My kayak is an Old Town Predator 13 that weighs 86 pounds and is 13' long.

My canoe is a Bell Rockstar that weighs 32 pounds and is 15' 6" long.

My hybrid boat is an Old Town NEXT that weighs 59 pounds and is also 13' long.

The Rockstar is the fastest and lightest by far. The Predator 13 is the heaviest and slowest by far. However, the Predator 13 is also the most comfortable and the most stable.

However, even though the Old Town NEXT isn't the best at anything, it's my favorite paddling boat for fishing by far. It's stable enough for me to feel secure and fast enough for me to reach the shore if a storm arises. Paddling it doesn't wear me out like the Predator 13 does. It also has a comfy seat.

I've owned more than a dozen canoes and kayaks in my life and have paddled literally thousands of miles. The NEXT is a good fishing boat. For me, with the folding seat and its weight, it would not be good for car-topping, but I just leave it at my pond. The only thing I've added to it are two rod holders for trolling.

I guess it’s time for me to gooble the NEXT. I’ve never heard of it.

Your analysis of the 3 is a good example of having "the best" isn't necessarily the best choice for one's individual needs. 😀

I have an old (15 years old) Vapor 12XT and it checks all the boxes for me. It's slow but stable for what it is and it's a sit in which most folks don't prefer. It works for me and it does it well. Best of all is that it didn't break the bank.

1 hour ago, Crow Horse said:

Your analysis of the 3 is a good example of having "the best" isn't necessarily the best choice for one's individual needs.

Well put. My NEXT isn't my fastest, the most stable, or my biggest boat, but it's the best fishing boat for me.

1 hour ago, Crow Horse said:

Best of all is that it didn't break the bank.

I think I paid $500 for my NEXT. Maybe it was $600.

5 minutes ago, Swamp Girl said:

I think I paid $500 for my NEXT. Maybe it was $600.

Sweet! I paid $200 for the OT Vapor 12XT although the former owner rode it hard and put it away wet. With a lot of TLC it was brought back to life and I could not be happier. I'm really thankful I found this old girl.

1 hour ago, Skunkmaster-k said:

I guess it’s time for me to gooble the NEXT.

I think you'll like it if you buy one.

2 minutes ago, Crow Horse said:

Sweet! I paid $200 for the OT Vapor 12XT although the former owner rode it hard and put it away wet. With a lot of TLC it was brought back to life and I could not be happier. I'm really thankful I found this old girl.

What a deal! The beautiful thing about buying an old boat is that you don't have to worry about scratching it. They come pre-scratched!