Crescent Kayaks Reviewed! Shoalie, Lite Tackle II, CK1, And Crew!

[@aaanglers]

What do you think of the Crescent kayak line up? Shoutout to Waterdog Outfitters!

[@jdock32778]

Crescent kayaks are the best paddling kayaks. They have ease of paddling, speed, stability, quality, made in USA (Georgia), comfortable seats, the hull design... it's great. No gimmicks, sit-on-top fishing or just enjoying the waters kayaks. So many other designs are like paddling a plastic rectangle. Not fun..

[@sk8rfromGA]

Listening to a Hobie guy stand in a river boat was hilarious. The Crescents are designed for tons of secondary stability with moderate primary stability. If you stand, load the off side from the direction of your cast to the chine and then settle, they feel rock solid. It's just a different style of design. You retain a bunch of in-current maneuverability while having a standable kayak in still or slow moving water.

[@billquantrill4960]

Um, dude went over while seated at the dock. Whew.

[@Em44mag]

When you have the ck1 seat straps put on properly it is rock solid. In my opinion it’s the best river kayak of any of them. Very fishable, rod management is slick. More time you spend in it the better it becomes as your skills improve. The CK1 is a beast in class I-II type rivers. I like the shoalie as an all around fishing kayak. It’s a beauty everywhere but LT2 is better on the lakes and the CK1 better in the river. That crew is a hidden gem for bigger guys or anyone who really wants to do something fully custom while maintaining a paddleable boat. Crescent has done a great job with all these kayaks.

[@jboulderct]

Just a tip for the CK1, you put the seat strap higher up on the frame so it doesn't rock back. They also sell a cam buckle seat strap to replace the stock one. I'm eyeballing the tall seat for an additional option for mine.

[@paulglass7268]

Sweet!

[@jimreilly5770]

I fish out of the LT2 and it is such an awesome kayak...love the high seat position and the 2 molded in tackle trays alongside the seat are incredibly useful! This thing glides through water and standing is NO issh! Love my LT2!

[@bruceburgamy9613]

I bought my crescent light tackle two and Crescent Crew from Waterdog. I love them both, for the cost you get an awesome kayak. My Lite Tackle 2 handles great in Lake Michigan and wonderful in the shallow fast moving rivers. The crew is a great camping kayak because of the 600lbs carrying capacity. Love Crescent and what happily recommended to anybody.

[@zero-ol2nt]

Yea I got my ck1 when they first came out from waterdog. Great shop and the ck1 is awesome 👌

[@aaronturner3498]

I bought both the LT2 and the Shoalie and love them both. After you get more seat time you will be in the high position seating and standing and fishing no problem. Their hull design which makes it an absolute dream in moving water takes some time figuring out the balance and trusting it.

[@zero-ol2nt]

What one out of those two feels more stable?

[@jdock32778]

​@@zero-ol2ntWhile Aaron didn't answer yet, I'd say the LT2 is a bit more stable. My LT1 is incredible...

[@vdub_outdoors]

Made me really happy to see y’all giving Crescent some love. I’ve been a fan of them for a few years now and been watching you guys nearly just as long. Super cool to see two things I enjoy come together!

[@paulglass7268]

🤝🏼

[@zero-ol2nt]

Awesome you guys used waterdog outfiters 😮 got my ck1 from then when they first came out from the old shop. Nice to see the new shop. It was being built when I got mine.

[@ecclesiamilitante6880]

I own the CK1 and love it. I've paddled it on slow moving rivers, lakes, and skinny water. The best comment about this boat is that it is a throw and go. I don't find the seat very comfortable after about 2 hours on the water. Looking for a gel pad that may help. I've taken it in the chop and felt safe. Highly recommend this boat.

[@davidwilliams1805]

Great video! I really think they have a great lineup! Thanks so much for sharing some really good information. You guys rock!!!

[@papatrikpi]

I bought my CK1 from Waterdog!!! They are absolutely amazing; I live on the other side of the state and, despite not officially having shipping available, they worked their tails off to get my CK1 to me without me having to make the hike over there because I have little ones at home. Best people ever, best kayak ever.

[@paulglass7268]

Love hearing that!!!

[@aaanglers]

That is awesome!

[@zero-ol2nt]

Got my ck1 from waterdog too. Great kayak!

[@paulglass7268]

@@zero-ol2nt heck yeah!

[@bigsquirrel7185]

Own two of the Crew's and they are insanely great boats for families. My 3 year old can sit on the edge and kick his feet in the water with no fear of tipping over. The seats are ultra comfy and my daughter will throw the sun hat over her head and nap on the boat if she is tired. Boats are also very light for what you get in a tandem at 79lbs. If you are like us and trying to find a bomb tandem kayak that will hopefully springboard your kids into wanting a yak of their own, Crescent is absolutely the way to go!

[@teachingthemtofish]

Been waiting for this one for so long - I'm excited - thank you! =)

[@Mrfrerob]

WATERDOG!!!!!! Love those guys!!! Bought my Crescent Crew and my Shoalie from them. Awesome yaks and Steve and the guys are awesome to deal with. I’m in Wisconsin and it’s worth the 5 hour drive lol.

[@paulglass7268]

Absolutely!

[@repairdrive]

My top 4 fishing KZbin channels 1Rod, Brian Latimer, Creek Fishing Adventures and now you guys. Keep kicking ass!! 👍🏾👍🏾

[@paulglass7268]

Dang that’s some LOFTY company!!

[@aaanglers]

Thank you!!

[@thekingassassin7992]

The light tackle is intended to be stood in it uses secondary edge that means it can lean a little tell you hit that secondary edge put when on that second edge it’s extremely stable people just aren’t used to secondary edge stability

[@sunday8979]

I’ve got a CK1 venture that I use on many lakes and rivers in north Arkansas and Missouri. It’s a great boat at the price and I easily keep 3 rods in it with all the things and slay some bass. Easy to paddle up river in quick current with that hull design. It’s a keeper!

[@rubenakacoolerlid2314]

That Shoilie is a feature packed kayak specifically geared for the river, thanks for the video

[@aaanglers]

🙌

[@heyzeus6149]

What makes it a “river” kayak??

[@aaanglers]

@@heyzeus6149 the low draft and stable hull design. Makes it easier to paddle in current

[@heyzeus6149]

@@aaanglers thanks for the reply!! I’m just torn because I really like the design although I don’t have any rivers nearby it’s open water and wind that I’m going to be fishing in :/ lol

[@aaanglers]

yeah, probably not the right yak for those conditions @@heyzeus6149

[@mkanyuh]

Your going to love the shoalie on moving water...the nose will not catch in the current as you cross or move into faster or slower water....shallow draft is amazing ....tracks nicely...very stable....love mine

[@aaanglers]

We hit the river and put it to the test! It was amazing!

[@curtbrackenrich7883]

Bought my CK1 at Waterdog when it first came out (2 yrs ago?), they were great to deal with, and having the abilty to test the boat in the water sealed the deal. Great video guys.

[@J.WannaFish]

Crescents are great. We have the Crew and the original Lite Tackle

[@pauls3616]

Thanks for the video. Definitely interested in the Lite Tackle 2.

[@paulglass7268]

Bought the one I flipped, it’s fantastic

[@jdock32778]

​@@paulglass7268Way to break it in! 😂 👍🏻

[@quademullenix6398]

Great video! You guys have me sold on the Shoalie.

[@k.thomas295]

Now i need you two to test out the primo!! ..... the ck1 has low seat only, but great paddling, i wonder if the primo paddles well enough to get it instead since it has the high low seating

[@charliemcallister3072]

Thanks for the video. I have been trying to make up my mind between the RVR 119 and the Shoalie. I live on a small river in the mountains do I specifically want a boat for the river. Now after your review I have to consider the CK1 also

[@jpenney]

The secondary stability is where the LT shines. You do have to lean pretty hard to get it over.

[@jdock32778]

Consider using a paddle leash. While it may not be as critical as a boat kill switch, it's very practical to have, especially with moving water.

[@joshbrown7783]

Sure was hoping to find a video on the CK2 venture. Thanks for the insight on these models.

[@aaanglers]

Haven’t tested it yet! We will try to do another demo soon!

[@joespafford6499]

I'm still stuck on the crescent Shoalie. It's been the one I've had my eye on for quite a while aside from the old town PDL

[@markschade9436]

Did you consider the ultralight at all? Looks the CK1 offers more updated setup. But have to live the 49 lbs (I would be cartopping). Curious if you discussed the ultralight at all with the Watwr Dog guys

[@aaanglers]

We did, but only had room to test 4

[@markschade9436]

Watched it again CK1 could be my jam. Think it would still be pretty stable with the aftermarket higher seat?

[@paulglass7268]

Absolutely yes, thing was very steady from the seat

[@Beartaria_kayak_angling]

@@paulglass7268 that looks like the ULTIMATE kayak island camping setup!

[@wayne-oo]

Great video, would have liked to see the bottoms !

[@aaanglers]

Only the lite tackle ii after paul flipped it lol

[@Michagan_outdoorsman_James]

im heading up to waterdog Saturday to demo the shoalie and stuff, bringing the $1,500 with because im probably buying one. 2-2.5hr drive for me too. i been fishing the river in my OT106 going up-current/river its just not cutting it. its great going down river but not the best going up probably just gonna sell it and keep my 136 pdl and have the shoalie. unless the wife has a change of heart on me having 3 yaks lol i dont mind building a collection

[@michellewhite5752]

Hi, guys. Do you (or anybody out there) know whether or not I would be able to reach the pedals on these Crescents? I’m a 5’2” older woman with pretty bad arthritis, so able recommendations would be appreciated. If not Crescent, then what brand or model? Thanks! I would like a great all-around kayak for creeks, rivers and lakes that I could get in and out of without falling out. I’d also like to fish. I’m in Alabama if anyone is familiar with our waterways.

[@aaanglers]

These are all paddle only kayaks, no pedals. If you want an adjustable pedal kayak, you could look at the oldtown pdl 106.

[@piesquared1025]

I want the LT2 with the shoalie hull. Make it happen Crescent.

[@BigGuyIn_aLittleBoat]

The ck1 is sporty which makes it feel faster, but it’s not faster than the lt2. Spent a lot of time in both.

[@TennZen77]

This is one of the better reviews of Cresent I've seen. Thanks, guys!

[@mikemoore6472]

Great job guys! How’s the crews stability? I plan to run an Xi3 with it

[@SlotCarMisfitsofallscales]

What would you recommend for fishing the flats or around oyster bars in Cedar Key Florida?

[@aaanglers]

Probably a skif or the new k craft

[@zacharybonner9188]

Now go get in the new CK2 Venture!! I need a review on that!!

[@aaanglers]

We will test it out this year

[@rodneynormanhersom3583]

i still have not seen a water jet kayak would be simple to do in both electric or fuel or both, i seen lots of model plane motors that would suit a kayak sized water jet thruster

[@unclestumpy2429]

I'm looking at the Feelfree Moken or Lure. Any experience with those?

[@aaanglers]

Not yet!

[@andrue17]

Both of those boats are heavy, slow and paddle like barges. I've had both of them so talking from my experience with them.

[@unclestumpy2429]

@@andrue17 that's good to know. I was able to take a Jackson Coosa out over the weekend. That thing glides across the water effortlessly.

[@jdock32778]

​@@andrue17So glad I didn't waste money on those two..

[@bruceburgamy9613]

I flipped my Lite Tackle 2 the first time that I got in it. It takes him getting used to.

[@steveeichelberger806]

Have you installed an Anchor Wizard in the cup holder spot on a Shoalie?

[@aaanglers]

Nope, we got an anchorwizard mount that was better.

[@steveeichelberger806]

@@aaanglers that’s what I did as well. It’s a pretty good setup.

[@jdock32778]

The LiteTackle foot pegs can be reversed. This gives you a more angle foot peg. One side of the foot peg is flatter than the other side.

[@RavalOnline]

I flipped my CK1 the first tie I got in 😅.

[@papatrikpi]

I have the CK1 and it's my life

[@papatrikpi]

Honestly, the CK1 is super standable in my experience. You just need to get used to the secondary stability on it. When I get to a spot that I know I'm going to be fishing for a while, I honestly use it more like a SUP than a kayak because I'm standing so much in it!

[@stanmanmedia]

I had a Crescent and it will throw you out of it as soon as you try to get in if on slippery ground or if you get into rock areas with current in the river the thing will rock you and even flip.

[@aaanglers]

Haven't had an issue since

[@BigGuyIn_aLittleBoat]

You don’t have the seat strapped in correctly on the ck1

[@kelseyloushin1343]

Does crescent make pedal kayaks?

[@aaanglers]

They do not

[@kelseyloushin1343]

Thx!

[@kayak_homie]

Interesting take that you don't think the Crew is good for standing up out of, or adding a motor to. Plenty of folks doing both, even running small gassers on the Crews.

[@aaanglers]

Well, i was only in it for 20 minutes. You can put a motor on anything. The thing about Crescent hulls is that you CAN stand on them, and they are stable, they just feel wobbly when you do. I think the crew is solid, but there are many other kayaks I would grab before this one.

[@borisdoore1041]

Another awesome review video ! I value both of your opinions on all your review videos and have reaped the benefits ,thanks for sharing !! Looking forward to seeing you guys out there with your new shoalies🛶🎣🙂

[@aaanglers]

🙌

[@jdock32778]

My wife has the Crescent UltraLight. I have the LiteTackle (1). For me, these are the absolute best paddle kayaks! I do have a question... Is there a big difference between the original LiteTackle and version 2?

[@aaanglers]

There are some hull upgrades and amenities

[@imyourhuckleberry3417]

Well , I guess after you flip it at the most secure kayak dock you have to give it a thumbs up to save face ... Lol

[@paulglass7268]

🤔

[@aaanglers]

He literally sat down hard on the side of it and was fully in the kayak spot. Any kayak will flip if you sit on the side.

[@imyourhuckleberry3417]

@@aaanglers yeah we know and so did you Lol Just bustn your ballz Good video and enjoy your content

[@mofuncpl]

you can no longer buy the seat riser for the ck1, they discontinued the item.

[@steveeichelberger806]

Buying the high seat is much better than the riser.

[@K9River]

I dislike the handles. They aren't round and are more flat, which kind of bites into the fingers. It's the only part I don't like. In comparison, I love Vibe's handles.

[@billquantrill4960]

*... quietly checks the LT II off my list.

[@gloppy101]

I see no reason to upgrade at all from a Ocean Kayak, Prowler or Trident. These have the "rod pod" feature where one can store rods and gear in the hull and out the the way and safe. Not currently made since Old Town (Johnson Outdoors) bought both companies and focused on the pedal kayaks which are way too heavy and worthless in shallow water with the drive. These seats are not good in rough water since too high up and top heavy. Find a used Prowler or Trident and you will be much happier. Another better kayak is the Wilderness Systems Tarpon series. I have their 160 (16') and it can handle the big stuff especially on the ocean. All of these mentioned are faster on the water too, especially the Tarpon 16'.

[@Patton243]

If you think having that bag storage on the front of that CK venture is a good idea think again. I had a CK1 and my hooks would get stuck in that thing all the time. Terrible design IMO.

[@emoore99]

Don’t trust any grown man wearing crocs, lol

[@emoore99]

I still love your channel

[@paulglass7268]

@@emoore99hahahaha all good man 🤘🏼

[@jdock32778]

FLIP FLOPS are worse! Crocs sure are ugly...