Wow, this kayak was even better than I had hoped for! I chose the Manatee because of the large cockpit (I am planning to bring my dog with me and didn't want to get a tandem.) The cockpit is HUGE, enough room for both me and my 40 lb dog! And it's still short enough to fit in my Jeep Wrangler (though it sticks out a bit over the tailgate.) Very happy with my purchase - thanks LL Bean!
I am very pleased. I have a tandum sit-on-top kayak I share with my wife. But, I wanted something I could use for fun, alone. I looked on-line at many manufacturers and kept coming back to this one. The reason - some of the features included that come with other kayaks at much higher prices and the weight. Comfortable seat and lots of room. I threw it up on the roof, by myself, on my Mini Cooper, very light. Dropped it in a local river, jumped in and paddled away. It's fast and easy to turn. Tryed to flip her, but she stayed upright. I was very interested in the Pungo 100, but a bit too heavy.
We did a lot of research starting at LL Bean and ending at LL Bean before purchasing two of these packages last year. It was the best money we ever spent! I don't know why we spent so much time researching. They are quality items that are a ton of fun with a great company that backs their product. Stop thinking about it and do it!
Did a lot a research and found this to be the best kayak for the money,actually more expensive kayaks did not have the features that the LL Bean one has, i.e. padding for knees and very comfortable seat (not molded plastic).
