Dagger Kayaks - Outperfom

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FAQ's

Q. Can I buy a Dagger boat direct from the factory?

A. No, we do not sell boats factory direct. We rely on the best dealers in the business to make our products available to the public. They can help you decide which boat is best for you and explain color choices, options, etc.

You can look up your nearest dealer on our website by selecting "Dealer Locator" from the menu.
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Q. Are Dagger factory blems or seconds available for me to purchase?

A. Though nearly all of the boats we produce are first quality, an occasional blemish makes it through. These boats are most often made available by our dealers to non-profit organizations such as church groups or Scout troops. Sometimes, dealers request boats of this nature and make them available to the public at a reduced cost. Check with your local Dagger dealer to see if they have any blemished models. You can look up your nearest dealer on our web site. Keep in mind, however, that blems are the exceptions to the rule; you probably won't find one, but if you do, you can save some money.
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Q. Where can I find information on a Dagger boat that is no longer in production?

A. There is a "Discontinued Boats" archive on the Products Page of Dagger.

Q. There is a concave depression in my kayak hull. What can I do about it?

A. This "dip" in the hull is common and natural in many of our whitewater and touring kayaks. It also occurs with age, as boat hulls tend to wear in the seat area. This area under the seat is no less strong than the rest of the boat, but it is less rigid due to the large, flat area. Therefore it can buckle due to temperature fluctuations, pressure from tie down straps, storage conditions, etc. This should not be considered a problem unless you notice an extremely soft or spongy feeling when pressing on this area. The same is also true of dents in the side or chine of the kayak. These are often noticed after the boat is removed from vertical transport on a roof rack. The solution is to set the boat in the direct sun for a couple of hours (preferably in a grassy yard, not on pavement) with the dented area exposed. When the hull heats up it usually reforms itself. You may have to get creative with some weights or braces inside the boat to push the dents back out. This process should be allowed to proceed for at least two hours. In the absence of sun or in the cooler months one foolproof way to not damage your boat and remove a dent is to use water that has been brought to the point of boiling. This will heat the plastic to a soft state without burning or melting it and allow you to push the dent out.
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Q. What is the recommended way to clean and protect my canoe or kayak?

A. Clean your polyethylene kayak with mild soap and water. Use 303 Protectant or a similar plastic protectant to guard against UV rays and to help your boat shine. 303 also works great on Dagger Royalex canoes. For composite boats, you should apply a car wax that is recommended for fiberglass from time to time to protect the finish.
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Q. What is the best setups for whitewater kayak outfitting?

Dagger has spent a considerable amount of its research and development time towards making your kayak as comfortable as possible. Still, there are a number of options available to you which can further enhance comfort and performance according to your specific needs. All Dagger boats will come well equipped and ready to paddle, but in most circumstances, paddlers will choose to increase their boats' performance through custom outfitting. The following are a few suggestions to increase the fit and performance of your Dagger boat.

  • ADHESIVES - In many circumstances, you won't have to glue anything to your boat. However, there are situations where a person prefers extra outfitting to achieve a proper fit or additional comfort. Most contact adhesives are compatible with polyethylene plastic, but make sure, and check to see whether it is waterproof.
  • FLOTATION - For any whitewater use, you should have flotation for your kayak or C-1. Flotation bags come in different sizes and styles depending on your needs and are made to match your boat's volume. Ask your local Dagger dealer which set of flotation bags is right for your boat.
  • PADDLE - Whitewater kayak paddles range from 194 cm to about 208 cm in length. If you are just about 5 feet tall or a bit over, use a paddle in the lower range; naturally, taller people will want a longer paddle. Given variations in torso length, arm length, and boat width, it's a good idea to test different paddle lengths to determine your own personal preference.
  • SPRAYSKIRT - Always paddle with a sprayskirt. The skirt will shed water and greatly facilitates rolling in case of a capsize. Whitewater sprayskirts have different sizes for the paddler's waist and for cockpit sizes. There are also different rands, or skirt edges. See your Dagger dealer for sprayskirt options.
  • K-1 & C-1 CUSTOM FIT KITS - Although most Dagger boats fit better from the start, you may need to outfit your kayak or C-1 with extra padding to get more of a feel for catching those eddies or rolling. Most Fit Kits include hip bolsters and seat pads. Most of these items are also available individually through your local paddling shop.

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Q. What are some repair options and procedures for my Dagger kayak?

A. Although it is unlikely that your Dagger kayak will need repair during its lifetime, it is possible that a hull crack or puncture might occur due to extreme impact or contact with a sharp object. If this happens, first contact Dagger or your Dagger dealer to determine if the damage falls under the boat's warranty. We will need the serial number of your kayak (located on the stern), a good description of the damage (a photograph is very helpful), and a description of the incident during which the damage occurred. All this information will help us to determine the best course of action in getting you back on the water. As an owner of a boat made from polyethylene plastic, one repair option which may be available to you is welding. Polyethylene is recyclable and repairable, unlike many other plastics. Incidents necessitating welding happen to less than one percent of Dagger boats, but if for some reason you should get a crack or hole in your boat, call us at Dagger and we will send you the materials and instructions necessary to return your boat to peak condition. You can reach us at (864) 859-7518 9am - 5 pm EST.
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Q. What is the recommended way to transport my kayak?

A. A roof rack, whether factory installed or an aftermarket product, greatly enhances both security and convenience when transporting your kayak. There are many aftermarket accessories that combine with a roof rack to offer even more convenience and security. The simplest, but not necessarily the most secure solution is to place minicell foam cradles between the boat and the roof, and tie the boat to the roof rack, if so equipped, or through the door openings of vehicles without a roof rack.
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The most secure attachment would come from an aftermarket roof rack and specially made "kayak cradles." This option provides security, convenience, and protection from hull damage. Good results may also be obtained by tying the boat directly to a rack. It is best to at least pad the rack with foam and tie the boat on upside-down to minimize deformation of the hull. In all cases, it is recommended to tie both ends of the boat to the bumpers for extra security. Your Dagger dealer can provide you with any parts and accessories you may need.
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Q. What are some my options for customizing the fit of my Touring Kayak?

  • FLOTATION - For touring kayaks without sealed bulkheads, additional flotation is a must. Bow and stern flotation bags are cut to fit the longer hulls of touring kayaks. Available in storage and regular styles, flotation bags will make you more confident and your outing safer.
  • SPRAYSKIRTS - Always paddle with a sprayskirt, especially in rough conditions. The skirt will shed water and greatly facilitates rolling in case of a capsize. Touring skirts come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but use one based on the conditions in which you expect to paddle, i.e. more waterproof for colder water, and more breathable in warmer conditions.
  • PADDLE - Yes, you will need a paddle. But how long should it be? What about Take Apart Paddles? Blade shapes? Weight? Most of these questions can be answered just by knowing how much you want to spend, but the length of your paddle is more subjective: touring kayak paddles range from 210 cm to about 240 cm in length. If you are just about 5 feet tall or a bit over, use a paddle in the lower range; naturally, taller people will use a longer paddle. Given variations in torso length, arm length, and boat width, it's a good idea to test different paddle lengths to determine your own personal preference.
  • DECK SYSTEMS - Deck Bags provide convenient and secure storage of items. They lash securely to your deck rigging and can be positioned in front of your cockpit or behind it. They provide a handy location for often needed items or for vital emergency gear. Map Cases are also available which protect maps and navigational charts.
  • THIGH BRACES - The addition of thigh braces to your touring kayak will improve boat control and greatly facilitates rolling. Thigh braces used in Dagger whitewater kayaks will fit all Dagger polyethylene touring kayaks with the exception of the Vesper, Seeker, and Apostle.

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Q. How can I retrofit my Dagger touring kayak with bulkheads?

A. Many touring boat manufacturers (including Dagger, until we introduced welded plastic bulkheads) use minicell foam to fabricate bulkheads. This is a fairly inexpensive and effective method of retrofitting bulkheads in a boat that didn't originally come with them. For current models, simply ask your dealer to order the respective pre-cut minicell bulkhead(s) from us. For discontinued models, you can fabricate bulkheads from 3" minicell foam. (Also available from your dealer. Start with a chunk of foam slightly larger than the area of the boat where you plan to install the bulkhead. Shape it with a serrated knife and a shaping tool (Dragonskin works well) until it fits snugly. Start removing foam gradually, test fit, and keep removing foam until it's just right. The better the fit, the drier your seal will be. Once it's the right shape, place it and seal both sides with a bead of Lexel, or a similar silicon sealant. If possible pull up the edges a bit to get some of the sealant between the foam and the hull.
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Q. How should I maintain my touring kayak?

A. With preventive and seasonal maintenance your Dagger touring kayak will last through many seasons of hard use. Before heading out, look over all of the shock cord and static lines. If any are too loose or frayed, replace accordingly. Check to see that the footbraces adjust easily and aren't jammed with sand. If they are, remove the pedals and use a small scrub brush and a garden hose to remove the grit. If you have a boat with a rudder or skeg, check to make sure that all the moving parts are not binding. Clean by scrubbing away grit and then by coating the parts with a silicone-based lubricant. A water-based UV protectant such as 303 will keep your boat shiny and safe from the sun.
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Q. I am trying to register my boat but I can't find the serial number. Can you help me?

A. On Dagger kayaks (and rotomolded canoes), the serial number is located near the stern (rear) of the boat, generally engraved in an indention on the right side of the deck. On canoes, it is engraved on a brass plate on the right side of the hull near the stern.
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Website Disclaimer

Please contact customer service if you have any questions on information posted on this site. Please read our site disclaimer below for additional information on the information contained on this website.

The content on this site is provided with the understanding that Dagger is not engaged in rendering professional advice and services to the user. All content is provided "as is," without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including, without limitation, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Dagger makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the ownership, accuracy, or adequecy of the site content. Dagger shall have no liability or responsibility for any information published on linked web sites, contained in any content published on the site, or provided by third parties. Dagger shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages or for lost revenue or profits, whether or not advised of the possibility of such damages or losses and regardless of the theory of liability.

Q. How do I process a warranty claim? What is Dagger's warranty policy?

A. Unfortunately, situations occasionally arise when a Dagger boat fails to live up to our incredibly high standards. Most Daggers live for a very long time - the ones that get retired early are usually victims of abuse, neglect, or accident. Paddling is risky for both paddler and gear. People who paddle should expect to replace some equipment periodically. Every once in a while, however, a boat makes it through our plant with a manufacturing defect that justifies a warranty. If you have a problem with a Dagger boat that could possibly be considered a warranty issue, consider the following points before pursuing it as such:

- For your warranty to be active, the warranty card must have been complete
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