M98 Creek Boat Review
Best For: Hunters looking for a lightweight, versatile kayak that can be used for hunting and fishing.
Features
- Lightweight
- Olive Drab Green
- Non-Glare Finish
- 1 year warranty
Pros
- Light weight and various options for sizing
- Low priced compared to many hunting focused kayaks
- High weight capacity for its size
Cons
- Difficult to find locally without paying for shipping
- Cheaper models don't come with a seat
Specifications
- Length: 9'8"
- Weight: 44lbs
- Capacity: 325lbs
- Width: 35"
Overview
I have been interested in Creek Boats ever since I was researching my first kayak. In fact, the only reason I did not buy one at the time was because of the price. These boats are unique and serve a specific purpose. They are extremely light-weight and would be perfect for dragging in on public land. Or, use it as an layout blind that could be easily loaded/unloaded from a boat.
One downside is they are not available for purchase online and there are limited dealers, so finding one without paying a ton for shipping might be a trick.
Stability
These boats originate out of North Carolina and are often used in the open water bays on calm days. They are not going to be capable of handling rough conditions but should be just fine for duck hunting in shallow water.
Weight
The main draw of these boats is the weight. It is only 44lbs and their smaller, 8ft model comes in at a mere 36lbs. If you are looking for a boat that you can drag into walk-in public marshes, this should be a strong consideration.
Price
The price is reasonably competitive with other similar sized kayaks/boats. At the base price, you get the basic boat with no seat or other features. This makes it slightly more expensive if you plan to add things. If you are using it as a layout and plan to build your own blind, it is an advantage to have a bare-bones boat ready for your blind.
Performance
Most people will say this is not a paddling boat. The lack of raised seating and the lower profile makes it difficult to paddle long distances. The keel is pretty basic which is a plus for adding capacity, but it seems to make for a more difficult paddling experience.
Storage
The Creek Boat has plenty of room for storage, with more carrying capacity than most kayaks.
Alternatives
We asked duck hunters what their favorite kayaks were. See how they voted:
Read more kayak reviews or see our top picks for the best duck hunting kayaks
Final Verdict on the Creek Boat
Verdict: If you have access to a Creek Boat dealer nearby, this is a great option for a lightweight, versatile hunting kayak. If you have to pay for shipping, it may be worth looking at other options.