Canoe and Kayak magazine rate over 1,250 boats from a variety of manufacturers and of different models. There are lots of boats out there so there must be a powerful reason or reasons to make certain kayaks available to customers. As we thought about this we decided that we wanted to be able to provide the customer with whatever boat they thought best for them and so we are fortunate to have sufficient relationships to be able to provide most any quality boat available at competitive prices. However, we decided that the boats we would keep in inventory and specialize in needed to have clear distinctions.

The first distinction is that the manufacturers of the boats should be paddlers and been in the business for awhile, not a corporate group that is attempting to consolidate the industry. Today many of the best recognized name brand boats are manufactured by larger corporations seeking growth through acquisition. We understand that because we worked with many businesses that have gone through that experience. For our store and our customers we want to deal with paddlers as manufacturers and vendors because while making a financial return is important to all businesses, the performance of the boat and gear it is usually a paddler’s passion, not  profit margin.

We are very pleased to handle the Prijon line of touring kayaks. There are only two distributors of this fine line in
Michigan. Tracking, speed and performance are key metrics in rating  touring kayaks.  Prijon stands out among touring boats and has been the subject of many favorable reviews for the entire line over many years. Toni Prijon, over  a quarter century ago, was a world champion kayaker and his family continues to run the business that began in 1962. A casual look at the boats will quickly position them as a very high quality kayak, not unexpected from a German manufacturer. From the specialty high density polyethylene resin used in the hulls, to the hull design, to the configuration of the seat with adjustable options with the adjustable thigh pad, to the handy day hatch, which is among the most convenient day hatch on the market today; there are distinctions through out the Prijon kayaks. We, particularly, like the blow molded, “no seam” body of the boat, which makes for a very strong molecular construction. We carry a variety of Prijon models in the store, but we are particularly fond of the light weight Capri which at 12 foot long weighs in at 44 pounds. Another hot boat this year is the Cruiser 430, a perfect 4 foot  boat at 45 pounds with large cockpit.

For the recreational kayaks, we maintain a full line of Emotion kayaks. Headquartered in Pennsylvania, the boats are manufactured in plants in Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The company produces one of the most stable Sit-On-Top boats in the industry. We have been impressed, over hours of paddling, at the handling of the Mojo model. It's cousin the Mojo angler is one of the best rated fishing kayaks when decked out with Scotty rod holders and other fishing gear. Not only has the boat received excellent reviews, it is one of the featured fishing boats available at Cabela’s. (you can get it from us at a lower price). Also in the line are some excellent tandem’s, decked boats that track well and are fast, and some shorter (under twelve feet) recreational kayaks. We  broke sales records with the popular Glide 10’ kayak this year. Among the distinctions of the Emotion kayaks is their three-year limited warranty on the hull; a strong hull is an important feature in dealing with the rivers of west Michigan.