This is the best review of this product. I can't believe you don't have an affiliate link. I literally just bought one because of your review. There's only a handful of videos and apearantly they're outdated old tucktec designs ... I learned that from your video. 👍
I just got my Tucktec this week! I unboxed it today and folded it up into a kayak. After watching Tucktec's instruction video, it was very easy and pretty quick to do. I tried out the seat and was a bit disappointed that it has very little back support. I began think of ways to improve it and came up with the same idea as this guy! I haven't tried my kayak out in the water yet (tomorrow), but I'm glad to see from Ted that my idea will work! Thanks for your great video. I'll try the wire lock clevis pin idea too.
Thank you for making this video. We were watching the official video and found the kayak they featured was different. Glad I found your video because not only was it helpful but the improvements you made are great - especially the flotation information. Well done, mate.
Yesterday I got a refurbished 2022 Tucktec (which, based on the instructional video, seems to be unchanged from 2021), and, based on your suggestion, I got a set of "clevis" locking pins - there doesn't seem to be a standard name for them, but, if you go to the "fastener" section of your favorite hardware store, and you look for the picture of the fastener that looks like a capital "D", you'll find them. Unlike the metric (5 mm) pins that you found on Amazon, the hardware stores seem to carry them with 1/4" pins, which is about 6 mm. ($3.19 apiece at my local Ace Hardware store.) The 1/4" pin does fit into the round hole in the pivoting/locking latch on the Tucktec. However, the 2021/2022 Tucktecs seem to have a slightly different design than the 2022: the clamps have an oblong slot whose width is just barely 5 mm. The 1/4" pin does not fit into that slot. The 5 mm pin might just barely fit. Nonetheless, I was able to use the 1/4" pin to secure the clamp + latch. I don't have a photo to show you, and my words are probably going to be inadequate: I rotate the pivoting latch to be perpendicular to the clamp, and then secure the pin on the opposite side of the clamp.
Thanks Ted, great review. I will get one and do your improvements. I was hesitant because I knew my back would ache after a while. The camp chair is banging!
Very helpful! Thank you! Im going to pick up the other clamps and the REI seat, thats a great idea! I took mine out today for the first time and was quote shocked when the instruction video didnt at all match the actual boat. LoL...i never figured out what the bungees were for or how to hook the back so...helpful! Thanks for posting.
These kayaks are wide and low in the bow so any rapids can swamp you easily on a river. The inflatable inserts may really help keep the boat from getting totally filled with water. This has happened twice to me.
This is extremely helpful and informative for someone who is thinking about buying one of these. If I do, I’ll be making all of these same improvements. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
I just got mine via Kickstarter. I really appreciate your improvements and will be sure to get the clevis pins and the floats. Between this video and another one where the guy took it out of the box, assembled, tooled around on a pond, then folded it up again, these are so helpful! Thank you! :)
👍What a nice review, casual yet genuine and informative. (If I finally decided to get one, I might add inflatable seats underneath the bow and stern to serve as floatables. The seats were from an inflatable boat Sea E. which had big tube shape as back support. Or if needed to replace the original black seat, I might just put in the inflatable seat also served as a floatable.)
Hi thanks so much for this review. The NRS float assists in the front and the back were the first things I thought of since I am switching from a hard shell 16 1/2 foot sea kayak with 3 airtight holds to a tuctec foldable yak. I paddle a lot on Lake Ontario and although it isn't as wild as Lake Superior it can be challenging so I am super careful to check the marine forecast before setting off. Nice to know ahead of time that the NRS floats work. I might put some other kind of clips through the yak clips to keep them closed but thanks for letting me know they could come undone depending on where the cotter pin is. You may have saved a few lives with this info. Again I am really grateful for your work here.
I have had mine about 3 weeks now and it came with a much better seat so apparently the company heard that suggestion. Unfortunately the same pins are on it so I will go to ANY hardware store and buy something better. My main problem is the rudder which came with a nice curve in it that makes the boat want to go in circles. I was thinking of adding something to stiffen it and straighten it out, what do you think?
I'm willing to bet that if you heated the rudder with a blow dryer, you could straighten it and then clamp it to a board while it cools and then it will be straight.
Great review. As for the floats, aren't they unnecessary due to the foam sponsons on the side of the kayak? I'd assume they would keep the boat afloat if it was fully capsized.
I found similar locking pins at my local Ace Hardware store. You just go to the Fastener section and look at the dozens of drawers until you find the one with the picture of the capital-D-shaped fastener. The ones they have are very slightly thicker: 1/4" (6 mm) instead of the 5 mm ones listed on Amazon, and, at my store, they were $3.19 apiece.
My friend , this is a great video, could you post it on the Tucktec Kickstarter 2020 Facebook page? It would be received with great enthusiasm. I love your mods-the cotter pins always looked a bit dodgy to me , they were the cause of the very negative review by Outdoor Gear from a few years ago. Your seat is also a great improvement . I am so looking forward to getting my ecoplastic yak in Australia Darren
Great video! Been looking for a review of the newer version. It's too bad the seat isn't more useful on its own, compared to inflatables the straps that support the backrest are spread out really wide. Usually you attach those inside the boat and they act almost like the replacement seat that you added.
exactly. I've tried using a regular kayak seat, but the clips were too small to clip to the metal rod floor reinforcements which I think would have allowed it to work great. The camp chair works really great, so i don't care.
Great review. I like your modifications which are significant and cost efficient. How tall are you? I'm 6'3" which is a consideration in buying one of these. Thanks for this!
I am only 5'7" I don't know how a 6'3" person would do in there. Might feel small, I don't know. I think it would have to do more with your weight than height. If you are skinny, I would imagine no problem. If you are heavy, you might be riding really close to the waterline.
I'm also 6'3". I have one of these kayaks and I love it, but I really wish they made one that was a little longer. The foot-rest is useless to me. Even with the footrest adjusted all the way forward, I can't stretch my legs. I tried moving the seat farther back to compensate, but that made the kayak feel unstable. Next season I'll probably just cut the footrest out entirely.
Thanks for the video, very informative. I have another Kayak but need a car roof or trailer. I am 77 years old, and one of the difficulties is getting in and out of a Kayak, to do that comfortably, I need to install a high seat atleat 18"" or so. I did the same with my other kayak, but it has a hard shell. . How is this one's floor, will I be able to put a high seat with some cushions and straps.
First of all, great walkthrough and review. I really like the improvements you made and hopefully they will take it in consideration. I was curious how it tracks in the water compared to other kayaks you’ve tried. Also, how is the speed? Does it feel “heavy” to paddle because of any drag?
Thanks for the comment. Unfortunately, I don't have much to compare it to. It tracks quite well when the skeg is engaged. It tracks very poorly when the skeg is lifted, but that makes doing donuts in the water easier. I've never felt it was "heavy" in the water. I've always thought it was pretty smooth. The only other kayak I have to compare it to is a tandem inflatable by STAR. The two boats are so dissimilar that it's not worth comparing.
There is a weight issue. If you weigh over 200 lbs, this Kayak prob won’t work for you. There is too much water displacement, and it is structurally deficient. It collapses and sinks. It’s a great idea, but just not quite there. Save your box. They’re $30 at kinko’s.
Fantastic video! Love the great and inventive thinking to further the design. In your opinion, do you think this kayak would work well for leisure activity rowing through sea kelp that float up to the water top near the beach? I don't mind it slowing the boat down, but the bottom would be having a lot of activity sliding and rubbing against it. I'm wondering if this kayak would be the easy and quick setup I'm looking for in my Pismo Beach area. There are big stones around too, but no waves.
I think it would work fine in the kelp, you would need to raise the skeg so it wouldn't get tangled. I paddle in a small lake that has water grass in some areas, I just raise the skeg and I'm fine.
This is the best review of this product. I can't believe you don't have an affiliate link. I literally just bought one because of your review. There's only a handful of videos and apearantly they're outdated old tucktec designs ... I learned that from your video. 👍
Thanks for your feedback. Cheers -Ted
Great idea on changing the pins and the folding camping chair - thank you for the upgrade ideas!
an even cheaper solution would be a Key Ring. You can get them in SS
Tucktec definitely should follow your pin replacement suggestions I liked that idea a lot
Thanks for the feedback
I just got my Tucktec this week! I unboxed it today and folded it up into a kayak. After watching Tucktec's instruction video, it was very easy and pretty quick to do. I tried out the seat and was a bit disappointed that it has very little back support. I began think of ways to improve it and came up with the same idea as this guy! I haven't tried my kayak out in the water yet (tomorrow), but I'm glad to see from Ted that my idea will work! Thanks for your great video. I'll try the wire lock clevis pin idea too.
How is it working out for you?
how did it go?
I did the same thing with the folding chair pad. Works well. I like the float idea.
Great video, thank you for the seat idea upgrade. I've been using a small cooler behind the seat to add the extra support haha.
Thank you for making this video. We were watching the official video and found the kayak they featured was different. Glad I found your video because not only was it helpful but the improvements you made are great - especially the flotation information. Well done, mate.
Yesterday I got a refurbished 2022 Tucktec (which, based on the instructional video, seems to be unchanged from 2021), and, based on your suggestion, I got a set of "clevis" locking pins - there doesn't seem to be a standard name for them, but, if you go to the "fastener" section of your favorite hardware store, and you look for the picture of the fastener that looks like a capital "D", you'll find them. Unlike the metric (5 mm) pins that you found on Amazon, the hardware stores seem to carry them with 1/4" pins, which is about 6 mm. ($3.19 apiece at my local Ace Hardware store.) The 1/4" pin does fit into the round hole in the pivoting/locking latch on the Tucktec. However, the 2021/2022 Tucktecs seem to have a slightly different design than the 2022: the clamps have an oblong slot whose width is just barely 5 mm. The 1/4" pin does not fit into that slot. The 5 mm pin might just barely fit. Nonetheless, I was able to use the 1/4" pin to secure the clamp + latch. I don't have a photo to show you, and my words are probably going to be inadequate: I rotate the pivoting latch to be perpendicular to the clamp, and then secure the pin on the opposite side of the clamp.
Thanks Ted, great review. I will get one and do your improvements. I was hesitant because I knew my back would ache after a while. The camp chair is banging!
Thanks! Enjoy your new kayak when it arrives!
Very helpful! Thank you! Im going to pick up the other clamps and the REI seat, thats a great idea! I took mine out today for the first time and was quote shocked when the instruction video didnt at all match the actual boat. LoL...i never figured out what the bungees were for or how to hook the back so...helpful! Thanks for posting.
Enjoy your Kayak!
Thanks fot your review, it helpped finalize my decision to buy one.
Thank you for the review. I'm getting mine soon. Could you please share the link to the camp chair?
Rock solid review Ted. Now I'm off to watch your follow up review, can't wait.
This is so helpful. Thank you! Can you speak to how it handles in creeks with light rapids? Most of their demo videos are on wider lake type water.
These kayaks are wide and low in the bow so any rapids can swamp you easily on a river. The inflatable inserts may really help keep the boat from getting totally filled with water. This has happened twice to me.
Good video. My family has four of the new models. It was a good purchase.
This is a fantastic in-depth review and it answered all the questions I had. Thank you!
You're welcome. Glad you liked it.
This review was really helpful! I am trying to decide between the oru and tucktec. :)
We assembled 2 Tucktec Kayaks while a guy with an oru started before and still putting it together after we set off.
@@ziptagfit I would say the Oru is a much higher quality product but you can buy two (and a half) tucktec’s for the same price. Quality vs. Quantity.
This is extremely helpful and informative for someone who is thinking about buying one of these. If I do, I’ll be making all of these same improvements. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Enjoy!
I just got mine via Kickstarter. I really appreciate your improvements and will be sure to get the clevis pins and the floats. Between this video and another one where the guy took it out of the box, assembled, tooled around on a pond, then folded it up again, these are so helpful! Thank you! :)
Thanks.
👍What a nice review, casual yet genuine and informative.
(If I finally decided to get one, I might add inflatable seats underneath the bow and stern to serve as floatables. The seats were from an inflatable boat Sea E. which had big tube shape as back support. Or if needed to replace the original black seat, I might just put in the inflatable seat also served as a floatable.)
Great video Papa Bear! I believe you've convinced me to get one which I would upgrade to the TedShred version.
Thanks
WOWO... very nice video and very nice tips and tricks for this Kayak I'm considring going to buy .. thanks
Thanks
Thank you. I love my kayak. Your hints made it even better.
Thanks! Glad you are enjoying it.
Glad you say happy owner
Hi thanks so much for this review. The NRS float assists in the front and the back were the first things I thought of since I am switching from a hard shell 16 1/2 foot sea kayak with 3 airtight holds to a tuctec foldable yak. I paddle a lot on Lake Ontario and although it isn't as wild as Lake Superior it can be challenging so I am super careful to check the marine forecast before setting off. Nice to know ahead of time that the NRS floats work. I might put some other kind of clips through the yak clips to keep them closed but thanks for letting me know they could come undone depending on where the cotter pin is. You may have saved a few lives with this info. Again I am really grateful for your work here.
Great video. Hope you catch lots of fish!
Thanks!
I'm looking into getting a folding kayak, and I really appreciate your review on this one. These seem to be the most affordable.
They are the most affordable and incredibly durable. They aren't as luxurious as the Orus, but they are just as fun.
@@tedshred8436 that's ok, because I'm not looking for luxurious. The Orus is way out of my price range.
Am looking forward to ourchasing one
Great video Ted, I just received my two kayaks and could not find any explanation videos of the eco models. This helped a lot.
Thanks for the feedback
I have had mine about 3 weeks now and it came with a much better seat so apparently the company heard that suggestion. Unfortunately the same pins are on it so I will go to ANY hardware store and buy something better. My main problem is the rudder which came with a nice curve in it that makes the boat want to go in circles. I was thinking of adding something to stiffen it and straighten it out, what do you think?
I'm willing to bet that if you heated the rudder with a blow dryer, you could straighten it and then clamp it to a board while it cools and then it will be straight.
I learned about tucktec through your video. Thank you for making this review! Can't wait for mine to arrive. Ill be sure to pick up those pins too!
Wliwni, thank you, I've looked at these for a while. Good van boat.
Just wanted to say thanks for your review. Appreciate sharing the upgrades you made.
Awesome review! I used those pins all the time for cycling so good to know!!
Thanks.
Great video. They have made MANY more improvements in the last year. Check them out now!! I bought a pink one. Ready to get out there.
Do like your presentation .. thank you, your information does help a lot ..
thanks
Great review. As for the floats, aren't they unnecessary due to the foam sponsons on the side of the kayak? I'd assume they would keep the boat afloat if it was fully capsized.
I doubt they would provide much. To be clear, I don't always use the floats, just if I'm on choppy water, if I'm on mostly calm water, I don't bother.
My husband thinks one float would be sufficient. What do you think?
Could you put a link to the pins you purchased on Amazon? Great idea, and fantastic video overall
Yes, I can: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0882STW4Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I found similar locking pins at my local Ace Hardware store. You just go to the Fastener section and look at the dozens of drawers until you find the one with the picture of the capital-D-shaped fastener. The ones they have are very slightly thicker: 1/4" (6 mm) instead of the 5 mm ones listed on Amazon, and, at my store, they were $3.19 apiece.
My friend , this is a great video, could you post it on the Tucktec Kickstarter 2020 Facebook page? It would be received with great enthusiasm. I love your mods-the cotter pins always looked a bit dodgy to me , they were the cause of the very negative review by Outdoor Gear from a few years ago. Your seat is also a great improvement . I am so looking forward to getting my ecoplastic yak in Australia
Darren
Thanks for your response. I could try to post it on Facebook. I have sent the video to Tucktec who have said they liked it.
Great review! I appreciate your upgrades.
Great video my dude!
I like your mods. Great information 👍
Wow - this has been so helpful! Thanks so much! May I ask, what size are the NRS float bags?
I’m so excited about this Kayak.
Medium sized floats.
@@tedshred8436 Awesome, thank you and thanks again for the helpful review!
Great video! Been looking for a review of the newer version. It's too bad the seat isn't more useful on its own, compared to inflatables the straps that support the backrest are spread out really wide. Usually you attach those inside the boat and they act almost like the replacement seat that you added.
exactly. I've tried using a regular kayak seat, but the clips were too small to clip to the metal rod floor reinforcements which I think would have allowed it to work great. The camp chair works really great, so i don't care.
Great review! How does the kayak track?
Not great
Great review. I like your modifications which are significant and cost efficient. How tall are you? I'm 6'3" which is a consideration in buying one of these. Thanks for this!
I am only 5'7" I don't know how a 6'3" person would do in there. Might feel small, I don't know. I think it would have to do more with your weight than height. If you are skinny, I would imagine no problem. If you are heavy, you might be riding really close to the waterline.
I'm also 6'3". I have one of these kayaks and I love it, but I really wish they made one that was a little longer.
The foot-rest is useless to me. Even with the footrest adjusted all the way forward, I can't stretch my legs. I tried moving the seat farther back to compensate, but that made the kayak feel unstable.
Next season I'll probably just cut the footrest out entirely.
Thanks for the video, very informative. I have another Kayak but need a car roof or trailer. I am 77 years old, and one of the difficulties is getting in and out of a Kayak, to do that comfortably, I need to install a high seat atleat 18"" or so. I did the same with my other kayak, but it has a hard shell. . How is this one's floor, will I be able to put a high seat with some cushions and straps.
I think you could
Excellent review! If you wouldn't mind, please provide a link to the folding camp chair you purchased.
I've put Amazon links to all three chairs I've tried in the description.
please do a video with the Tucktec on water and let us know what happens in windy lake waters if it stays stable and weather it take on any water ?
I've made a couple of videos with me on the water with the kayak. Just search my channel, they are there. I'll make some more videos this season.
Great video, thank you! I'm getting my Tucktec in a few days. :) What size NRS floats do you use? I see several sizes online. Thank you!
Dont need clevis pins on side buckle. The bungie cord hooks wont come undone.
Thanks for the great review! Been deciding if I want to get one or not as it looks pretty flimsy.
Not flimsy at all. Just not fancy,
First of all, great walkthrough and review. I really like the improvements you made and hopefully they will take it in consideration.
I was curious how it tracks in the water compared to other kayaks you’ve tried. Also, how is the speed? Does it feel “heavy” to paddle because of any drag?
Thanks for the comment. Unfortunately, I don't have much to compare it to. It tracks quite well when the skeg is engaged. It tracks very poorly when the skeg is lifted, but that makes doing donuts in the water easier. I've never felt it was "heavy" in the water. I've always thought it was pretty smooth. The only other kayak I have to compare it to is a tandem inflatable by STAR. The two boats are so dissimilar that it's not worth comparing.
There is a weight issue. If you weigh over 200 lbs, this Kayak prob won’t work for you. There is too much water displacement, and it is structurally deficient. It collapses and sinks. It’s a great idea, but just not quite there. Save your box. They’re $30 at kinko’s.
Fantastic video! Love the great and inventive thinking to further the design. In your opinion, do you think this kayak would work well for leisure activity rowing through sea kelp that float up to the water top near the beach? I don't mind it slowing the boat down, but the bottom would be having a lot of activity sliding and rubbing against it. I'm wondering if this kayak would be the easy and quick setup I'm looking for in my Pismo Beach area. There are big stones around too, but no waves.
I think it would work fine in the kelp, you would need to raise the skeg so it wouldn't get tangled. I paddle in a small lake that has water grass in some areas, I just raise the skeg and I'm fine.
@@tedshred8436 Oh wow, didn't consider that. Thanks so much! That would make steering harder to deal with. I wonder if there's a foldable rowboat..
What size floatation did you order from NRS?
small
Thank you...very informative!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for sharing
How did you get the clevis pin connected to the lanyard? I couldn’t get the lanyard around mine.
I just worked at it, and maybe got a little lucky with how loose they made the wire loop on the lanyard.
is it folded parts water tight?
Yes, Absolutely,. It is one continuous sheet of plastic so no chance of water getting in.
can you tell me why you think the ALPS is better than the Coleman?
It has better support and stiffeners that help it keep its shape. The Coleman falls apart
Very good ideas.
Thanks
Can you share the exact size of the cleavus pins??
4 Pack Safety Coupler Pin 0.197" x 1.97"(5mm x 50mm), Full Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel Heavy Duty Shaft Locking Pin
Copy and paste that into Amazon
Are they durable?
Yes, very durable
It's not a cotter pin, it's a hitch pin clip.
🇨🇭👍🏻
The front is the bow, the back is the stern. Just sayin.
Yes, you are correct. I think that was clear.