- Read our review guidelines
If you’re thinking about adding the NuCanoe Frontier to your arsenal of fishing equipment you might be wondering if it’s got everything you’re looking for in a kayak. Will its short hull affect performance and will you still be able to fit all your gear on deck?
To give you a clearer idea of what this kayak is built for we’ll take you through its features to show you how it might help you on your next fishing trip.
Before Buying A Frontier Kayak
The Frontier kayak is designed for anglers but could also be an ideal boat if you’re looking for a compact, stable craft that has a high weight capacity.
With its short, wide hull it is designed not only to be a maneuverable craft for rivers and creeks but also to be used as a fishing platform. However, because of its wide hull, it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a speedy, efficient vessel.
Its compact size can mean that there is less space dedicated to storage, which may make it less suitable for overnight trips. But with a high weight capacity, and good stability, it might be a good option for larger paddlers, as well as beginners. It can also be a convenient size for transportation.
While this guide focuses on the Frontier 10, there is a larger version, the Frontier 12, that can offer similar features but with additional space.
NuCanoe Frontier Features Of Interest
The NuCanoe Frontier is a 10 foot sit-on-top fishing kayak that is designed to offer maximum stability and ease of maneuverability.
It comes with plenty of features built to make your fishing trip easier, as well as an adjustable seat.
Video: Frontier 10 Walkthrough
Stand And Fish
This craft is built for stability, being 39 inches wide and just 10 foot long. The spacious deck is 20 inches wide and features a standing platform that can allow you to stand for easier casting and retrieving.
It also means you have more room to move around to grab equipment.
Adjustable Seating
The Frontier features an ergonomically designed seat (named the 360 Pinnacle) with with breathable and non-absorbent mesh fabric. The seat features adjustable lumbar support for added comfort during long paddling or fishing trips.
Another feature of the seat is that it can swivel 360 degrees, which can give you more freedom of movement while you’re on the water. The seat is positioned to be slightly elevated, which can aid visibility for sight fishing.
The seat back and bottom can also both be adjusted to suit your comfort level.
Video: How The 360 Pinnacle Rotates
Ready To Fish
This yak is made for fishing and has several features that can make your fishing trip more successful. The gear tracks are a particularly useful feature, as this can allow you to mount other accessories, such as rod holders, to your yak without drilling.
The gear tracks conveniently run along either side of the deck, which can give you plenty of mounting location options. There are also mounting surfaces at the bow, as well as rod tip holders for horizontal rod storage.
The design of the stern means you can choose to install a motor and it also has hardware for installing an anchor.
Load It Up
With a huge 500 pound capacity, this yak should be able to take whatever you need for a day on the water. It has storage space at the stern for a fishing crate and at the bow there’s a covered storage hatch for holding extra gear.
There are also built-in cup holders, as well as paddle holders so you can safely stow your paddle while you’re fishing.
Compact Craft
Being just 10 foot long, the Frontier is a compact craft that can be useful for smaller bodies of water or narrower rivers where maneuverability is required. This boat is designed to be easy to turn and, with the added stability, it could be a good choice for beginners.
Its short hull also means it might be easier to transport than longer crafts and could fit in the bed of your pickup truck.
Not Interested? Here’s 3 Alternatives
Bonafide SS107 Fishing Kayak
Pros
- Storage
- Height adjustable seat
- Speedier hull
Cons
- Heavier
- Lower weight capacity
The SS107 is 7 inches longer than the Frontier but around the same price range. It also features a standing platform and benefits from a stable catamaran style hull, which can also help with speed.
It has good storage options, an elevated seat and can be easily customized for accessories with the included gea tracks.
Wilderness Systems A.T.A.K 120
Pros
- Speed
- More space
Cons
- Significantly heavier
- Expensive
Offering 2 feet extra in length, the A.T.A.K might be a good alternative if you’re looking to carry more gear on your trips. Being longer, it can also offer improved speed, yet still has the stability required to let you stand to fish.
This yak is designed for comfort and lots of fishing, and it’s also compatible with the Helix motor drive to provide extra power if you choose.
Vibe Sea Ghost 110
Pros
- Lots of fishing features
- Paddle included
- Built-in rudder
Cons
- Lower weight capacity
- Not as wide as Frontier
The Sea Ghost is an 11 foot kayak designed for stability and maneuverability, with plenty of fishing features, plus a built-in rudder. There are lots of storage areas and gear tracks for mounting accessories.
There are also built-in rod holders and it comes complete with a paddle included.
> Check out our Sea Ghost 130 review
Conclusion (The Final Frontier)
The NuCanoe Frontier can be the ideal vessel if you’re after a compact craft for frequent angling trips, as it can be a good size for hauling in the back of your truck.
It also features plenty of gear mounting spots and has the added benefit of a standing platform on deck to make the most of your fishing trip.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to maneuver
- Stable
- High weight capacity
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited storage for larger/camping gear
Now that you know a little more about it, check it out for yourself here.
Let your fellow anglers know about it by sharing this with them and remember to leave us a comment with your thoughts on the Frontier.
