Introducing the Frontier 10

The Frontier 10 is here....and it is all that we hoped it would be.  Super stable, incredibly maneuverable, completely customizable, and easy to handle off the water.  We are sure you'll be impressed too!  Read on to learn the details, watch the Frontier 10 in action, and learn about all the new features.

Production is starting this week and Frontier 10 shipments start Monday, May 6th.  Contact your local NuCanoe Dealer to learn when the Frontier 10 will be arriving to their store.

The Specs

Length = 118 1/2"
Width = 38 1/2"
Weight = 67lbs
Capacity = 500lbs
Self-Bailing Capacity = 350lbs

All in all just about as expected, except for the weight.    We'd have loved for the F10 to be down in the low sixties, but we were not willing to compromise hull strength and integrity to make this happen.  That said, when handling the Frontier 10 off the water, it feels much lighter and easier to carry/transport/load than the Frontier12.  Two feet less length and 2" less width makes a big difference!

Speaking of strength, the Cast & Blast Deck is rock solid, and the contour of the hull is such that water will not pool near the bow or on the sides.  The redesigned channels near the scuppers means the F10 bails fast and no water stays behind.

On The Water

Stability - Well, it is a Frontier, so you'd expect it to be stable.  And it is super stable and very comfortable for standing. 

Tracking - I think the biggest surprise for most people who paddle the Frontier 10 will be how well it tracks.  It is not quite up to the "straight as an arrow" tracking of the Frontier 12, but once you get a couple paddle strokes in, the F10 holds a straight course.   And maintains a straight glide when the paddling stops.

Paddling - Again, this is going to surprise people.  The Frontier 10 moves real nice through the water...nothing like you would guess form the 38.5" beam.

Maneuverability - The Frontier 10 can literally be turned 360 on its own axis.   Easily whip the boat 180 degrees with just 2-3 paddle strokes.  Nimble as can be for those tight waters and small creeks.

The New Features 

The Frontier 10 is very similar to the Frontier 12...but it does have some great new features.  Here's a quick overview:


Gear Vault Toggle - The Frontier 10 uses 2 rotating toggles to provide a secure fit on the Gear Vault, and enable easy opening and closing with one hand.

Oversized Mount Docks - Located near the front of the Cast & Blast Deck, the Mount Docs provide the perfect place to install your Yak Attack, RAM, or Scotty Mount Bases.  Convenient access through the Gear Vault makes it easy to install washers and locknuts on  the back for maximum security.

Bow Battery Box Dock -  When using the Frontier 10 with a trolling motor, it is ideal to have the battery located in the bow to ensure even weight distribution.  So we made a nice dock for a battery box at the front of the Cast & Blast Deck.  Footman's loops can easily be installed to run a strap over the batter to keep it secure.

Buckets in the Crate Space - The Crate Space has always been ideal for coolers, Crate Packs, and battery boxes.  Now it is a welcome home for 5 Gallon Buckets, too!

Tow Ring Dock - To enable easy towing on the water and easy trailering off the water, the Frontier 10 has a dock for a Eye Plate for towing.  Access through the Gear Vault enables installation of washers and locknuts.

Lowrance Scupper Transducer Mount  - The Scuppers on the Frontier 10 are specifically designed for the Lowarnce Scupper Transducer Mounts.  The channels on the hull provide great protection for the transducer.

Foot Pads  - Adjacent to the bow end of the Freedom Track are two foot pads, perfect for providing a secure place to brace your feet while paddling. 

We'll continue to post more photos and videos in he coming weeks.  And we look forward to reading reviews and stories from Frontier 10 owners!

Outdoor Hub Reviews: NuCanoe Classic 12 and Frontier 12 Hybrid Kayaks

Submitted by Anthony Larson of Coulee Region Adventures and originally posted on Outdoor Hub

Being a kayak guide and outdoor writer, I am often asked about watercraft. The most asked questions are “kayak or canoe?” and “what do I use?” The answer is no surprise or secret: my craft of choice is the NuCanoe system–hands down.

About seven years ago, I was paddling down Coon Creek in Wisconsin with my then-eight-year-old daughter when all of the sudden, and for no apparent reason, we flipped. The current pushed her into a brush pile and she struggled to escape, the cold water pushing against her. While I was fighting to rescue her, the canoe drifted down stream, and we lost a lot of gear. My cell phone was damaged (they weren’t as easy to come by back then) and we lost a rod and some tackle. It would take quite a few outings on completely stable water before she would get in a canoe again.

A few years later, a buddy of mine’s brother bought a NuCanoe 12. He was bragging about how stable the unit was, and how he can adjust the seating in it. He had me at stability–as soon as I got home I looked at NuCanoe on YouTube, read a couple forum reviews, and ordered one sight unseen.
A few days later, the NuCanoe 12 arrived, and on the first day I had available, I tossed it in the water and put it to the test. It did everything that it was advertised as doing. Modular seating (check), stability (check), and stand up and fish (some difficulty but done). I bought one more for my guide business.

Last year, NuCanoe launched their second model, the Frontier 12. They advertised it as being just as stable as the NuCanoe , but with more features: cast and blast decking for user mobility, scuppers for easy draining and tracking, built in storage compartment, and cup holders. Basically, everything the user wanted in the NuCanoe is found in the Frontier.

Being a fan of NuCanoe already, I purchased my first Frontier when they first came out and put it to the test. The unit is very stable; the built in storage compartment basically runs the entire length of the unit, providing lots of room to place long items such as rods, tents, or blankets. The maximum weight capacity is 650 lbs, but most importantly, as advertised, one can stand up and fish out of it with very little discomfort.

Quality

Both the NuCanoe and Frontier are made from injected mold plastic. I've had my Frontier for over a year and my NuCanoe for three years. Both models get used in professional fishing and experience a high amount of abuse. Neither unit is showing signs of wear and tear and function well under those circumstances.

Reliability

Both units perform as advertised, and both serve a purpose for the user. The NuCanoe reminds me of a sit in canoe and the Frontier reminds me of a sit on kayak. For fishing, hunting, and utility craft, I recommend the Frontier. For leisure paddling, I recommend the NuCanoe. Having the ability to get up and walk around takes the Frontier to a whole new level of watercraft.

Price/Value

Price point for the NuCanoe 12 is around $950, and the Frontier 12 is around $1,200. Because of the versatility of the craft, and the amount of use I got out of them so far, the NuCanoe systems are spot on in value. Industry standard for kayaks/canoes start out at $200 for the el-cheapos, and $5,000 for custom-made models. In comparison to other crafts similar to the NuCanoes in the industry, the price point is well within industry standard.

Referability

This is the biggest category when I consider writing a product review: would I tell my buddies about this unit and recommend they buy it? YES. The NuCanoe system is made in Ohio, and most of the accessories are made in the United States.

My daughter and son both feel comfortable and safe in the NuCanoe and we go out as a family all the time in them. I highly recommend this product for anyone that loves the water, as well as other kayak rental and fishing guides.

Image by Anthony Larson

NuCanoe Frontier- A Family Freindly Watercraft

By Anthony Larson
Originally Published on WisconsinParent.com

As an outdoor communicator, one of the questions that frequently come up are “canoe vs. kayak” or “what boat do I like”.  Like anything, there are compromises that have to be made. All watercraft have their advantages, and disadvantages when compared side by side.  One has to consider what the watercraft is designed for, amount of usage it will get in comparison to the price, and what the desire for usage would be.

I have seen kayaks go for as little as $200.00 at your run of the mill big box retail store (there is no exclusivity to the brand or chain). I will say that similar to most things in the watercraft industry- you get what you pay for.  These cheaper units are great if you plan on using it for a season or two, if you have waterfront property where transport is not an issue, and if they don’t see much abuse via rocks or scuffing on concrete.

I have also seen kayaks go for $6,000- a rich man’s game I don’t plan on getting into.
There is one watercraft that stands out from the pack. The NuCanoe Frontier.  NuCanoe launched the Frontier last year, and advertised it as a stable, versatile watercraft; designed for fishing, hunting, and paddling.

I purchased the Frontier when they first came out, because I was already a fan of the NuCanoe product line.  I will tell you that the Frontier definitely hit the nail on the head.  I did everything I could to flip the Frontier; I feel very comfortable being in boat, and can stand up and sight fish, or just cast; the accessory line makes the Frontier adaptable for just about any situation; most importantly, THIS IS SOMETHING I CAN HAVE MY KIDS IN!

Being a parent of a special needs child, stability in watercraft is essential. I once flipped a canoe with my daughter a few years ago, and it was the scariest thing ever. She would cry every time she would set foot in a canoe, it was just too scary for her.  Taking her out a few times in the Frontier has rebuilt her connection with the outdoors and watercraft industry; and with my son’s disability, I trust the stability to keep him dry while we explore the back waters of the Mississippi River and the cranberry marshes of Tomah/Warrens.

Overall I highly recommend the Frontier as a family friendlily watercraft and am impressed to see a product that lives up to its advertised potential.

-------

About Anthony Larson

Anthony owns Coulee Region Adventures, an online resource for outdoor adventures in the La Crosse area. He has been a fishing guide in the area for the last 7 years, promoting silent sports and green eco tourism featuring the trout streams of the Coulee Region and kayak adventures in the Mississippi, Black, and La Crosse Rivers; as well as the Cranberry Marshes of Rural Tomah/Warrens and the mysterious Trempealeau lakes.

Anthony is also a freelance photographer having his photographs featured in BASS, FLW, Coulee Region Parenting, and Outdoor Hub.

To learn more about Anthony- visit his website www.couleeregionadventures.net

Frontier Power Yak by Unique Yaks

Check out this Frontier customization by NuCanoe dealer Unique Yaks in Tampa, FL:

"This is our new Frontier Power Yak with Aluminum seat base, Solar trickle charger, built-in battery with on-board charger, battery meter and on-off switch, stake out pole, anchor trolly, and motor with extension handle.  It has a deep cycle AGM 12v 35 amp hr. battery with an on  board automatic charger. The Solar assist Charger is putting 7 watts or 2 amps into the battery from daylight to dusk. We sent a boat out fishing and camping for more than 3 days and it still had almost half power at the end of the trip with no additional charge except the solar assist. It also has a quick release to raise and lower the motor for shallow water. In the picture showing the solar panel, you can see the Red Key. This is your power key and can be turned off and removed if you stop on the water at a restaurant or for an adult beverage. No one can power off with your craft.This is the Ultimate Flats or Deep water Power Yak. Only in America and only from NuCanoe and Aquaterrasports." 
     ~ Doc, Unique Yaks

Coast Fly Angler Loving the Frontier in Wilmington, NC

I have been kayaking 15 years, currently own 7 kayaks, and for the first time ever felt truly comfortable on the water. I am 6'6" 300 lbs and almost gave up on kayaking recently. Had spent last few months researching fiberglass skiffs and welded jon boats in the 20' range. Had it all figured out, $20-25k admission to the club, towing 2,000 lbs, insurance, assholes at boat ramps at 7 am each weekend, etc.. 48 hours ago I heard of NuCanoe on the NC Angler forum and my interest was peaked.

I love small boats, kayaking for 15 years, got two Sotar white water rafts we use on remote 10-15 day float trips in Alaska each year, usually arctic rivers 700+ miles above Anchorage. Got a 16.5' Ally pack canoe we use in Alaska when bush plane payload is an issue. My wife and I are travel nurses and spent 3 years in Alaska and 4 years on Nantucket before returning home to NC two years ago. I love small watercraft, but it has mostly been like cramming a square peg in a round hole. Till today, I got in the boat my dealer in Hickory, NC took to the nearby lake. I sit there staring around as if something was amiss. The thing missing was my 300 lb butt being at or below the water line and a kayak that looked like a moderate passing boat wake would swamp it. I stood up after a few minutes of contemplating life, no ropes, no casting stand, just stood up. It was nothing short of liberating. Without the decades of trials and tribulations I have had on the water with small boats, you just couldn't understand. 

Bought mine and had the guy put in an order for another lime green one for my wife. Buying Minn Kota Riptide (saltwater) 55 lb thrust trolling motors tomorrow, outboard Yamaha's in a few weeks. We are going to take these boats all over the place. Wife says thank you as you saved us $20k and her garage parking space the skiff would have occupied. Just wanted to shoot you a quick thank you myself. BTW, Charles Mogray, owner of Outdoor Supply Company in Hickory, represents your product line well. He was very knowledgeable and helpful today. 

Coastal fly fisherman need a stable boat to go up and down the intracoastal waterway to access the hundreds of tidal creeks where the redfish hide. Redfish, called red drum in our area till the recent boom in fishing interest for them. Guess in the gulf they are called redfish, the fly fishing interest for them has boomed in the last decade. The trouble is getting to them without a specialized flats boat, often a technical poling skiff, called microskiffs. These boats will set a person back $15-40k and that puts them out of reach for the many hard working blue collar fishing guys in the Carolinas. The stability of your boat, coupled with the ability to add a motor to enhance range, then stand up and sight fish for redfish in 1 foot of water is HUGE man. 

This boat was made for this area. Traditional kayaks lack the stability to withstand boat traffic wake from the many larger boats in the ICW, lack the ability to stand up safely in, and lack the range to go several miles one way looking for secluded creeks off the waterway. Wilmington is an untapped market, as would be Oriental, Morehead City, and Southport. I mention Wilmington specifically as they are a hot spot for both population and fishing interest in NC. This is the general area where folks from Raleigh and Charlotte go on vacation, have weekend homes, and such. From just north of there in Topsail Beach, to just south of there in Southport/Bald Head/Oak Island, we all shop in Wilmington. I wet my lines just 15 miles south of there on Bald Head Island and Oak Island where my folks have had a vacation home my whole life. Anyway, just making a suggestion. If I didn't know who/what NuCanoe was until 2 days ago, I am certain many other outdoorsman in my area don't either. I will generate some energy in my area as my wife and I, both avid fly fisherman, will join your Team NuCanoe. You have a great product!

-Dan Hall Jr.

Rockingham/Southport, NC

Frontier 12 or Jackson Big Tuna?

I had an interesting exchange of Facebook messages with D.F. from Little Rock, Arkansas recently.  He was interested in the Frontier 12 and Jackson Big Tuna, but hadn't had a chance to try out the Frontier.  I figure there may be others in a similar position, so I'm sharing our conversation.
 
D.F. from Little Rock, AR:

"I am fixing to purchase my first kayak. I want something with a larger weight capacity, with the ability of tandem seating or solo and something I can stand up in and fish. I am looking at your Frontier 12 and the Jackson Big Tuna. There are no dealers in my state for your product so I am not able to test out the Frontier. I will primarily be using the kayak on rivers like the Buffalo, Caddo, and Saline here in Arkansas. Can you tell me why your boat would be the better choice? Also, how would the Frontier handle paddling back upstream against the current?"

Blake @ NuCanoe:

"I am confident the Frontier will work really well for you. The Frontier does great in moving water, it is very maneuverable and easy to control. It will be fine to paddle upstream.

"Versus the Big Tuna, the Frontier has these advantages: 1) It will be much more maneuverable in moving water. The Frontier hull design (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LMyDltxvrc) provides a great balance between tracking and maneuverability. The Big Tuna, at 14' and with a straighter hull design, will be much more difficult to manage in tight spaces, and moving water will tend to turn the boat. 2) The Frontier paddles better on flat water, especially with just one person in the boat. At a show last year, one person who paddled the Frontier and the Big Tuna the Frontier was "like nimble running back" and the Big Tuna was "like a big lineman". 3) The Frontier provides more versatility as the seats work on a track system. You can position seats exactly where you want. In the Big Tuna, the seat positions are fixed. 4) You have more seating and accessorizing options the Frontier, and you more more control over what goes where.

"Good luck with the decision, and I hope you find a Frontier to try, because I am confident you will like it best!"

D.F. from Little Rock, AR:

"I wanted to let you know how it all turned out. After much research and a demo in the Frontier and one in the Big Tuna, I have to say that I hated the tuna and was really impressed with the Frontier. I am now the proud owner of a OD Green Frontier."

Bow Mount Trolling Motor with Remote

Marshall Hosea at The Kayak Angler's Outfitter is on to something with this awesome trolling motor setup.  Incorporating a MinnKota PowerDrive V2 trolling motor with the Co-Pilot remote, this system is simple as can be, letting you focus on the fish.  You have full control of the motor whether standing or sitting, and it is easy to retract when you get to shore or in shallow water.

The mount board is fastened in two locations to the gunwales and to the deck just bow-side of the Dock Mounts.  Fender washers are installed on the inside of the hull to distribute the force and make the mount secure.  The PowerDrive Motor has a docking plate that attaches to the mount board, enabling the motor to be easily removed or installed. 

Fun in the Sun

My son and I wanted to be able to float the creeks and rivers here in NC to jump shoot ducks.  Its a great way for us to spend time together in the outdoors.
This is an old military shelter half that has been cut and sewn with some velcro and old tent shock cords to hold it up. It is covered with cedar trees and some of my wife's ornamental grass from the flower bed  I haven't gotten to try it yet just got it put together last Saturday,  but I plan on using it over the thanksgiving holiday.
Hope you enjoy the photo, this one is in the full sun!

McDaniel, Robin C.

Boys of Summer

I grew up fishing the cranberry marshes of rural Tomah and Warrens. I recall as a boy riding our bikes to the marsh of choice and fishing all day long; catching  bass and panfish on worms and beetle spins.  As I grew older, I got away from fishing the marshes as much, forgetting the value of this unique fishery.
As an adult, I’ve returned to the the marshes, guiding the old stomping grounds and sharing the passion I have for my boyhood fishing. Each time, my clients leave spell bound at the vast quanity of bass, pike and panfish they catch.
This weekend, I was left with some spare time so I decided to make the 45 minute hike to one of the marshes I grew up fishing. I got there around 8 am and got the NuCanoes in the water. It is always nice to fish this pond, because it almost always produces nice bass, even mid summer.  Averaging a depth of about 5 feet; this marsh, like many others of its kind, has a sandy bottom coupled with weed beds and lily pads. A benefit to fishing these marshes is there are no gas motors allowed, making this a haven for canoe/kayak anglers.
Once we got going, I directed my guest to the far end of the pond.  Most anglers start at the front of the pond and work their way back. I like to start from the back and work towards the front.  The water is shallower at the end and there is more weed cover.
Temperatures this week have been in the hundreds, so I knew with the cold front that moved through was going to be a starting point for the fish to start hitting shallow water; and with the could cover overhead, I knew the big bass were going to be in the weeds.
Once we got to the location, roughly a 5 minute paddle, we got set up with Bombshell Turtles and frogs. Upon review of the bay I liked, I could see the bass were actively feeding and knew it was going to be a gamble that will pay out.
Our first few casts produced bass right from the start. They were slamming our bombshell turtles as we skimmed them across the surface. Once the cloud cover went away, the fish became timid so we threw on frogs, something that was weedless and could be worked slow.
One of the things I enjoy most about the NuCanoe and the Frontier, is how easy it is to stand while fishing. I could see from above the waterline where the bass were feeding and could see the fish’s reaction to my lure. It takes little water it takes to run the Frontier, we could silently skim the outside of these pockets and avoid detection from the tenacious bass and get to within casting distance of feeding fish without spooking them.
After being on a school of bass, I instructed my companion to not limit out, to keep four bass until the end of the trip, otherwise we would have to quit fishing early. We caught a few more bass, then at 1130, we each took our last fish.
One thing I like about the cranberry marshes is the quality of the fish, not in size but in flavor. The meat of the fish tastes clean and the water quality is phenomenal.

  Written by
 Anthony Larson of Coulee Region Adventures has been a guide for the last 5 years, but a life long resident of the coulee region. Anthony shares the many adventures one can have in the Coulee Region of LaCrosse, WI.

larsonblog

 

First Duck Hunt

Here are photos of the first time my son Derek and I went out duck hunting in our 10' NuCanoes.  We were able to lay down in the boats and cover ourselves with burlap at the edge of the weeds.  Not many people in our area hunt this way and we had a great morning.  The ducks get shy of the edges of the lake where most of the other hunters have blinds, but since the weeds extend out over 100 yards we are able to lay flat and take them by surprise.  The boats are amazingly stable and I feel safe having my son out on the water with his gun.  We spent all summer fishing from our boats and now we are using them in duck season - the pictures say it all!  

Thanks for a great product.