Very happy with my purchase of the manatee kayak package. I did alot of research and found this package deal to be the best value. Looking forward to many enjoyable outings with my kayaks!!!
Received my Manatee in about a week and a half. I ordered 2 manatee's one for me and one for my son. I'm in my 60's and this was my first experience with a kayak. Our first trip out i had a spill getting in and we both had a good laugh. Practiced getting in and out a few times and it was easy. We was in swift moving water the second time and the Manatee was stable and tracked very good. Just wish i had done this years ago but i am very pleased with all aspects of the manatee. Can't wait till the next weekend to take another trip. This was definately the right choice for me since their is plenty of room in the cockpit and plenty of storage area. For the price i don't think it can be beat.
People, no need to continue reading the reviews. This yak/package is GREAT!
This package is definitely worth the $459 retail. But when the wknd sale went on, I just had to buy it.
I bought this for my wife as her 1st kayak. The wait was pretty long...7-8 wks. It arrived just before the 8th wk. She was hesitant at first. But 5 min in the water & it was a smile from ear to ear. I'm an avid fisherman, therefore I use a sit on top. But I had to test drive the manatee for myself.
The kayak is well made. Good fit & finish. Its superlight. The hull design is pretty good. Seat is plenty comfy. The foot pegs are cake to adjust. The thigh pads work good, as well as the paddle holder. A separate enclosed storage hatch would be nice. Maybe on the next design. Paddle is ok. Its on the heavy side but it does the job & looks like it will hold up. Honestly I would prefer the Carlisle Magic paddle to be included in the package. I've paddled that one & like it over the Adventure. The Carlisle, if bought separately, is cheaper too, not to mention 5oz lighter. Someone mentioned earlier regarding drain holes somewhere in the yak for emptying the inside after rinsing. I agree that would be a nice feature, especially for those who go out on saltwater.
On to the "test drive"...
Being almost 30" wide, the thing is super stable. Its seen calm backbays to 4-5 foot ocean swells. Ocean you say? Yes. It can handle it just fine. As a matter of fact, it was able to keep pace with an 11' Ocean Kayak sit on top, paddling about 5 mi from one beach to another. I was very surprised. Turn in is great & it tracks very well for a 10'er. Its no speed demon but its plenty for a beginner or the intermediate paddler.
Hands down, the Manatee/Manatee package is a sure winner. You get a standing ovation for this one LL Bean.
I recently purchased the Manatee deluxe package....the ten footer. The first one arrived a bit damaged. LL Bean had me put it back on the truck and a new one was sent and arrived w/in a week. I immediately took it out in a bay near lake Ontario and on Lake Ontario itself. In the bay a fast moving storm came through creating much wind and chop...the manatee was great. After the storm I took it into Lake Ontario which now had 3 foot waves and breakers. It handled all of it tremendously well. Three of us were out on the Lake ...the other 2 were more experienced and had longer more expensive yaks....mine was the only one not to get dumped by the waves! The only drawback is that the hatch is not a sealed bulkhead and I would have rather have had a spray skirt over a storage cover. This boat absolutely cannot be beat for combo of price and value.
