Moken10 vs moken 12.5
 

Looking at the moken 10 angler or moken 12.5. Thinking I like the stability of the 10 better along with extra weight capacity. Question is, will it handle say LJ/ other beach launch situations. I'm getting mixed reviews just want to hear what you guys have to say...i don't want anything over 12.5ft as I want easy storing in a 13ft space in the garage:) thanks for the help in advance, hope I can start contributing to the board once I get my yak!!!!

I've fished off the Moken 10 Angler at OEX Sunset Beach a week ago and found that it paddles well, tracks well, and is relatively quick. It has the right amount of hatches and storage and is very sturdy.

Mokens tend to be heavier like the Jackson's, so they are more durable. On the other hand, if you don't relish loading and unloading excess weight, or do not have rollers to assist, then the Moken Lite may be an option as well.

If you stay within the harbors, then stay with the 10. Otherwise, go for the 12.5, which will be flexible enough to allow you to explore outside the harbors.

Sure the Moken 10 would do fine out in the LJ but I would go with the 12.5 for a faster paddle, you'll still get the same stability, and the same comfort that the 10 has. I wouldn't go out with anything less than 12' for surf launching and ocean fishing. The Moken 10 is great for rivers, lakes, and bays.

Awesome thanks guys. I want to be versatile, even though I'll mostly be in the bays it would be nice to venture out. I'll test paddle a few 12-13 foot yaks one last time before taking the plunge!!! So hard to choose with so many brands carring nice looking yaks this size!!!

While I agree that Mokens are durable, quality boats I can not say I agree with this statement. Just because a boat is heavier doesnt mean that it is more durable. Hull design and the quality of the resin used will make a ton of difference in durability.

There are tons of Costco style kayaks and Cobras out there that are heavier than most but definitely not more durable. As a amater of fact I can safely say that 75%+ of the boats we repair are some of the heaviest on the market for their size.

Jackson is a 100% USA made boat, even all the little plastic eyelets and stuff are made in the USA, something no other manufacture in this sport does (not on kayaks at least). Quality and durability of Jackson is most definitely in the top 3 in the industry plus they come with a lifetime warranty on the hull.


To answer the OP question, We always recommend a boat of 12'+ for fishing LJ and other offshore areas. While a 10 may do OK out there, when conditions come up you dont want to be SOL and calling the lifeguard to save you. The ocean changes fast and a lot of times expectantly. Its not worth risking your life over not having a piece of gear that you know is good enough to handle what you may run into. Short boats do fine in surf, they dont do well in wind and swell and slop. This is why I paddle 14-16' boats out there and my boats have rudders.

Sieber knows what he's talking about. If I were you I would head to OEX and try a few boats out that you like and make a better decision based off of your own findings.

@siegler: thanks for the great insight, I definitely would like to hear more on the top 3. If you don't mind sharing what model are you currently using?

@jarrod: yeah I'm definitely gonna test paddle again when I get this whole thing narrowed down. I thought I had my mind made up but now I'm back to square one. Gonna hit up OEX when I can get a day to just demo some more yaks.

Thanks again and will report when a purchase has been made

"Hull design and the quality of the resin used will make a ton of difference in durability."

100% Agree with this statement and your assessment.

My original statement had this in mind, but since I am not an outfitter, they were meant only to convey my personal opinion on how the yak handled when I fished with it.

That's why I rent, buy, and outfit with OEX. :D

Currently I paddle a Tarpon 160, a Ride 135, a Tarpon 120UL, and a Commander 120. The 160 is my LJ boat along with the Ride which sees freshwater, bays and LJ.

The boats I paddle will be taken as a biased opinion form many since I do paddle on the Wilderness Systems team however I paddle these boats because I love them and I wouldnt push them if I didnt.

Before my affiliation with Wilderness and the found love of the Tarpon line I paddled the Ocean Kayak Trident 15 along with over 15 other models so I do have experience in most boats on the market. Even still when we get a new boat in stock I make sure to get out and paddle it so I can give honest opinions on how it compares to others.

I will flat out tell you that the majority of customers I deal with I never even put in a 160 because for most this isnt the right boat for them. The Tarpon 140, Trident 15, Cuda 14, Ride 135, and others are usually where I like to start folks and then weed out what they like/dont like to get them into the correct boat. You will learn more from paddling than you will ever learn from reading online.

As for the top 3 in Quality I would say now days it actually has become a race for top 5 with Jackson and Wilderness leading the charge. There are just so many new manufactures that are doing a great job with their stuff. Best example of that is probably Jackson, I am truly amazed by the quality of the product they turn out.

thanks again for the info guys, Siebler I appreciate your time in such a thorough reply:you_rock:

Just remember, there is only one kayaking store and that is OEX. They do a great job