Discovery 119

[Jack Jones]

I currently have a Perception Kayak. I think it's an older model Prodigy. I'd have to look. It doesn't have a rear hatch like their website and compares mostly to their Perception Sport Charter models that they have now.

Long and short of it is that while I've enjoyed it, I've grown not so fond of the whole sit in kayak/confined aspect. Looking for a canoe some time this year that I can handle. I'd prefer it be under 50lbs and on the smaller side since it has to fit on top of a Ford Focus because it will likely be only me cartopping, carrying, and using it.

I was looking at the Discovery 119 on Old Town's website. I like the specs on this and I like the plastic seat. I also like the MRSP of only $600 new. Would likely look for a used one though.

Does anyone have any experience with this Canoe on the Ozark waterways? Specifically, fly fishing out of it, etc?

[eric1978]

You won't like the seat, trust me. It's horribly uncomfortable, your butt slides off of it constantly, it gets burning hot in the summer sun, and needs to be moved forward and raised a couple inches from the factory position anyway.

Dick's has them on sale occasionally for $400, so wait for a sale (Disco 119 AKA Guide 119...same thing).

Forget fly fishing out of it. I've tried. Unless you're in dead flat water it just doesn't work. And forget standing in it.

All that said, it's a decent solo for day trips. I hate it for overnights because of its limited capacity for gear, so I now take my Penobscot instead even if I'm solo.

[Jack Jones]

okay then....I do appreciate the input.

[Flysmallie]

Just remember JJ, Eric loved that canoe before he got the Pen. He is correct on that seat but it's easily modified.

It is hard to fly fish from a canoe but it can be done. Or you can gear fish when you are floating and then use the fly rod when you stop.

[rfd515]

The OTG 119 is currently on sale for $399 at the Dick's in Lee's Summit, assuming the sale is national.

[eric1978]

The OTG 119 is currently on sale for $399 at the Dick's in Lee's Summit, assuming the sale is national.

As negative as I made it sound, it's still one of the best values out there for a totally serviceable solo. My main problem with it is it's just a hair too short to comfortably and conveniently overnight with...so if you're not worried about that, I'd say go for it. But it's long enough, tracks well enough, is light enough, and tough as hell. All you gotta do is swap out that horrible factory seat and you're good to go. I didn't mean to turn you off of them, Jack. I still like mine, but I'm a perfectionist, and nothing short of totally ideal is ever good enough for me.

[Jack Jones]

Thanks.....It would be a good deal, RFD except living in the Springfield area, that would be a 3 hr drive for me. With gas, that would be adding close to $60 to the price in the end.

[RSBreth]

The 119 is a very close cousin to my Pack - and although it has some shortcomings I just love the little boat - if you can swing it I'd go get it - what's a little time and gas versus all the time on the water and the freedom to go wherever you want, when you want, in your own solo you'll enjoy after you get it?

[Jack Jones]

darn RS you almost got me convinced. I was asking my wife if she was going to STL soon to see family so of have an excuse to go to the Dicks there.

[FishinCricket]

The 119 is a very close cousin to my Pack - and although it has some shortcomings I just love the little boat - if you can swing it I'd go get it - what's a little time and gas versus all the time on the water and the freedom to go wherever you want, when you want, in your own solo you'll enjoy after you get it?

X2