The Necky Zoar Sport is an inexpensive, very stable, kayak. Since it is 14' long, it meets our minimum on most programs. The reason 14' is so important is that a boat of this lenght can carry enough flotation to permit a rescue in the event of a capsize. The more flotation a kayak has the safer it becomes. While we think most people should buy a kayak that is over 15', in our experience 14' is the minimum to allow for a self rescue. Many people test-paddle kayaks, but very few test-rescue kayaks, and we believe that everyone should. If you can't self rescue the kayak you are interested in, you should look for a different kayak. The Zoar Sport will fit the needs of many paddlers who are primarily interested in paddling in lakes, marshes, and easy rivers, with the occasional trip on the Hudson River. As long as they have good safety skills (check out the Canoe Safety Program), safety equipment, and common sense the Zoar Sport will serve many paddlers well.

User Input: The Zoar is a wide boat with an air-cushioned seat, more of a rec boat than a sea kayak, except that its hull has the same double chine that makes the Necky sea kayaks both forgiving and responsive. While its initial stability is very high, the Zoar Sport edges easily and aggressively, if desired. It should be a great learning boat, particularly for folks who might have some doubts about how much fun it would be to get wet. BV

Necky says: This 14 foot version of the Zoar retains the diamond hull and many of the paddling characteristics of its big brother. With its shortened length, the Zoar Sport is easier to handle both on and off the water. The Zoar Sport is the ideal coastal exploration boat for getting in and out of coves and harbors. The cockpit area remains unchanged, giving a good fit for everyone, and front and rear compartments provide good storage.

Download Necky Zoar Sport Data Sheet PDF (Low Quality 138KB)

Download Necky Zoar Sport Data Sheet PDF(High Quality 432KB)

Zoar Sport Standard Equipment

Material: Superlinear Polyethylene

Two Watertight foam bulkheads

Front Hatch: 9" x 6", Rear Hatch: 15" x 10.5"

Recessed deck fittings

Deck lines and bungie cords

Flat Compass mount areas

Rudder, drop skeg or none

Dimensions: Length: 14', Width: 25", Depth: 13"

Cockpit: 34" x 17"

Weight: 61 lbs.

2006 MSRP

• with Rudde $1099

Images courtesy of Necky Kayaks