We have a travel trailer and enjoy camping and biking. We are on the east coast and always near water. We thought this would be fun. We purchased them (LOON 111) from a relative who replaced these with open kayaks. We like that they are wide and large in the cockpit area as we have two beagles that go with us. There is plenty of room. They track great and are easy to paddle. We have used them on the Ct River, Mystic River, and a varity of lakes in CT,Vermont and Maine. There is a good amount of room for all your gear behind the seat and in the front of the boat. The only thing we found is the seats do get hard after a few hour out. I think we just need some addional cushioning, as I put my life vest between me and the back rest and it was much better. We love these kayaks and would not trade them for another.

My wife and I rented Loon 111's on the Rainbow River in Dunellon, Florida. A great little kyak that turns on a dime and tracks well. Get a skirt if you use it in rough water.

This is a nice little boat of exploring lakes and slow moving deep streams, take it out fishing or load a sleeping bag and a little tent and paddle out to an lake island for a camp out.
Old Town is a great brand that has been around forever.

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I have a Perception kayak for whitewater paddling but I use the Old Town Loon for lakes.

I use my 111 mostly on slow rivers/lakes in NC but also on the waterway @ the coast. It has good storage and is easy to fish from. You can store enough gear for a 1-2 day kayak/camping trip. My buddy has an Otter and has trouble staying with me. Great boat but not something you want in rough water without a skirt.

All "plastic" boats can be bent along the hull line by the way they are stored or car-topped. Most of the time a day of warm weather stored in the proper direction will correct the problem. Alternatively, load the boat in your cartop or storage rack, so that gravity bends the hull in the other direction. In general try not to tie down the boats so tightly to fore and aft car bumper. Put more stress across the boat, instead. Obviously if you're stuck on the river, and someone is around to help, try putting an opposing bow on the hull by pulling on the fore aft while it sits on the ground.
Sorry. This is just the downside of a lightwt, foregiving hull.

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Couple dozen differnt style wood and "plastic" and kevlar, kayaks.

Old Town Loon(111) Great except that it is slow, very slow compared to everybody else's kayak on the river.Maneuvers well and comfortable.It sacrifices speed for stability and maneuverability. So if you get one remember ,unless you have arms like Arnold Schwartznegger, you're going to be huffing and puffing and busting your chops to keep up with the pack.Enjoy.

Great little kayak for paddleing around on flat water. Big enough opening to sit a kid in front of you. Mine tracks fine. Try buying from an outfitter used at end of season, it's so stable it's popular with rent-by-hour outfits.

The Loon 111 is a good, basic boat to learn on. It offers decent tracking, better than one would expect on a kayak like this. If properly trimmed and paddled, you'll have no problem making a nice bow wave! It turns fairly well too. If you're a bigger paddler though, the Loon 120 or 138 might be better bets. I'm 6'2" @ 245#; the 111 only has a palm's width of freeboard (at the cockpit) when I'm in it. Overall, if you're looking for a first boat, the 111 is great! If you're looking for a nice boat that'll get you on the bay, buy the 111. If you're looking for a good, all-round boat, this is the one.

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Old Town Twin Otter, Islander Reggae, Islander Moku, Islander Colada, and Mainstream Twist.

This is my first small craft and I cant think of a better one to start with. Mine didn't have a problem with tracking. The only problem I have with it is the material. Any time I come in contact with a barnicle encrusted surface deep gouges are the result.

I bought this kayak as a beginner boat after doing a lot of research. After paddling for about 10 minutes, I noticed I could not get the boat to track straight. I shifted weight from side to side, adjusted my paddling technique, and still the boat drifted naturally to the right. I noticed the hull protector on the tail of the boat was off-center. I suspected it was acting as a rudder. I took it back to REI where I purchased it and a technician machined down the protector to make a flush fit. I took it back on the water, and still the same problem - she drifted right. Taking it back again, the technician and I could see a slight curve in the hull line. After looking at a couple other boats of the same model, it became clear that all of the 111''s at REI had this slight curvature. Be sure to check this out, if you''re making a purchase! I returned the boat and upgraded to the Dagger Crossover - something to grow with and into; something to feel a little more safe in that goes straight without extra effort.