Hello all...

I'll try to keep this short. I am 5'10, 200lbs, wanting to get back into paddling after about 10 years out of the sport. My previous experience was in an ( ancient nowadays ) Aquaterra Chinook that I still own, realizing this is not exactly to put it mildly a state of the art or nimble boat at this point.

Funds are a concern to an extent, and I'd like to get a good all around boat to paddle local lakes. Probably not too much overnighting or rivers.

Shopping around, the local dealer has an Eddyline Merlin XT in stock for around $1500, which is a considerable discount from $2200 or so MSRP. Seems like a nice looking boat and I like the construction since I am limited financially to roto boats from what I am seeing.

I'll likely take the Merlin out for a test paddle in the near future, but was curious to see if anyone has experience with this boat. Also, other recommendations welcome. Trying to find that compromise of price and a boat that I can keep a while without outgrowing but also stable enough that it is not beyond my fairly novice level. Considering CD Sirocco, Merlin, Touryak, Valley Aquanaut HV. Have not paddled any of these boats, they all have attraction for one reason or another. I suspect the list will get narrowed as I demo. Just thought the Merlin was kind of a good deal...$1500 range give or take is the budget, and not finding much used around Kansas City.

Thanks for input.

Hi Matt!

Wish you well on your boat search. Eddyline Merlin is a nice boat and so are the others you mentioned.

Please try the CD Kestrel as well. I've had a Kestrel 140 in TCS for 2 years now and have only rave reviews for the boat. The TCS is an extremely durable plastic and light weight as well. The larger cockpit makes getting in and out easy. Spray skirts are available for open water. But most of all is the comfort. I find the seat VERY easy to sit in for long periods of time.

I hope you get to try all the boats on your list. It wonderful that there are so many to choose from. I'm sure you'll find just the right boat for you.

Happy Hunting!

Thanks for the reply.

Hmm...I kind of ruled the Kestrel out because I wanted something a little longer and narrower I think. I'm sure the Kestrel is a fine boat. I think I want to stay over 15 feet minimum, especially in a roto boat where a shorter boat might be a little slow ( perhaps incorrect assumption ). In TCS, the Kestrel is about $300 more than I'd ideally like to spend, but if it was just perfect for me I'd stretch. I think I'd like a little longer Touring boat. The Merlin even was a little on the short side, I thought, but was looking at it as the discount was so big from MSRP. If the Merlin is ruled out, I think I'm gravitating to the Valley Aquanaut Club, or Necky Looksha 17, both of which appeal to different parts of my brain.

Time to put a little seat time in and narrow it down.

Thanks

Matt

My husband paddles a Necky Looksha IV and he has a a tough time with wind. Weathercocks pretty seriously. I started paying attention to this issue after my post about looking at a Looksha that was a GREAT deal. Between the reponses here and paddling.net, I decided against it. He's about your size and loves the resposivness of the boat generally, but gets pretty testy in open water with wind while I'm just scooting along playng in the wind and he's fighting. He MUST use the rudder (I don't even have a rudder)in these circumstances. Even then I have less of a problem turning and manuvering.

Please read the previous post on the Looksha and check out the other resources with reviews as well. They have really helped me decide.

Keeping a spreadsheet on the different boats that I've paddled and my experiences with each boat is helps me remember the different ones I've tried as well.

Guess the main thing is even a great deal isn't much of a deal if you end up "compromising". "Test paddle everything you can and try to keep an open mind," is what my husband keeps telling me.

For me, as I guess for most of us, we all have one boat we enjoy paddling most of the time, mine is the Kestrel. I too am looking for another boat,a touring type kayak, as we want to do more open water, overnighter type paddling. (currently researching the Seaward Chilco. A little longer than I wanted originally but the reviews and specs look good, just need to paddle one now)

I hope this helps.

HappiPaddler I have not been around a Chilco but do have a Seaward Ascente. I am 6'3" and 175 Lbs. The quality of the Seaward boats is very impressive. I love the way the ascente performs for me. Mostly paddle on big lakes. I have had it out in winds gusting to 30 mph with only minor wind cocking and a very good time.

Thanks for the info! I won't have a chance to follow up for a few weeks, but plan on setting up a test paddle if the boat is still available at that time.

Seaward has a nice line of boats with a fine reputation. Don't know off hand if they have anything that would be a good boat for Matt to consider, but I hope he continues to research...so many choices....

Thanks again!