First Look: NuCanoe U10

Everyone wants a fishing kayak that can do it all, but no one wants to transport and store a full-size, full-feature plastic yacht. NuCanoe has the solution with their new U10, a 10-foot version of their flagship Unlimited. Compared to the 12-foot, six-inch Unlimited, the U10 shaves almost two feet and 12 pounds without sacrificing features.

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First Look: NuCanoe U10

I recently received a NuCanoe U10 for testing and review in Kayak Angler magazine. You can read the full review at this link, but here are a few highlights from paddling and fishing the new boat.

While a couple of feet shorter and a few pounds lighter may not seem like a big difference, when it comes to storing and transporting the boat, the smaller size adds up to more convenience. The 10-foot boat fits easily in the bed of my pickup truck. With a little effort and a load-bar, I can even cartop the U10. To move the kayak to the launch and around my yard, the smaller boat is easier to load on my kayak cart.

The added convenience doesn’t come at the cost of features. The U10 has more horizontal rod storage than the bigger Unlimited with two secured rod bays on each gunnel and space for two rods lying on the deck.

The Unlimited is popular with anglers adding bow and stern motors and the U10 has the same space and rigging options to accommodate two motors and battery.

The open cockpit has a dozen gear tracks strategically placed to support electronics, rod holders and other accessories.

Fans of the Unlimited series can’t live without the 360 Fusion seat. The elevated frame spins 360 degrees allowing me access to gear in the back of the boat and I can turn to cast in any direction. Most importantly, the rotating seat makes it easier to reach a tiller-control trolling motor or gas outboard.

New for 2025, NuCanoe added an accessory platform to the Fusion seat so I can attach my motor throttle to the side of the seat and keep tools and lures handy. The small platform keeps the throttle close at hand as I turn the seat to face the direction I’m fishing. And mounting the throttle to the seat reduces the risk of accidentally hitting the throttle and throwing the boat into gear.

I tested the U10 with the Newport Vessels’s new NK 180 Pro (more info below) and the NuCanoe foot pedal steering control. By pushing my toe down, I turn the kayak right and pushing my heel down, the pedal turns the motor left. The system takes up less space in the cockpit and allows hands-free operation so I can fish, check my phone and eat lunch while controlling the boat’s direction.

NuCanoe’s U10 is popular with anglers looking for a more convenient version of a full-feature, full-size kayak. The smaller boat is also popular with people who need a smaller lighter boat to fish shallow, hard-to-access backwaters where the biggest fish hide.

Feature photo: Kayak Angler Staff