This is big news! A new US manufacturer of premium kayaks. I’m so thrilled to be part of the Mocean Kayaks Team!

Michael and Nancy Carey started the company in 2017 initially wanting to develop thermoformed outrigger canoes as a more affordable entry point into the sport they loved. Michael brought this idea to Tom Derrer, founder and owner of Eddyline, and they hit it off with plans to work together on this project when Michael had completed his design. The hope was that Eddyline would be able to form the parts and Michael would assemble.

A couple years later, the entire industry was on the super cycle of pandemic demand and all Kayak manufacturers were on full tilt and Eddyline was not able to help Michael forward on his project. This is the part of the story I love…

Michael went out and bought his own 20′ oven in Texas and all the machinery needed to do it all himself and begin learning every step of the way. This is no small feat! After a few years and the departure of Eddyline from Washington state, it became clear to Michael that there was probably an appetite for a regional kayak manufacturer. He started working on a kayak design and the Scout was born.

The Scout and Scout XC (open cockpit) are both 12′ long and 29″ wide. What I have found paddling it is that at my weight of 165 lbs, the waterline width is much narrower so it has the feel of a narrower kayak when not loaded. The hard chine with high flare adds width and stability as you load it.

Overview Video of Mocean Scout

With their proximity to the San Juan Islands and the Seattle sound the key feature of double bulkheads has been added to both models. With proper instruction, this allows deep water, safety, and self rescue. The hatches are generous, which is a game changer for weekend overnight adventures. I’m really excited to be able to bring folding chairs, my backpack or guitar and other luxuries that normally wouldn’t fit in a kayak this size.

I’m excited to watch and be part of more models coming out of Mocean kayaking canoe!

(Mocean owner Michael Carey helping out at Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe’s Ultralight Demo Day)

(The crew at Olympic Outdoor Center trying out the Mocean Scout and Scout XC)