Anyone familiar with both of these?
Im a first season paddler who is looking to replace my Seayak. The Seayak is not too bad, but hopeless when it comes to weathercocking. I would also like a slightly faster, better tracking kayak. Is it easier to roll that would be nice too.

So far my search is narrowed down to the Scorpio and the Aquanaut LV. Both has excellent reputation, especially the Scorpio is exciting (because its newer?) but reports have been suggesting a weathercocking problem there too..Except that, the reports are very very good. The Aquanaut on the other hand a little more boring, but might be a safer bet...

Anyone with first hand experience or just any thoughts at all?

I have nothing to say about either the Scorpio or the Aquanaut. But if you are particularly concerned about weathercocking, I've been pleasantly surprised by the absence of weathercocking of my Epic 16X. My guess is that this circumstance is an unplanned but happy side effect of the somewhat unusual design of the kayak. For more info on the Epic 16X, see the thread a little ways down this "Boats" forum.

I've read good things about both boats but you will only know what works for you by trying each of them.

Looks like it's time for a road trip

The Prijon Seayak has generous beam (24) with no rudder or skeg, while the P&H Scorpio is slim (only 22") but no skeg or rudder. Every boat is a compromise of characteristics. With it's "generous bow rocker" it may be able to turn on a dime, whereas a boat which tracks well in all conditions may need a good lean in order to learn. You may want to consider a boat with a rudder or a skeg. I just bought 5 yr old WS Tempest 170 with a skeg and it tracks really well. Whan I flip up the skeg it turns really well. Depends upon what you want your boat to do. As your skill progresses your needs and wants may also change. Good luck!

OP, what's your height, weight and shoe size.

are you talking about the plastic Argonaut LV compared w. the plastic Scorpio LV? Because the Argonaut LV comes in both plastic and composite. The Scorpio LV is of course the plastic sibling of the glass version, but they differ quite a lot in length.

Generically speaking, the Scorpio LV and the Aquanaut LV are differently sized. The Scorpio LV is sized for smaller paddlers, female or male. the Aquanaut LV is not quite as "LV" as other low volume models and is more for the average sized male. Also, the deck on Scorpio LV is lower than the 'Naut LV, so shoe size does matter.

They differ quite a bit in length, too... 17'1" for the 'naut LV and and 16'5" for the Scorpio LV. Depending on your size and skill, the longer boat might be a handful to horse around in bumpy water. Or, if you have a good motor and technique, the 'Naut LV will be a very rewarding cruiser.

I paddled a Scorpio LV and found it capable and responsive, a good allrounder. Great aggressive thigh braces added to a nice fit. I liked the Cetus LV a lot more, but I admit to a bias for composite boats. They just feel more dynamic in the water to me.

When I sat in an Aquanaut LV (composite) I could tell right away it was oversized for me so I didn't test drive it.

You really do need to demo these boat, esp. on a day w. some wind and chop. Put the marketing aside about what is "new" and "hot" and see what YOU think of them.

Thanks for the replies!
First of all my size: Im pretty everage - 180/80kg (or hopefully less) shoesize 44.

I agree with Katabatic, the Aquanaut LV and Scorpio LV arent comparable, so it is the regular Scorpio I compare with the Valley Aquanaut LV. The Aquanaut LV is still the longer boat.

I guess the bottom line is: How well do I fit into these boats, and their tracking/ weathercocking abilites vs. responsiveness. I probably have a little difficulties comparing the last two, and therefor the topic...
Rolling qualities also count, but I think they are relatively good rollers, both of them...

About composite boats: Maybe composite next year..but then it will be a Tahe Greenland Touring... definately the sexiest kayak are around! But that will be a completely different topic ;-) My first boat will be one to suffer rougher treatment...

OK, at your weight you're good in a fullsized Scorpio, but the Aquanaut LV's weight limit tops out at 150 lbs! Going 30 lbs over that (not incl. clothes and gear) is a lot. You'll be sitting a lot lower in the water and it might affect create a plowing effect when you paddle.

The Aquanaut full size is a big boy boat, for people well over 200 lbs, (240 is not uncommon) so I don't think that's your answer either, esp if you want a fitted boat for bracing and rolling.

Still don't know your height but if your inseam is 44 sounds like you are a tall dude, so that could affect weight distribution.



They are both known for stability, efficiency and goodtracking in all kinds of conditions. Both excellent for skills, incl. rolls.

IMO in the great continuum of kayaks they are more tracky than playful... not said as a bad thing, just where they excel. If you are looking for a playful boat for a man your size these two would not top the list.

Both Corelite (P&H) and the plastic that Valley uses are very strong and durable, better IMO than the plastic used in North American touring boats (ww boats are different). Prijon blowmolded plastic is bomber also (German ingenuity)

Over time, Corelite tends to discolor more than Valley's plastic but the P&H owners I know say this is cosmetic and in no way affects the structural strength.

So you don't need to pamper either of them.


My ultimate thought is whether you like to play or intend to trip (yup a good boat does both, but which will you be doing more of?) If you answer here I could come up w. a few more options. In any case - Widen your list, go forth and demo!

Head to head test here - http://www.canoekayak.co.uk/categories/articleitem.asp?cate=8&topic=24&item=638