Ascend H12

Size and Weight

With a weight of around 76 lbs /34.5 kg, H12 is certainly not the lightest boat in the Ascend series. However, even with full capacity, this boat doesn’t feel too close to the water, which is really impressive. 

The Ascend H12 measures 12 feet / 365 cm in length and is 32 inches / 81 cm wide, two feet longer than the Ascend H10. It stands 14.1 inches / 35.5 cm at the bow and stern and 12.1 inches / 30 cm at the center. 

Generally Outdoors

Capacity

When it comes to capacity, no other boat in the Ascend series can beat the H12. At an impressive capacity of 450 lbs / 204 kg, it will hold people of all sizes and a generous amount of gear. This superior capacity will suit gear-heavy anglers and people who want to pack heaps for an overnight trip. 

Features

The innovative tunnel hull design gives the Ascend H12 a pontoon feel, which offers remarkable stability. 

At the bow, there’s a rubber-lined handle for easy carrying and handling. The 23.4 inches x 22.2 inches / 59 cm x 56 cm bow storage compartment is protected by a hard cover and secured with bungee cords that hook onto J-hooks.

Generally Outdoors

The enormous 53.5 inches x 23.6 inches / 135 cm x 60 cm  cockpit will fit paddlers of all sizes and makes entry and exit a breeze. There are three 16-inch accessory rails around the cockpit on both sides and the front for you to use for electronics like GoPros, rod holders, and fish finders. 

The foot pegs are easily adjusted, even from the boat, so you won’t have to get out of the kayak, unlike other sit-in kayaks. 

There are two saddlebags located on each side of the cockpit, and one of them has a large, waterproof pouch to stash your phone and wallet. 

Generally Outdoors

The padded seat is adjustable and removable, so if you beach up, you can remove the seat and use it on land. You can also adjust the position of the seat within the kayak to better manage the trim of your kayak to improve performance. 

There’s a little saddlebag located at the back of the seat for you to place things that you won’t need frequent access to. Two swing-out cup holders are on each side of the seat. 

Towards the back of the cockpit, there are two flush-mounted rod holders. 

On the stern, there’s a 2nd rubber-lined handle, a single drain plug, and a mesh-covered 33.5 inches x 23.6 inches / 85 cm x 60 cm storage compartment. Both the bow and stern storage compartments don’t have bulkheads or dividers, so the inside of the kayak is just one big compartment. 

Generally Outdoors

Performance

The pontoon-style hull design of the Ascend H12 delivers incredible stability and some anglers have reportedly been able to stand up and fish. In addition, the kayak’s 32-inch width and ability to distribute some weight below the water line add significantly to its stability. 

Generally Outdoors

You can also adjust the seat to balance the kayak and adjust the trim for better performance.

At 12 feet / 365 cm long, it doesn’t take the tightest of turns, but maneuverability still remains adequate. The tracking is solid and the kayak will continue to glide straight even if you stop paddling for a bit. 

One cool thing about this kayak is its impressive capacity of 450 lbs / 204 kg. This gives even the largest paddlers plenty of room for gear and water. This kayak would suit gear-heavy anglers or people that like overnight trips. 

The Ascend H12 is one of the slowest kayaks in Ascend’s fleet, but if speed isn’t the issue, you’re good to go.