’s something that would’ve really improved my confidence on the #5 choice, the Nucanoe Flint. They both are the same width and both can handle bigger water. Believe me, I’ve found out in person with my personal Nucanoe Flint. They both drain well, but there are also models more suited for open water application.

If you are interested in learning more about Nucanoe and the Team over there, feel free to check out their website at www.Nucanoe.com, and in the notes mention my name! It doesn’t get you a discount, but let’s them know that this helped to make you apart of the Nucanoe Family!

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