Max Weight Capacity - Killer Kayaks!

Dagger Axis 12 – Sharp Handling Kayaking Experience?

Acquiring a reliable kayak is every water lover’s dream. As such, experienced kayakers will always run for functionality rather than brand. And that is where the Dagger Axis 12.0 kayak comes in. Its manufacturer, Confluence Outdoors, has specialized in the production of polyethylene kayak models.

Like most other handy kayaks, the Axis has very little to offer in the way of aesthetics. Yet beyond aesthetics, it carries a punch and is able to handle various weight types quite well. This is what makes it a kayak worth taking a look at, which we will do in this Dagger Axis 12 review.

For other options, check out our Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS review here.

How Strong is the Frame of the Dagger Axis 12?

The Dagger Axis 12 is made of rotomolded polyethylene, which makes it very light to carry and easy to maneuver in calm waters. In rough waters, it requires a steady pair of hands. The sit-in kayak measures 12 feet in length and has a width of 27.5 inches, which compliments its length to provide the vessel with more stability. The round hard-shelled hull is sturdily built and interspersed with the cockpit’s coaming, hatches and handle joints.

The kayak’s formulation is meant to provide it with water cutting abilities. It has a prominent front overhang, and the bow area is more raised than the stern area. On flat ground, the Axis 12 might seem more horizontally shaped, but once in the water, the sheer lines become more raised on the bow.

Fully rigged, the kayak weighs only 55 pounds, and this solo vessel can carry up to 350 pounds, which is way above the weight of the average kayaker, plus some essential gear.

The Dagger Axis 12 has a considerably wider cockpit than other kayaks, which allows for ease of entry and relaxed maneuverability. The cockpit area alone makes it a kayak worth considering for new, as well as experienced paddlers.

The inner cockpit area is also quite roomy, with a length of 38 inches, catering for most kayakers with their legs fully outstretched. If you are one who doesn’t experience the joy of getting sprayed with water, the coaming on the Dagger Axis 12 is capable of accommodating spray skirts quite well.

Dagger Axis 12 Kayak Features

In the way of comfort, you will get a ConTour CFS-R Seating System, which will supplement your paddling needs quite well. The system is composed of a foam padded base seat and backrest. The adjustable backrest allows for optimal spinal support and comfortable seating positions.

Additionally, the seat comes with a leg lifter to ensure maximum support to the legs, whether slightly arched or fully stretched. Needless to say, the seating is specially formulated for both recreational and sporting activities.

While we’re still taking about comfort, the Dagger Axis 12 comes equipped with ConTour knee pads in place to protect your knees from injury during rough water maneuvers. The knee pads can be readjusted to work as thigh pads too. Should you need more, you can also get an additional pair of thigh braces to create more stability during paddling.

Carrying your kayak to and from the water is easy. There are two soft touch handles that are easy to grasp, and they are located on both ends of the boat. With its low weight and the easy to grip handles, you will not feel the Dagger Axis 12 drag as you carry it.

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The TruTrak Adjustable Skeg System is on hand to aid in the way of stability and tracking. The retractable skeg can be pulled up whenever one does not wish to use it. To control it, you would use the adjustable slide lock XL foot braces that are provided on the kayak.

Storage Space!

If you fear water leaks, you needn’t worry about any water getting into the Dagger Axis kayak cockpit. Separating the hull and the cockpit from the stern hatch is a stern bulkhead. The stern bulkhead ensures that water does not seep into the cockpit area via the hatch or the molded-in storage area.

The Dagger Axis 12.0 kayak has only one hatch, and that is the stern hatch. It is conveniently located close to the paddler’s seat. This enhances easy retrieval and storage of items placed inside the hatch. Close to the stern deck is a molded-in storage area. The area can hold small items that you might need right away, and it is secured by bungee cords.

The bow section also has another molded-in storage portion. The mesh deck covered storage point is a vantage storage area for things that one might not require immediately. Here you can store supplies and emergency equipment, and it too is secured by bungee stretch cords.

An extra paddle would help, should you lose your primary paddle in rough waters. For that reason, the Dagger Axis 12 has a paddle park where you can place an extra set of paddles. You should always be prepared for the fact that you might lose your grip on the paddle you are using, especially in rapids.

Pros

Easy to use for all users, from inexperienced to experienced kayakers
A spacious cockpit
Comes with a skeg that enhances tracking abilities
Versatile enough to use on various bodies of water
Light enough to carry and transport
Comfortable, adjustable foam seating makes it good for long expeditions

Cons

The Dagger Axis 12 has little to offer in the way of storage space
Like most other PVC vessels, it requires lots of storage care
Might not be as robust, as its manufacturers claim, due to the material
The inability to accommodate motors slackens its speed
Lack of fishing rod holders makes it more of a recreational kayak

Dagger Axis Kayak Review Conclusion

At the core, kayaking is about fun, but serious kayakers require more functional kayaks, like the Dagger Mamba Creeker. The Dagger Axis 12.0 is not the most functional vessel one would expect to find on the market. Nonetheless, at its price, it is still a good bargain.

Check out the Dagger Axis 12 kayak on Amazon!

If you are searching for a serious kayaking experience, this is a kayak you might want to pass over. If you are going for a more recreational kayak with a touch of functionality, and maybe using it for family trips, then the Dagger Axis 12 will definitely serve the purpose.

All in all, it is a reliable kayak with minor shortcomings that can be overlooked, especially if you are just starting out.

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 – A Reliable Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak?

From a company that has specialized in the manufacture of small lightweight water vessels, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is a masterpiece worth reviewing. It is not majorly superior to others, and to an untrained eye, it is as casual as almost any other common fishing kayak.

To the trained eye, however, there is a little bit more to it than what is seen at first glance. For that reason, whether you are a fully skilled or trainee kayaker, you need to read through this Sun Dolphin Journey 12 review.

Check out our list of top 5 Sun Dolphin Bali Kayaks!

Framing Construction of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is a 12-foot long, rigid, high-density polyethylene kayak specially formulated for this brand. The Fortiflex material gives the boat high UV resistant qualities. It also gifts the deck of the boat with anti-scratch and anti-crack qualities, which are crucial, especially when kayaking in rough waters.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 on Amazon!

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12’s length, combined with its 29.5-inch width, augments its spear-like shape, enhancing the ability of the boat to cut through the water with very little challenge. This sit-on-top kayak’s height comes to about 14 inches, which will serve the user quite well in rough waters while avoiding unnecessary water splashes into the boat’s cockpit.

This fishing-tailored kayak is also considerably light due to its material and minimalistic rigging. At just 48 pounds, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is quite an easy fit for all levels of kayakers to contemplate using. For color diversity, you will get the kayak in two colors, olive and sand. This makes it especially easy for the user to blend in if they’re fishing in murky water.

For its overall build outlook, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 maintains a simple deck streamline. It has an almost horizontal lining all through it from the aft to the stern. The aft and stern overhangs are also not overly done, which creates stability, even for an inexperienced pair of hands.

Check out our information analysis on the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS kayak here.

The deck curves into a well-planned cockpit area. Regrettably, the cockpit area does not embrace an extra lining of cushion, which can become a little uncomfortable, especially after a long period under the sun.

Features of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 Kayak

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS has a nice pair of tough thread nylon handles, fitted with a cushy rubber grip to prevent injury during tows and carrying. The pair of handles, contained on top of the fore and stern deck areas, are retractable.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 on Amazon!

This solo vessel is capable of accommodating up to 395 pounds, which is a very good standard for almost all sizes of kayakers. This also makes it suitable for long fishing expeditions. To top up the wide range usability feature, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 has simple, but comfy form seats.

The standard seat fits well within the wide cockpit to allow for easy maneuvering. However, there are a few people that may find the standard seats to be a little uncomfortable. Unfortunately, you’d have to buy seat pads at an extra cost, if you’re going on day trips.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem Kayak here.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 on Amazon!

Apart from the comfort offered by the open cockpit, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 also comes with thigh pads. These pads are a plus, especially for people who tend to suffer from muscle pulls due to having their legs in such a prone position for long periods.

Adjustable foot braces will keep your legs in place for whichever water conditions you want to experience. The braces have a significantly long tweak, making them capable of accommodating various ranges of leg lengths.

Storage

True lovers of fishing kayaks start with the storage space, then aim for the aesthetics. The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is not at the top when it comes to storage space, but it has enough for an ordinary catch. There are two storage areas, the first being a dry storage compartment. Located on the fore deck of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12, it offers space to carry a few essential items for a good ride. A molded-in front bungee compartment works as an alternative spot for the storage of ‘easy-access’ items such as nets and bags.

The stern of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS, on the other hand, contains a portable accessory carrier, which can be used as an extra storage container. In order to ensure that you do not lose your items, both the aft and stern deck regions are retrofitted with tough elastic shock cords. These cords are stretchy enough to allow for the pulling of bags in the bungee sections and the removal of the PAC too.

As a fishing kayak, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 has two flush-mounted fishing rod holders. These rod holders are strategically placed just behind the kayaker’s seat. This makes it convenient for the kayaker to adjust the fishing reels.

The center cockpit area features a nifty swivel fishing rod holder, which goes a long way in making the fishing experience more pleasurable. The positioning of the swivel rod holder is the single most innovative thing the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 carries.

Pros

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is light enough for one person to carry
Cheaper than most kayaks offering the same functionality
Easily stabilizes in rough weather
Ideal for beginners, as we’ve alread learned in this Sun Dolphin Journey 12 review
Addition of a P.A.C creates extra storage space

Cons

Blatant lack of hatches takes away from its ‘fishing capable’ feature
Material can be brittle, so no dragging it on the ground during storage and transportation
Seating is not suitable for all users, so extra pads might need to be purchased

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 Review Conclusion

There is on thing about Sun Dolphin models that never sits well with most buyers, and that is the material. Lightweight as they come, they always seem to suffer the problem of brittleness. However, that is a problem that is also reflected in a good number of polyethylene kayaks.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 on Amazon!

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS is still a good vessel to fish in, and one that a newbie can learn to kayak in. If you are graduating from total inexperience in kayaking to a beginner’s level, this boat is one that you should consider looking at.

Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl – Considerable Improvement Over Previous RL Models?

Sea Eagle Boats has made a name for itself in the inflatable boats market niche. A lot can be written about the company’s keen attention to the quality of its boats without specifically zeroing in on any particular model.

The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl review below seeks to concentrate on this lightweight tandem kayak as one very competent boat, both in sight and functionality.

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl Frame

For starters, this kayak is space-centric, like most of the best kayaks on the market. Measuring at a length of 15’6″, the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473 rl inflatable kayak is long enough for tactile functioning. Its width of 2’6″ gives it a narrow build which enhances its bullet shape. Those two factors are good enough to make the boat cut through water more efficiently than other kayaks within the same category.

[Check out our other Sea Eagle articles here: Sea Eagle 370, Sea Eagle Fast Track Tandem, and Sea Eagle Stealth Stalker.]

Important to point out are the tough plastic molds that make Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl’s stern and bow. The good thing about having such a build is the fact that you can be sure that those rocky spots won’t cause you any worries. Additionally, the double concave build on both of the molds gives both of them a heightened water cutting ability which is commendable for an inflatable kayak.

One good thing about inflatable kayaks is their lightweight attribute. The 1000 denier material (quite tough) does not betray the boat’s lightweight nature. The drop stitch technology also makes the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl very tensile. The 3 chambered body is composed of the starboard, floor, and the side hull.

All this leaves the inflated boat’s hull weight at just 43 lbs, which is light enough for one person to carry it. In conjunction with the boat’s build, this helps to increase the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl’s ability to maneuver through the water. For your air needs, the kayak’s hull holds three air valves, one for each chamber.

The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473 rl inflatable kayak interior is as clean and spacious as you would expect of a respectable vessel. Made of the same materials as the exterior, the interior space measures 14’10” x 21″. The space on this kayak is enough for the accommodation of up to two people.

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

The interior tubing is quite thick too, to make sure that the boat’s occupants do not suffer the cold effects of the surrounding water. Gauging 10″ high and 4″ thick, you are well covered. To provide further protection from the water, the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl also comes with bow and stern spray skirts.

Check out our list of the best kayaks of the year here.

How handy is this kayak? It comes with two drain valves, which renders it way better than most other kayaks, which hold only one drain valve. Sea Eagle does not boast about it, but the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl’s straight hull build provides it with almost the same build reflex found in rigid non-inflatables.

For extra stability, you get yourself a nice slide-in skeg. However, the Razorlite lacks its own pair of rudders or motors to warrant the handy skeg it comes with. However, it fits in well with providing anchorage for those downwind and upwind movements. For portability purposes, the boat comes with a comfortable pair of handles.

Features of the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl

The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl has one of the most comfortable seating spots available for inflatables. The high back thermal molded foam seats are decent for both long and short kayaking experiences. Moreover, they support rigorous back movements during paddling.

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

The seats are tied down to the kayak’s floor using a tie down seat strap. The straps are attached to a set of D rings, which are in turn are retrofitted to the kayak’s interior sides. The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl can be used in both tandem and solo forms.

For the solo form, you only need to position the seat within the middle-most point and tie it to the middle D-Rings.

For enhanced comfort during paddling, the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl comes equipped with two parts of removable footrests. The footrests are also adjustable to allow for all leg lengths and comfy positioning. Paddling, on the other hand, is expected to be very easy on this kayak. Two standard detachable spoon paddles come as part of the package. Each spoon paddle is composed of two asymmetrical blades and two shaft rods, which are joined using interlock mechanism screws.

The shafts of the paddles have feather holes on them which reduce the effect of the wind on your paddles, even as your struggle with the water. This makes the paddles good enough for speeds of up to 6 MPH. The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl derives its carbon tag from the use of the lightweight carbon fiber build of its paddles. As such, you can get an idea of how much the paddles are instrumental in the kayak’s full functionality.

A standard feature also is the availability of a hand pump. The hand pump, we have to admit, is not the best on the market. The addition of a foot pump would have gone a long way in making it more handy. Nevertheless, this minor setback is offset by other factors.

The boat’s build allows for a faster inflation. The one-way valves make it easy to pump air into the kayak no matter how ineffective the pump is. The mesh material of the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl’s hull also makes it quite handy when it comes to air filling.

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

Those factors give the boat an 8 min setup ability. Should you feel that your hands can’t do with the hand pump, you can get yourself a Sea Eagle BP 12 electric pump, with a car rechargeable battery. It should be pointed out though, that high-pressure air compressors should not be used on the RazorLite.

Apart from the the areas mentioned above, the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl also comes with a backpack carry bag and a repair kit. The all purpose carry bag not only accommodates the deflated 30″ x 19″ x 9″ hull, but also carries any extra pieces of the boat within it. The repair kit, on the other hand, is composed of a strong adhesive, prick needle and PVC patches and is only meant for minor repairs.

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

Storage Space in the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473

For storage purposes, the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl does not feature any hull attached hatches. The seats, though, have their own pairs of storage pouches at the back. These zipped storage pouches do not account for much in term of space, but they can be used to carry a few necessary items such as first aid essentials, a flash light, sunscreen tubes and your repair kits.

For other items such as rod holders and hatches, you might need to seek different alternatives.

Pros

The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl is very light and easy to maneuver
NMMA certified, which is proof of its adherence to safety standards
Quite easy to setup, about 8 minutes
Swept Back Rear Skeg, which can be removed
Backpack carry bag
10 psi inflation pressure
750 pound load capacity
2 AB40 paddles included

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

Cons

Lacks sufficient storage to make it an angling or long trip vessel
Sleek build may prove challenging to use

Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl Review Conclusion

The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl Pro Carbon Kayak has a lot going for it in terms of speed and sharpness. Its lack of storage is not a good enough reason for you to ignore it. Looking at the high number of customers who have praised it, there is little that they don’t like.

In this Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl review, we have learned that this inflatable kayak is very strong, is NMMA certified, quick to set up, holds more air than other kayaks for rigidity, and cuts through the water effortlessly. This is the perfect kayak for a day trip

Ancheer Inflatable Boat – Game Changing Roomy & Comfortable Raft?

For water lovers who need a wider space, adventure dinghies should be your vessel of choice. A boat that is quick to assemble, such as this Ancheer inflatable boat, is a heaven sent opportunity. The Ancheer Inflatable Boat has also made its mark as a good emergency boat for cruise ships and yachts, and for good reasons.

If you know anything about assembling boats, then you have to know that deciphering the parts that compose a fully rigged boat is key. This raft passes the test in regards to that particular challenge, as you will find out in this Ancheer inflatable boat review.

The Ancheer Inflatable Boat Frame

The Ancheer’s four-chambered PVC hull is as good as any dependable boat should be. The 0.9 mm material on the triple layered hull is not only tough, but is also UV, puncture, stain and oil resistant. There are a good number of two and three-chambered rafts but the Ancheer inflatable dinghy has four chambers that accommodate a pressure of 3.6 PSI.

Check out the Ancheer Inflatable Boat on Amazon!

Three of the chambers are independent, allowing for the boat to provide continuous support to its users even after one chamber has been punctured and deflated. Each chamber is equipped with its own one-way valves, increasing air retention during pumping.

Check out our best inflatable kayaks here!

Measuring 7.55′ x 4.13″, the Ancheer Inflatable Boat shores up enough space to support 2 people, but the 10.8′ model can hold 4-5 adults or a weight of up to 880 pounds. However, for a smooth ride in this sized model, it is recommended that you restrict the number to three grown ups.

At the rear end of the boat, there is a pontoon that aids in stability. The pontoon maintains the boat’s balance without exposing the user to extraneous listing conditions.

To increase the user’s stability, the Ancheer Inflatable Boat comes with aluminum flooring, and although its use is not necessary, it is advised that you use it.

Apart from providing you with secure footing, the aluminum floors will give your boat a solid deck. The good thing with the aluminum flooring is that they are way easier to assemble than most other boats that come with the choice of an alternative floor. It also acts as an anchor for your fuel tank and battery box.

Commendably, the Ancheer Inflatable Boat is fitted with a reinforced transom for the addition of an outboard motor. This ensures that, should you feel the need to have a swift water ride, you will be set.

When it comes to transporting the Ancheer, this vessel’s hull is retrofitted with D rings which allow for the addition of towing ropes. Lifting and transporting the boat out of and into the water should not be hard either. The Ancheer Inflatable Boat’s sides are fitted with two pairs of comfortable plastic grip handles, a pair on each side.

For additional stability, the Ancheer Inflatable Boat provides a 360 degree crash barrier to protect you in the case that you have an accident. The barrier is nicely done, fitting well with the rest of the hull without reducing its function. Life lines on the side of the boat come in handy for those accidental slips into the water.

Meanwhile, at the furthest stern of your cockpit, just below the transom, there is a drain valve to let out water from the cockpit’s floor. The Ancheer inflatable boat has a backward slant that helps ensure that the water is let out naturally.

Check out the Ancheer Inflatable Boat on Amazon!

Bold Features of the Ancheer Inflatable Boat

Fully rigged, the Ancheer Inflatable Boat has a load capacity of anywhere from 616-880 pounds, depending on the size of the boat. That weight includes the motor, passengers, and luggage. If you want to bring your family out, then the 10.8′ dinghy would be a better choice than the 7.55′.

The Ancheer Inflatable Boat’s seating arrangement is not very appealing. With two backless aluminum benches, it could get uncomfortable if you have back issues. However, it is because of the aluminum benches that the boat can retain its lightweight structure.

To hold the two benches (the word ‘bench’ does not fit well with boats) in place, the boat has two pairs of fabric deck holders. This arrangement gives the boat a very casual look. If you are alone on the Ancheer Inflatable Boat, you can remove one the bench for more room. Moreover, you can even choose to do away with both benches and sit on the floor for a more athletic rowing stance.

Speaking of rowing, the Ancheer Inflatable Boat comes with two handy aluminum oars. The oars are lightweight enough to float on water, so if you lose your grip, you can still recover them fast. Nonetheless, the chance of losing the oars is almost nil, not with the hull-fitted oar locks on the boat. Whenever you are not using them, you can let them rest in place. To make sure that the oars do not fall while resting, there are two firm oar holders on either side of the boat.

Check out the Ancheer Inflatable Boat on Amazon!

With the purchase of the Ancheer Inflatable Boat, the first thing you get is a reliable foot pump. With this cool pump, you do not have to tire out your arms. Spare that energy for the rowing. The boat also comes with a sufficiently spaced fabric and nylon carry bag. So when you feel you’ve had enough for the day, just deflate your boat, pack and leave.

In addition to all that’s mentioned in this Ancheer inflatable boat review, you also get a repair kit to handle those little punctures. Underline the word ‘little’ because for more serious rips, it is highly advised that you send your boat back to the manufacturer. Nevertheless, considering the tough material, you are not likely to get to that point anytime soon.

Plenty of Storage in the Ancheer Dinghy?

In terms of storage, Ancheer Inflatable raft has very little to write home about, with no hatches or rod holders. This is rather understandable, because the boat is not inherently built as a fishing or long trip vessel. Do not fret though, because the dinghy’s open cockpit floor can act as a wide ranged space for equipment, bags, and gear.

With so much discussed, we have summarized everything into the next pros & cons when it comes to the Ancheer inflatable boat. Here you go:

Pros

Multiple-capacity larger model makes it an interesting boat to have
Can be used on both fresh and salt water
Easy to assemble with an easy to understand manual
Stress-free maneuverability

Check out the Ancheer Inflatable Boat on Amazon!

Cons

Seating benches might not offer the best boating experience
Quite bulky for two people to carry
Lack of storage space with more passengers

Ancheer Inflatable Boat Review Conclusion

The Ancheer Inflatable Boat is a respectable functional raft. If you’re looking for a fishing kayak, this boat should be at the bottom of your list. There are better inflatables for that. However, if you are the Saturday afternoon drift type of person, this is an idyllic choice.

Check out the Ancheer Inflatable Boat on Amazon!

For large yacht and small cruiser owners, the Ancheer is a convenient, sturdy emergency dinghy. Go ahead and compare it against other inflatable rafts and see if it fits your needs.

Pelican Unison 136T Kayak – Surprisingly Comfortable Tandem Ride?

The Pelican Unison 136T kayak is a premium watercraft made by Pelican, which has some great features and design qualities. Pelican is a renowned manufacturer that has produced many quality products in the industry. With this background, there is a lot of expectation for this watercraft, considering that the market is saturated with good options. The watercraft borrows heavily from various design aspects of previous products by the same company.

However, the 136T is out of stock which is why we are recommending another kayak that fares better than what this review was dedicated to:

Superior Choice

Driftsun Teton Tandem Kayak

$1,499.00

The Driftsun Teton is superior to the Pelican 136T, has accumulated excellent reviews, and was tested by one of our staff, making it an amazing replacement.

Check Out Price On Amazon Now

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05/18/2024 07:06 am GMT

Most boats made by Pelican are aimed at a specific niche of users who want to get the best value out of an affordable product. The same principle seems to be the idea behind the manufacture of the Pelican Unison 136T kayak. There are many other things that give this kayak its character. While it does not fall short of features, the main determinant of the real value of the Pelican Unison 136T kayak is the user experience. Any good product needs to have a careful balance of features and user value.

With such huge clout behind it, will the Pelican Unison 136 tandem manage to impress? We will find out shortly when we analyze this watercraft in detail. Since there are many different things to explore with this kayak, we will look at its frame, features, storage options and a number of benefits the kayak offers. Any disadvantages will also be listed in the following comprehensive Pelican Unision 136T review.

Frame

Starting off with the frame, the Pelican Unison 136T kayak is made of Ram-X Premium, which is mulitple layers of polyethylene treated with a high quality resin to be more rigid than regular polyethylene. There are many advantages with this kind of plastic, but it is most preferred because it is strong but lightweight.

Because of these qualities, the Pelican Unison 136T tandem kayak is built for great performance and durability.

When it comes to the dimensions of the Pelican Unison 136T kayak, the total length of the frame is 13’6” and the beam is 31.75″. With this length, the watercraft is not difficult to maneuver in the water. The cockpits are 102″ long and 26″ wide.

In terms of capacity, it is able to carry a load of 500 pounds. That simply translates to two adults and a reasonable amount of gear, or option 3 at the end of this Pelican Unision 136T review. Not many tandem kayaks have such specifications without an off-putting price.

Looking at the exterior of the Pelican Unison 136T kayak, you get to see a well-designed hull bottom. This is typical of modern watercrafts that are specifically designed to optimize speed and reduce drag. It is also streamlined for maximum strength in the water, and the frame can be described as modern and improved. The obvious design language of traditional Pelican watercrafts included in this boat goes a long way to give users an assurance of great performance.

Pelican Unison 136T Kayak Features

Superior Choice

Driftsun Teton Tandem Kayak

$1,499.00

The Driftsun Teton is superior to the Pelican 136T, has accumulated excellent reviews, and was tested by one of our staff, making it an amazing replacement.

Check Out Price On Amazon Now

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05/18/2024 07:06 am GMT

There are many features that come with the Pelican Unison 136T kayak. The first main feature of the kayak is a multi-chine, flat-bottom hull design that is constructed for stability. This feature is created from a modern machine-aided design for optimization of speed and reduction of drag. There are handles at both the front and back for easy transportation. In addition, you get a spacious cockpit that is well-designed to give you ample room to move around.

The Pelican Unison 136T kayak comes with seats which feature ERGOfit seating for comfort. They are also adjustable for various heights. The backrest of both seats are built creatively to ensure decent support, which is thoughtful for a tandem boat. There is enough space for a bottle holder for each paddler on the deck of each cockpit. An open compartment for each paddler is also available, as well as a 4″ day hatch in the middle for additional storage.

In terms of functionality, there is a tie-down mechanism included for securing paddles at the sides of the Pelican Unison 136T tandem kayak. The bungees fitted in the bow are great for securing paraphernalia at the front. Comfort features like the adjustable foot pegs for sufficient stability when paddling are not left out. There are a number of other minor features which only serve to make the Pelican Unison 136T kayak a unique product.

Storage Space in the Pelican Unison 136T Kayak

The Pelican Unison 136 tandem features a number of storage options. Starting off with the small storage areas, there is a drink holder available for each paddler, as well as a 4″ day hatch in the middle. You can store your keys and possibly a cell phone in there, or other smaller items. The main storage for the boat, however, is the water resistant storage at the rear. This hatch is big and capable of holding up to 60 liters of water.

It is quite a welcomed addition that the storage on the Pelican Unison 136T tandem kayak features a quick-lock mechanism. Its location in the stern is also advantageous as it can hold all of your important gear.

Other storage options include the various tie-downs for securing gear. These storage options are quite sufficient for a tandem kayak, especially for a day trip. More storage would be made available to the paddler who decides to use the boat as a single-person watercraft.

Superior Choice

Driftsun Teton Tandem Kayak

$1,499.00

The Driftsun Teton is superior to the Pelican 136T, has accumulated excellent reviews, and was tested by one of our staff, making it an amazing replacement.

Check Out Price On Amazon Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

05/18/2024 07:06 am GMT

Pros

Easy to transport, with handles at both the front and back
Modern hull design that gives it stability in the water
Great performance, due to its sturdy construction
Multiple comfort features in the backrest and footrest
Storage options are sufficient for day trips
The Pelican Unison 136T kayak is affordable
Lightweight, weighing 67.4 pounds
Great for taller people

Cons

Tracking might be difficult for beginners, as there is no rudder
Width might make quick turns more difficult
The Pelican Unison 136T kayak’s storage is not great for overnight trips
Can’t be disassembled for easier storage

Pelican Unision 136T Review Conclusion

The Pelican Unison 136T kayak is a unique watercraft made with the great features of other Pelican models. The Unison is roomy for both paddlers, has adjustable footrests, and it is extra sturdy because of the company’s Ram-X Premium construction. There is also the multi-chine flat bottomed hull that adds stability and improves tracking, staying flat on land while loading gear onto the kayak.

Since it is optimized for great performance, the Pelican Unison 136T kayak is a decent option for tandem kayakers. There’s so much room in each cockpit, you can take your dog out with you if you’re going solo! They can be completely comfortable and stretch out while they enjoy the ride.