Old Town Loon 138 Kayak Kayaks
Old Town Loon 138 Kayak Kayaks
USER REVIEWS
[May 06, 2021]
ceceliafredrick
Strength:
I do recommend this since we are grateful for its performance compared to our old one. Never regret having this. Superb! Dental Implants Weakness:
Nothing to worry. Purchased: New
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[Sep 15, 2010]
Chris
Paddler
I bought my used 2001 Old Town Loon 138 a couple of weeks ago from my local dealer, I wanted an Old Town Pack Canoe but couldn't afford it so a settled for the Loon 138. And I have to say I've had a blast so far. I don't think I could have enjoyed the Pack anymore than I enjoy this. I haven't paddled in about eight years and I wanted something light and easy to control. I got it! It's easy to manuever, smooth to paddle, stable in rougher water and holds all of my camping and fishing gear (with the addition of external rod holders). Although it doesn't have a sealed hatch(which leaves more room to store larger gear)I enjoy every minute on the water with it. Customer Service Bel Haven Paddlesports really helped me on picking the right boat for me. They have a large selection of new canoes and kayaks and a good bit of used canoes and kayaks. They don't try to push a sale, I was there many times before deciding on the boat I wanted and each time the staff was helpful and honest. Similar Products Used: None recently, I have used Cobra kayaks before and have owned an old Coleman canoe though. |
[May 23, 2006]
Coop
Day Hiker
I chose the Loon 138 for my first Kayak and I could not be more thrilled. I got the 2006 model which has an aft bungee, rear bulkhead and hatch cover, and slightly modified deck for more strength. The cockpit area has also been reduced slightly for improved skirt design but is still plenty large to get my tired old bones in and out of without a problem. I was almost ready to buy a used yak at half the price but after reviewing my intended use the resident instructor, Shawn, convinced me I should test paddle the Loon 138 at least once before making up my mind. I am 6' 240 lb and I needed something that would float me over the rocks in shallow river water and be comfortable enough for day trips and tours. Being a beginner, the initial stability of this model did not hurt a thing. Once around their tryout pond and I was hooked. I have not developed my skill set well enough to tackle the river yet but I am having a blast on the ponds. This thing never feels like it will tip over and it seems I can cover hundreds of yards with a few strokes. If I was into fishing or hunting it would be ideal because there is plenty of room to stow my gear and even carry a small human passenger or a large canine. I think I could have a dog climbing in and out of the water without tipping over at all, maybe even a kid. Even if I get more adventuresome down the road and find I eventually need to get something that turns quicker to tackle the white river water, or handles the chop better for surf launches, I will be hanging onto the 138 for a long time. It definately has its place in my lifestyle. Customer Service I have not had any problems, nor do I expect any after researching the superior quality of the Old Town construction process on their kayaks. Anyone in the lower NH area, I do recommend a visit to Mountain Road Trading Post in Raymond (http://mrtp.net/). They have a nice setup, especially for novices like me. Similar Products Used: This is my first foray into this arena, the similar products will come along later. |
[Nov 05, 2002]
stevenhill00
Backpacker
My wife and I bought two Loon 138's while living in Seattle. They are great all-around kayaks! I would go out on Puget Sound 2-5 times a month for 3 years. Then I moved to Scottsdale AZ! Even now I use it about once every 2 months. I've spent many hours and covered many miles in the Loon 138. I even did a 1.5 mile hike down swicthbacks to Ross Lake(WA), then kayaked 30 miles into BC. I am 6'5'', 250lbs and the Loon is comfortable and holds a ton of gear. The Loon tracks well...even without a rudder. I would not go through the extra expense, plus you may compromise the boat if done incorrectly. I participated in a kayak marathon and beat most other sea kayakers, even though this is not officially a sea kayak (it is recreation grade). It is not made for the 'eskimo roll', but that means it is extremely stable. A very good value for a rugged person into fishing and hunting. A fiberglass boat would have been destroyed years ago, and these things can clean up really well. It is hard to part with them after so many memories, but I need money for my mountain bike. |
[Mar 18, 2002]
Dan
Paddler
Very nice boat. Cockpit is large enough for two adults at least. Tough, flew off of my car at 60 in a wreck and survived. Scratched up but survived. Very stable, almost impossible to tip. |
[Feb 08, 2002]
Steven Read
The loon is a nice touring yak for slow waters. It dosen''t turn very qickly, and tracks reasonably straight. Paddling effort is low and it coast well. A hatch can be easily cut out, but there are no bulkheads. Hull is made of material that has some insulating properties that prevents your legs from getting cold. I also have a Hobie Maui - a SOT- which I prefer for fishing. The loon is not as stabil as the Maui. I cannot reach behind myself without getting aquainted personally with the fish. The loon has a sliding seat, to help balance fore/aft. Cockpit opening is VERY large, which goes well with this being a touring yak. Bungee straps are included to store on the deck. Similar Products Used: Hobie Maui |