As a member of Team NuCanoe, I frequently get questions from prospective buyers asking my opinion of the NuCanoe and various rigging options. With the arrival of the Frontier, I’ve started receiving requests to compare the two models and to comment as to whether the Frontier is worth the higher price tag.
Now let’s look at the Frontier, which I see as the enhanced model in the NuCanoe line, and review the differences and my assessment of them.
- Both models weigh the same at 77 pounds. Because I always use trolley wheels, weight has not been a factor with either boat.
- The beam of the Frontier is one inch narrower. It’s not a big thing to me because both models fit into the bed of my Ford Ranger.
- The Frontier has a weight capacity that is 125 pounds greater than the original model. The 525 pound capacity of the NuCanoe was adequate for me and any of my fishing partners.
- The hull design of the Frontier allows fishing in a minimum of 3 inches of water compared to 4 inches for the NuCanoe. The limitation of four inches of water has never created any problems for me.
- With respect to seating, the Frontier swivel seats are higher than swivel seats mounted in the NuCanoe. The Frontier also offers the option of a quick snap-in bracket for mounting and removing the seats. I like this feature and find it useful. I suspect it could be adapted to work on the NuCanoe. With respect to seat height, neither model was high enough to address my back problems so I built a more elevated mount for my swivel seat on both models.
- The Frontier’s 70 inch Freedom Track allows unlimited options for seat position, rod holders, and electronic apparatus mounting. The NuCanoe has limited mounting positions with six threaded inserts. I find the 70 inch Freedom Track very useful for varying my seat position based on whether I’m fishing alone or with a partner.
- The deck area of the Frontier is 20 inches wide compared to 12 inches for the NuCanoe. The added space is very useful when shifting your feet for comfort or when standing.
- I like the hull design of the Frontier. Coupled with the 20 inch deck width, it provides greater stability and allows easier standing. The hull design also allows the Frontier to track on a straighter path. Straighter tracking is important when using my Side Imaging depth finder as it provides better reception for a clearer portrayal of the lake bottom.
- Storage is clearly better on the Frontier. The front hatch, when opened, provides access to a small storage pouch. Removing this storage pouch provides space for rods and other large items in the inside hull. Access to the inside hull also allows reinforcement with large washers of rod holders mounted in the indented spaces of the Mount Docks. Enclosed storage is available for the NuCanoe by adding the optional Sport Box.
- A Modular Multi-Mount for mounting electronics is available for the NuCanoe, however I am not aware of a similar accessory for the Frontier at this time. A Slide Mount, which I believe is designed for marine electronics is scheduled for availability in April, 2012. I re-used my Modular Multi-Mount on my Frontier by adding Starboard marine lumber extensions at each end to match Freedom Track spacing.
- The Frontier has two scupper holes in the hull while the NuCanoe does not have this feature. For my fishing needs, I see no reason for them while I am out on the water and I use the scupper plugs that come with the boat. I do use them however when I’m cleaning my boat because it’s a lot easier to pull the plugs than to turn the Frontier over when it’s full of water.
- The NuCanoe and Frontier hulls are both molded from polyethylene. The NuCanoe has a “pebble grain” finish while the Frontier’s hull is smooth. I believe the smooth finish provides two advantages. First, the smooth finish allows the Frontier to move through the water with a slightly greater efficiency. Next, if you like to adorn your fishing boat with stickers and decals advertising your favorite tackle and lures, they will adhere better to a smooth finish.
- The handles at the front and back of the Frontier are more comfortable for pulling the boat on trolley wheels to and from the water’s edge than the handles on the NuCanoe.
- The Frontier comes with two paddle/rod holders and a zigzag cleat while these are optional items on the NuCanoe.
If you don’t have the extra cash, can you get along with the NuCanoe? Of course you can. As I indicated earlier, I’ve caught over 1000 bass from my NuCanoe over the last two years, so I was able to do more than just “get by” with my NuCanoe.
Feel free to contact Ken at ken@teamnucanoe.com.
Feel free to contact Ken at ken@teamnucanoe.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment