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Hello fishing enthusiasts! If you’re searching for a compact and easily maneuverable fishing kayak, the Heritage Kayaks Featherlite Angler 9.5 is worth considering.
Unfortunately, Heritage Kayaks is no longer in operation (now branded under Native Watercraft), so this kayak is no longer available for purchase brand new.
However, you might still be able to find a used one.
Designed for fishing in smaller bodies of water, such as backwaters, slow-moving rivers, and calm lakes and ponds, the Featherlite Angler 9.5 offers a unique kayaking experience.
- Length: 9 foot 5 inches
- Width: 30 inches
- Weight: 39 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
The Heritage Kayaks Featherlite Angler 9.5 Is Aimed At
The Heritage Featherlite Angler 9.5 was aimed at beginners and kayak anglers who wanted a stable, compact sit-inside kayak with a budget-friendly price tag.
It was lightweight for easy transportation to and from the water. Its compact length made it easy to load onto your roof rack and haul down to the water.
The short length also meant it was extremely maneuverable on the water. This made it a great choice for paddling and fishing in small rivers and ponds.
However, it was also designed with a high level of stability and could handle a range of conditions, including mild rapids and small waves.
Despite offering excellent performance on a variety of waters, this was not a kayak for expert paddlers. There wasn’t much space for gear and it wasn’t the fastest craft. This was a basic fishing kayak, with limited features. But it could be a good choice if you wanted to add your own custom DIY modifications.
Video: Featherlite Kayak Modifications
Main Features Of The Featherlite Angler 9.5
Lightweight Hull
One of the key features of the Featherlite Angler 9.5 was that it was incredibly lightweight compared to other fishing kayaks. Weighing just 39-pounds, this lightweight kayak was easy to lift and carry on your own, making it ideal for anglers on solo trips.
The lightweight construction also meant it was easier to load onto your car roof rack, minimizing the need for lift assistance or a load-assist device.
Its compact size also meant you had the option of loading it into your vehicle. It could fit in the back of pickup trucks or even in SUVs with the back seats folded down.
Stability
The Featherlite was built to offer excellent stability. While it wasn’t designed specifically for rapids, it could easily handle Class I and II rapids.
This high level of both primary and secondary stability is what made the Featherlite 9.5 an ideal choice for fishing in ponds and rivers. It also had decent tracking, which helped when paddling on flatwater conditions.
The good stability helped make it a comfortable choice for new paddlers.
Large Cockpit
A nice feature of this little kayak was the large cockpit. This made it easy to get in and out of, especially if you were new to sit-inside kayaks.
The spacious cockpit also gave you extra room to move, which was useful when fishing.
The padded seat had a padded backrest with adjustable support.
Fishing Features
This was the angler version of the Featherlite so it had some fishing features that the standard Featherlite did not have. There were two flush-mounted rod holders behind the seat, giving you a convenient and secure spot to store your fishing rods.
There was also a swivel rod holder on the front deck, within easy reach of the cockpit. The front deck had bungee rigging for securing additional gear to the kayak.
To keep your paddle safe while you were fishing, there was a paddle holder on the side.
Other users of the Heritage Featherlite Angler 9.5 also love its ease of use and versatility as a compact recreational kayak.
Heritage Featherlite Angler 9.5 Alternatives
Lifetime Kayaks Tundra 103
The Lifetime Kayaks Tundra 103 is a little larger than the Featherlite. It’s also a little heavier.
The Tundra 103 is a sit-inside kayak that’s great for fishing. It has two fishing rod holders at the back, plus a rear cargo deck with bungees that can be ideal for a fishing crate.
For additional gear, there’s a covered storage compartment at the bow.
An added benefit is the wheel in the hull for easy transportation.
Pros
- Good storage space
- Rod holders
- Wheel in the stern
Cons
- Heavier than the Featherlite
Old Town Heron 9XT
The Old Town Heron 9XT is a similar size to the Featherlite Angler 9.5 but it’s a couple of inches narrower. A great feature of this kayak is that it weighs the same as the Featherlite, so it should be easy to carry to the lake by yourself.
One of the main features of this kayak is the adjustable seating system.
The Heron has two built-in rod holders. It also has the benefit of a Click Seal hatch in the stern, offering water-protected storage for your gear. However, there’s no storage for a cooler or other large items.
> Full Old Town Heron 9XT review
Pros
- Comfortable seat
- Covered storage hatch
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Limited storage for larger gear
Pelican Brume 100XP
The Pelican Brume 100XP is an affordable kayak, like the Featherlite Angler. It’s a budget sit-inside kayak with a large cockpit for easy entry.
This can be an ideal starter kayak as it comes with a two-piece paddle included.
There’s a spacious rear tank well, plus a Quick Lock hatch and a cockpit table.
This is a stable kayak that has a twin-arched multi-chine hull. It’s also lightweight, weighing just 40-pounds. However, there are no rod holders.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good storage
- Stable hull
Cons
- No rod holders
Is The Heritage Kayaks Featherlite Angler 9.5 Any Good?
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to maneuver
- Affordable fishing kayak
Cons
- Discontinued
The Heritage Kayaks Featherlite Angler 9.5 was a great entry-level fishing kayak. It had excellent stability and was easy to paddle on small bodies of water.
While you may not be able to purchase one of these boats new, you can still check out some of the Featherlite Angler kayaks on online auctions or local classified listings.
Ever paddled one? Let us know your thoughts.
