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Description from Liquid Logic's web site:
Stingray 12 and 14 The Stingray 12 and 14 are our most functional Trekreation kayaks to date. Design parameters for the series were: Superb stability and tracking, all day paddling comfort, easy entry and exits, light weight and durable and most of all easy to paddle.
Hull: We achieved the stability we wanted by making sure the hull was generous in width and making the edges soft and round. This combination offers the best transition from initial stability to secondary stability and inspires confidence for all levels of paddling from beginner to expert. Next was tracking a must for this boat as there is nothing worse than a boat doesnt track on flat water. From experience we knew adding a slight keel then tapering the flat areas of the hull towards the stern would enhance tracking still allowing the boat to turn when leaned. The only obstacle was deciding how much keel the boat needed. After the third prototype the decision was made, the boat felt great.
Comfort: Most kayakers would agree that the first thing to get tired and sore when paddling is the lower back followed closely by their legs going to sleep. To help eliminate back fatigue we developed a high backrest that comes to mid back on most paddlers covered it with 1 foam and made it super easy to adjust. Most kayakers that had complained about their legs going to sleep were having problems resulting from the seat being too hard and putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. We were able to combat this by installing a comfortable foam pad and by developing a quick and simple way of adjusting the angle of the seat pan, this combination eliminated all leg stress and pressure points finally we had could paddle all day and step right out of the boat with no back or leg stress. Ease of Entry: We extended the cockpit forward from precious models to 50 in length to make getting in and out of the Stingrays easy, this also eliminated any claustrophobic feeling some people get from smaller cockpits.
The Console: Having paddled the Stingray prototype on a couple of rivers the one thing we noticed is that all of our additional gear (extra warm jacket, water bottles, snacks) ended upon the deck. While the deck bungees are great we all wanted to keep these items tucked down low and the best place for this was behind the seat unfortunately that area had muddy water from our shoes sloshing around in it. Allen Stancil the designer of the Stingray had the idea of incorporating a console with the seat and went to work. The final product was awesome boosting two fishing rod holders, two water bottle holder, extra space for a tackle box and bungee to keep it all secure.
Ease of paddling: The first place we took the Stingrays was Lake Summit which is famous for its late afternoon winds they tracked like an arrow and when the wind picked up we had no problems keeping them on line. Having passed the lake test with flying colors we took the boats to the Lower Green River a class I- II run thats in our backyard. This was a great place to check maneuverability as small rocks and narrow channels dominate the run again the boats passed the test easily wheeling in and out of currents and eddies without a hint of tippyness. The biggest test for any kayak is how it holds up on the demo beach. This is where customers can really feel the difference between boats. The Stingray 12 and 14 excelled here the response was overwhelming and sales sky rocketed.
14 ft long and 28 inches wide.>
Weighs 52 lbs and has a 350 lb capacity.
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