#9 on this list
Manta Ray 12
Liquid Logic
The Liquid Logic Manta Ray 12 is a classic, versatile sit-on-top kayak engineered for paddlers who split their time between casual recreation, river cruising, and flats fishing. Liquid Logic designed the Manta Ray with a distinct flared bow and a pronounced keel line, allowing it to punch through coastal chop and maintain straight-line tracking better than standard flat-bottom sit-on-tops. Its hull geometry provides a dependable balance between initial stability for casting and secondary stability when leaning into turns. Comfort is managed by an integrated frame-style padded seat that lifts the paddler slightly off the deck floor, preventing puddling water from soaking through your gear. The deck layout provides ample utility, featuring molded-in rod storage options, deep recessed gear trays, and an expansive stern tankwell secured with bungee tie-downs. The heavy-duty rotomolded construction handles rocky river beds, shallow shoals, and drag-and-drop launches without structural concern. As with most rugged 12-foot rotomolded sit-on-tops, handling the Manta Ray on dry land requires effort. Its broad shoulders and stout hull mean it is heavy to cart around solo. Furthermore, while the seat is comfortable, it does not sit as high as modern elevated fishing-frame seats, which some specialized anglers may prefer for sight-casting. **Highlights** - Flared bow design rides over surface chop cleanly without plowing water - Pronounced keel tracking profile enhances efficiency on wide open waters - Comfortable framed seating system keeps paddlers elevated above deck splash - Rugged rotomolded hull construction built to withstand riverbed scrapes - Generous cargo space with front dry storage and open rear tankwell **Watch-outs** - Heavy to carry, load, and manage without the assistance of a cart - Low-profile seating position offers less elevation for sight-fishing
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#10 on this list
Skylark
Eddyline
The Eddyline Skylark is a twelve-foot day-touring kayak that bridges the gap between casual recreational boats and full-length sea kayaks. What sets Eddyline apart is its proprietary Carbonlite thermoformed ABS construction. This material provides the glossy aesthetic, crisp lines, and lightweight feel of high-end composite fiberglass at a lower price point, while remaining vastly stiffer and more abrasion-resistant than standard rotomolded polyethylene. For paddlers who want true performance without wrestling a sixty-pound plastic hull, the Skylark is an exceptional choice. In the water, the Skylark displays immediate efficiency. Its sharp entry, moderate rocker, and defined keel deliver effortless glide per stroke, easily outpacing standard recreational hulls. The cockpit is sized for security and comfort, offering positive thigh contact points that allow paddlers to edge the boat confidently into turns. Safety is built-in: fully sealed dual bulkheads at the bow and stern provide true watertight storage while ensuring positive buoyancy in the event of an open-water capsize. The trade-offs relate to material care and price. Carbonlite is rigid and durable, but it will not tolerate the blunt-force abuse, sharp rock scraping, or dragging across gravel that rotomolded polyethylene absorbs with impunity. It also carries a premium price tag, placing it out of reach for casual, occasional users. **Highlights** - Carbonlite thermoformed ABS construction offers composite-like stiffness and light weight - Dual sealed bulkheads at bow and stern provide critical flotation and dry storage - Efficient hull profile delivers superior glide and tracking over standard plastic boats - Ergonomic cockpit design provides dependable thigh brace contact for edging - Easy solo cartopping due to significantly lower overall weight **Watch-outs** - Considerably higher financial investment than standard polyethylene kayaks - Requires mindful care against dragging over coarse gravel, concrete, or sharp rock
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Manta Ray 12 | Skylark |
|---|---|---|
| Hull Type | Sit-on-top crossover | — |
| Material | Rotomolded polyethylene | — |
| Length | 12 feet | — |
| Target Price | Around $769 | — |
| Target Water | Lakes, slow rivers, and coastal bays | — |
| Seating Style | Elevated frame-style padded seat | — |
| Hull Material | — | Carbonlite thermoformed ABS |
| Boat Length | — | 12 feet |
| Approximate Weight | — | 41 pounds |
| Cockpit Size | — | 35 x 18.5 inches |
| Storage Setup | — | Bow and stern sealed bulkheads |
| Typical Price | — | Around $1,749 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Manta Ray 12
- Punches cleanly through surface chop thanks to a flared bow profile
- Substantial rotomolded hull easily endures rocky scrapes and river beds
- Pronounced keel enhances straight tracking on windy, open flatwater
- Framed seat provides firm lumbar support while draining splash water
- Substantial deadweight makes solo car-topping and portaging difficult
- Lower seating height reduces sight lines compared to high fishing chairs
- Lacks modular gear tracks found on modern purpose-built angling kayaks
Skylark
- Thermoformed Carbonlite build yields composite stiffness at roughly 41 pounds
- Dual sealed bulkheads provide reliable buoyancy and dry equipment storage
- Pronounced keel design tracks smoothly across windy flatwater lakes
- Low total carry weight dramatically simplifies solo vehicle loading
- Costs substantially more than common rotomolded day-touring alternatives
- Vulnerable to gouging if dragged across concrete ramps or sharp rocky shoals
- Twelve-foot waterline caps overall top speed relative to true sea kayaks
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