Necky Eliza Kayak – Designed For Female Kayakers By Females?!

As one of Necky’s newest releases, the Necky Eliza kayak has been designed (by women, by the way!) with a higher volume of hull configuration to suit paddlers with different preferences. With a rudder system, it is specifically made for women who have a love for adventure.

Editor’s Note: As awesome as the Necky Eliza kayak is, it’s out of production but worry not, here is a comparable kayak:

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The Necky Eliza Kayak is named after the leader of an expedition in 1791 that resulted in the discovery of San Juan Island, which is part of Washington State. It boasts of a balance of maneuverability and a reduced drag that will help women keep up with the guys or simply just leave them behind. Due to the fact that women are, on average, smaller than men, the kayak is also smaller, lighter, shorter and faster.

Necky Eliza Kayak - pink

The Eliza’s design disputes the fact that longer kayaks are more efficient. Although the Necky Eliza kayak is smaller in size, it is easy to squeeze more miles out of it than a 16-foot expedition boat. It has an incredible performance that allows for paddling with minimal effort. Its small size also makes the kayak easy to control, even when paddling in the wind. According to testers, the Necky Eliza is one of the most comfortable kayaks that exists. It has an all-pink appearance that also makes it easy on the eyes.

To learn more about this special kayak, keep reading out Necky Eliza review!

Frame of the Necky Eliza Kayak

pink Necky Eliza kayak for women

The Necky Eliza kayak has a tough, roto-molded plastic frame made from a polyethylene material. Even when paddling through rock gardens, the kayak’s body surface does not easily get scratched. In comparison to Necky kayaks made out of carbon hulls, this one is lighter (49 pounds) and easier to handle and carry around.

Although the Necky Eliza kayak has minimal weight, this does not compromise its stiffness. It is sturdy on the water and despite its lightweight nature, cannot be swayed back and forth without the paddler’s control.

The general construction makes the Necky Eliza kayak glide well. It comes with improved hatch covers, and the hatches themselves are surprisingly reliable as they hold a nice amount of gear. The kayak also a lock buckle system that secures the hatch cover and keeps it in place. No matter how often the Eliza is used, dragged on the sand or grass, it has a durable frame that will ensure the kayak remains in great condition.

The Necky Eliza kayak is solid and does not feel tippy when paddling through the water. Its frame and design allow for quick lean turns and confident edging, and the Necky Eliza’s best use is with sea kayaking.

Any Worthwhile Features In The Necky Eliza?

The Necky Eliza kayak has a rudder system that is located in the cockpit area. The system’s long, sleek hull makes it efficient on the water and it can be operated independently without paddling. This reduces slips and drags, and makes maneuvers easy.

The rudder is 100% aluminum and can either be raised up or dropped down from the cockpit area. This means that paddlers do not need to exit the kayak in order to ensure the system works appropriately. It also ensures that paddlers are comfortable at all times when enjoy the Necky Eliza kayak.

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Since we’ve gone into great depth with this Necky Eliza review, let’s review a couple things quickly.

At first glance, the Necky Eliza kayak is a nicely outfitted kayak with reflective parameter deck lines and a highly comfortable touring-style cockpit. Its single-layer polyethylene frame material gives the kayak the incredible stability that it needs. Responsive and stable, the Eliza comes highly recommended.

Paddlers can always get into the cockpit easily, fit their first comfortably under the front deck and move the foot pegs to suit them. The kayak is jam-packed with features that make it one of a kind.

The Necky Eliza Kayak with Rudder is especially perfect for a female kayaker who does not intend to settle for less.

Not sure if the Necky Eliza kayak is the perfect fit for you?  Check out our recent review of comparable kayaks:

Necky Manitou 14 Kayak – High End Performance For Great Value?

The Necky Manitou 14 kayak is a picture of stability and comfort. In comparison to its other shorter siblings, it is the ideal kayak for a beginner, as it is meant to take a paddler’s skills to the next level. However, it is not restricted to beginners alone. Its high-end performance satisfies even hardcore paddling enthusiasts. The kayak’s features will always meet your paddling needs. This is the kind of boat that you can never outgrow.

Editor’s Note: The Manitou 14 has been discontinued but worry not: we have a replacement touring kayak that is amazing below:

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The Necky Manitou 14 kayak’s touring hull certainly makes it one of a kind. If you are looking for a steady and comfortable kayak for recreational purposes or one that you can just take around for a weekend surf, this kayak is the perfect fit. Its tracking, speed, and ease of handling are exceptional. The Manitou 14 kayak also boasts a sturdy design and a solid, overall feel.

In our Necky Manitou 14 kayak review, we discuss everything about it in detail. Please read on!

If you would like to check out our best kayaks of the year, click on this link!

Does the Sleek Frame of the Necky Manitou 14 Kayak Come Through?

necky manitou 14 kayak in blue

As a modern classic, the Necky Manitou 14 kayak is one of the most versatile kayaks. With an all-plastic polyethylene construction, the kayak retains its position at the top of the charts because of its versatility.

The material is long lasting and resists wear and tear quite well. No matter how many times the Necky Manitou 14 kayak is used, it will always maintain its good condition. Even the molded graphics do not peel off or fade easily. The unique frame is sophisticated to handle the demands of all weather and water conditions.

With a sleek touring profile and state of the art outfitting system, this water companion does not disappoint. It finds its home in calm waters and slow rivers. At 14’4” in length, the kayak is built with a wave-piercing dolphin bow that makes it stand out from the crowd. The boat is 24″ wide, weighs 52 pounds, and can hold up to 325 pounds.

What Features Make the Necky Manitou 14 Kayak Special?

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Built with the stability of a race boat, the Necky Manitou 14 kayak is perfect for paddlers who love spending a lot of time in the water. Apart from its superior performance and high-end material technology, it also has a superior design that allows for advanced maneuvers and lean turns.

Providing excellent primary and secondary stability, the kayak promotes a smooth transition between the two. This kind of stability makes the Necky Manitou 14 perfect for pursuits like photography and bird watching. It is also ergonomically designed to ensure that it can be paddled through the water effortlessly.

With a two-way adjustable backrest, aft positioning and a six-position height adjustment, paddlers can be certain that they will get the most out of this kayak. Their movements will not be limited and they can enjoy the comfort that comes with the Necky Manitou 14 kayak.

manitou 14 in action!

While other previous Manitou models may have been shorter, this one capitalizes on its slightly longer body to cruise more smoothly and efficiently. The extra comfortable seat with two-way adjustable backrests will make any paddler’s expedition in the water cozy. You will not get tired or experience any back pain that results from long hours of discomfort when kayaking. The seats adjust in three dimensions in order to give you all-day comfort. The back seat has progressive, soft cushion padding that gives that extra support when the kayak is extensively used.

When it comes to rough waters, the Dolphin bow negotiates extremely well. The generously-sized cockpit (35.5″ x 16.5″) allows for easy entry and exit and paddlers do not have to struggle to get in or out of the kayak. No matter how tall you are, the adjustable foot pedals will accommodate you.

The Necky Manitou 14 kayak’s retraceable skeg enhances tracking and prevents the kayak from crocking in strong winds. In addition to this, the Manitou also has recessed deck fittings to increase its durability. In order to carry the kayak easily, the toggle carry handles always come in handy. The Manitou 14 is more touring oriented, rather than sporty.

This is the kind of kayak that you can take on various expeditions. The Necky Manitou 14 kayak is jam-packed with the best features to ensure that you thrive on the waters.

Is There Enough Storage in the Necky Manitou 14 Kayak?

features of the Necky Manitou 14 Kayak

As far as storage is concerned, the Necky Manitou 14 kayak has a deck rigging with two storage hatches that makes it easy for a paddler to carry any gear and equipment that they intend to bring on their sea touring expedition. The hatches are spacious enough to ensure that nothing is left out. With enough storage space for an overnight trip, you will not find a more accommodating kayak than this one. T

o be precise, it has a storage space of 113.6L (or about 30 gallons). The kayak also comes in bold colors that are highly appealing to the eyes.

Pros

  • Stable kayak, even when it’s paddled in rocky waters
  • Generously padded seats with a comfortable backrest
  • Retraceable skeg with kink-free Necky wire
  • High speed that will make sea touring a great expedition
  • Sufficient storage space that allows for the carrying of sufficient equipment or clothes and food for an overnight trip
  • Easy tracking as the kayak maneuvers through the waters
  • Reflective safety parameter line
  • Support Track foot brace system
  • Cross buckle system that ensures the storage area remains dry and secure

Cons

  • The Necky Manitou 14 is a heavy kayak in comparison to its predecessors
  • Its weight makes it a bit challenging to move from one place to another. However, this does not affect the overall functioning of the kayak
  • The skeg may be difficult to use as it can be dragged easily by strong winds or waves

Necky Manitou 14 Kayak Review Summary!

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Necky is a company that designs and manufactures top-of-the-line kayaks, so you can expect an excellent kayak in the Necky Manitou 14 kayak!

Necky Manitou 14 kayak is up for any task that you put it to. Considered an advanced kayak for beginners, it is also a perfect choice for intermediate and expert kayakers. If you place a high degree of value on superior performance and aesthetics, then this kayak is a great choice for all your touring adventures. Beginners can grow with their paddling skills and experts can find out what they have been missing from other ordinary kayaks.

If you are hoping for an excellent kayak that tracks well, is fast, has sufficient storage space and is stable enough, look no further!

Not sure about the Necky Manitou 14 for your kayak selection?  Here is a list of other comparable kayak options that may fit your needs:

Necky Chatham 18 Kayak – One of the Best Touring Kayaks Available?

The Necky Chatham 18 Kayak is one of the most recommended kayaks on the market today, impressively able to navigate almost any body of water. Being one of the newer models, this kayak has been positively embraced by skilled and experienced kayakers. It is well constructed with an attractive finish, and is less expensive and lighter when compared to other versions of the kayak:

The Necky 18 Chatham much more slender, but is coupled with amazing stability.  Please read this Necky 18 Chatham review as we will be discussing its frame, build, & much more.

The cockpit is adjustable, making it very comfortable and providing easier paddling through most bodies of water. Its tracking is a little stiff due to its length, but is nevertheless one of the most sought after kayaks. The Necky Chatham 18 is recommended for beginner and intermediate kayakers. You can use it to gain skills and experience, and at the same time ensure that you don’t endanger your life.

Necky Chatham 18 kayak

The Chatham 18 is one of the few touring kayaks that offers the luxury of speed and stability. It is also known for its special design that eliminates the occurrence of back and leg pain. This means that this kayak can be used to paddle a longer distance for more hours.

 

Build & Frame of the Necky Chatham 18 Kayak

The Necky Chatham 18 comes in two options: the fiberglass model and the carbon model. A fiberglass model weighs about 53 pounds, while the carbon model weighs around 48 pounds. The Chatham 18 has a slender frame with a width of 20 inches, enabling you to navigate the waters at higher speeds. It is also longer, with a length of 18 inches, which sometimes affects its navigation but also provides more space for storage. Its cockpit is adjustable, providing a great relationship between the paddler and kayak.

The Necky comes in a variety of color combinations such as the red and black, red and white, and yellow and white.

necky chatham 18

Features of the Necky Chatham 18

The Necky Chatham 18 has a specially designed touring seat from Necky, already equipped with a back band. It’s designed to ensure comfort by making sure it does not retain water and keeps pressure off of your sciatic nerve. This ensures that your legs won’t fall asleep during long distance paddling.

A supportive back band is also put in place to ensure proper arm and back movements:

Details of the Necky Chatham kayak

There are also stern, bow, and day hatches manufactured by Valley, each equipped with bulkheads and are water proof and tough. Valley hatches are practically the best on the market, manufactured for ease of access. The Necky Chatham 18 kayak is also fitted with an adjustable thigh brace and a Necky wire retractable skeg. This allows you to make adjustments to the kayak’s trim, especially in windy waters.

The Necky wire is specifically designed to prevent destruction by salty water, ensuring its efficiency after many uses in salty waters. The Chatham 18 is also easy to transport, as it has a tether attached to the seat, ensuring stability when hauling it on top of your car.

Storage Space In The Necky Chatham 18 Touring Kayak

Let’s get to the bottom here: The Chatham 18 has a storage capacity of about 163 liters and the kayak has a maximum capacity of 350 lbs.

Compared to other kayaks, it has a smaller amount of storage space. It does not allow you the luxury of carrying plenty of items with you during your exploration. This feature, however, allows it to retain better speeds and stability.

Check out the Necky Chatham 18 on Amazon by clicking here!

Necky Chatham 18 Review Summary!

Is the Necky Chatham 18 kayak for you?  We have discussed all the details here with you in our Necky Chatham 18 review. However, we realize that sometimes it is better to look at a quick pros and cons list.  Only you can decide if this kayak is worth your money:

Pros

  • The Necky Chatham 18 kayak comes in two models making it easy you to choose the better option for you, depending on the cost and weight
  • Relatively affordable. The fiberglass model is cheaper than the carbon model
  • Higher speeds due to its slender size and light weight
  • Comfortable touring seat, designed to avoid numb legs and back pain
  • High stability levels enabled by a retractable skeg
  • Adjustable outfitting that provides for a comfortable interface
  • Tough, waterproof hatches
  • Easy to transport, can be hooked on the car top carrier using its specially designed tether

Cons

  • The Necky Chatham 18 has a smaller load carrying capacity compared to other model
  • Longer kayaks, like this one, have stiffer tracking and are a little harder to maneuver, especially in wild waters.