Pelican, a Canadian kayak company has been creating and designing a wide range of self-powered watercraft for more than 50 years.
Their boats are mostly considered recreational. These fishing kayaks offer maximum stability and maneuverability, making them a good choice for casual and inexperienced paddlers.
There are also high-quality, affordable angling kayaks available that offer the same stability and customization options.
These Pelican kayak reviews will give you an overview of each category, as well as a small selection of high-performing models. We’ll also show you our top-rated Pelican kayaks in each category, and how they compare to the rest.
Pelican kayaks reviewed customers are always top-notch as the boats are really great.
Table of Contents
Types Of Pelican Kayaks
Fishing
Fishing models have been designed with stability in mind. They are sturdy and wide vessels that allow for plenty of space to maneuver.
Some models have enough stability to allow you to stand and cast comfortably. You can customize your fishing platform with many options.
Recreational kayak
These recreational designs are easy to use and more accessible than traditional models.
They are not built for maximum performance and can easily be thrown off course by wind and choppy waves. This fishing kayak can be used as a great introduction to kayaking and are often cheaper.
Tandem
Tandem kayaks come in a sit-in or sit-on-top models. They are faster and more trackable because of their long keel.
It is more difficult to transport and store because of the extra weight and length.
Children
Children may find it difficult to paddle traditional Pelican kayaks due to their weight and width.
Pelican created a line of kayaks specifically for young paddlers to fill that void. These boats are much smaller, making them easier to maneuver and handle.
Stability has been given a high priority for safety reasons. They are not very efficient, but they offer a great introduction to the sport.
Performance
Pelican’s premium kayaks are designed to make your boat run faster and more efficiently.
Although the stability is not as strong as models for recreational or fishing, it makes them more responsive and responsive to paddlers’ movements.
These models are more expensive than recreational models, and they are best for experienced kayakers who are passionate about the sport.
Types of pleasure kayaks. Sit-In top or sit-on-top kayak?
Pelican recreational kayaks can be divided into two categories: Sit-in (sitting inside the kayak) and Sit-ON-Top (sitting on a kayak, open kayak). The global difference between these kayaks is the center of gravity. In kayaks with an internal fit, the rower’s center of weight is below the water level or, at most, at the water level. In top-seated kayaks, the center of weight is always above the water level. In this regard, with equal length and width of boats, a kayak with an internal landing will be more resistant to capsizing than a kayak with an upper landing.
Fun Sit-In Water Recreation Kayak is great for the beach season as well as fishing since all the gear will be close at hand. An easy-to-handle kayak, from which you can dangle your legs into the water at any time, jump for a swim and just as easily climb back.
Sit-On kayaks are faster and much warmer than their counterparts. A double tourist kayak for family vacations, as well as a tourist kayak single, has the advantage of a huge space for equipment inside the boat hull, the possibility of installing an additional child seat, and excellent streamlining.
How to Choose the Right Pelican Kayak
Where to paddle
It is important to consider where you plan to do most of your kayaking so that affordable kayaks are close at hand.
Pelican Kayaks of a recreational or cheaper design perform well in calm, protected waters. Many of these kayaks can become dangerous or outright dangerous when they are in turbulent waters.
You can save money if you only plan to paddle on calm and protected waters.
If you are looking for more versatility, then consider purchasing a Pelican kayak that is higher-end and more durable.
Sit-In vs. Sit-On-Top
These two types of design have their pros and cons. Sit-in kayaks feature a “cockpit”, where the paddler sits inside the boat.
This lowers your center of gravity and improves stability. To prevent rain and splashing waves from flooding the cockpit, a spray skirt can also be used.
Sit-on-top kayak models offer more space and are easier to access because there is no cockpit. This design is more suitable for those who value legroom and have limited mobility.
Sit-on-top models offer greater stability because they are higher than the water. These models are best for warm water environments as there is no way to protect you from rain and splashing water.
Solo Or Tandem
Although it is possible to paddle a tandem solo, the experience can be tiring and physically challenging.
Tandems can be nearly impossible to transport on your own because they are heavier and longer.
It may be a good idea to buy two singles if you anticipate that you will need to paddle solo or tandem.
Extra Features
Many Pelican kayaks have extra features that are specific to one activity depending on their design and model.
A paddle is an example of basic gear that some entry-level boats include. Inflatable kayaks come usually with a pump and a bag.
A host of accessories make the fishing kayak easier to use. To keep your gear safe, make sure you have multiple rod holders and a paddle holder. You can customize your pelican kayak with “Gear Tracks”.
Many pelican kayaks with scupper holes are available to sit inside the kayak. This allows water to drain from the fishing kayak, but not enter it. These holes can be blocked with scupper plugs in rough water.
Best Pelican Kayak reviews
Best Kayak For Beginners: Maxim 100x
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Maxim 100x’s multi-chine hull provides the stability newcomers need. Although the boat is stable underneath, nervous paddlers might find the primary stability of the Maxim 100x a bit tippy, especially when there’s just a little wind.
The Maxim can be enjoyed in calm waters, as tides and wind can easily cause it to drift off course.
- With seat cushions and fully adjustable foot and backrests
- It weighs in at 39 pounds and is only 10 feet long, making it easy to transport.
- Its sleek design makes it more efficient than other recreational pelican kayaks
Best Budget Fishing Kayak: Mustang 100
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The majority of angling kayaks can be heavy and cumbersome, but the Mustang 100 weighs in at 39 pounds and is ten feet long.
The hull, like most pelican kayaks, is designed for stability. However, it tracks well due to its short length.
There are not many customization options available for this fishing kayak, unlike more expensive ones.
- For superior comfort, mold footrests, and seatback
- Secured with bungee cords, watertight bow storage hatches, and open-air storage space for stern
- It is small and open, which limits its ability to reach calm waters and mellow rivers.
Best Fishing Kayak: Catch 120
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Catch 120 is a stable pelican kayak for angling, and it’s a class that is dominated by stable fishing boats.
You have some customization options, including an accessory “eyelet”, which allows you to install a fishfinder.
- Comfortable and adjustable seat, with two height settings
- Capacity for 400-pound loads
- It is heavy at 69 pounds and has a wide keel, making it difficult to transport. It is difficult to fit into some truck beds
Trailblazer 100 NXT is the best recreational kayak
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Trailblazer 100 NXT is lightweight at less than 40 pounds and can be carried by some paddlers alone.
Its short keel makes it easy to maneuver and responsive, making it fun to paddle. Its stability is a popular feature that many paddlers love, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
- There is no skeg in the design that hinders tracking or makes it vulnerable to wind and waves.
- Storage space is limited
- You can use a spray skirt by sitting inside
Check out our Trailblazer 100 Review.
Best Tandem Kayak: Sentinel 130 Tandem
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Sentinel 130 Tandem weighs in at 500 pounds and can hold two paddlers with their fishing gear.
It’s stable and wide, just like most tandem boats. It measures 13 feet in length and weighs 73 pounds. Most paddlers will be able to handle it.
The four accessory eyelets allow for customization not normally available for angling pelican kayaks.
- Deck bungee storage shelves are watertight but not waterproof
- The multi-chine hull design offers remarkable maneuverability and stability.
- Comfortable riding with foam cushion seating
Best Kids Kayak: Argo 100XR
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Argo 100XR is a 120-inch sit-inside pelican kayak that looks similar to a smaller Argo 100XR.
As you would expect, stability is the key to the game. A multi-chine hull makes it stable for small kayakers.
The large cockpit makes it easy for passengers to enter and exit. There’s also a storage area in the tankwell style behind the seat that is secured with bungee ropes.
- Weighs just 42 pounds
- Stability is the key to a boat’s performance. Use only on small lakes, ponds and slow-moving streams
- Padded backrest
Sprint 100XR is the best high-performance kayak
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The pelican kayak is responsive and will allow experienced paddlers to navigate tight turns with great control.
The Sprint 100’s ten-foot-long, keel gives it good tracking for straight-line paddling. It also has a decent top speed.
A shaded “smartphone case” protects your device and allows you to track your speed and distance using GPS.
- Stability in the primary sector
- For tighter turns and better control, paddlers will be more responsive to their movements.
- Protects against splashing with the “windshield” for the cockpit
- No watertight storage space
Pelican vs. Other Kayak Brands
Pelican uses double sheet hot vacuum molding technology to build its boats. This molding method allows Pelican boats to be inexpensive and very reliable.
The brand also produces blank sheets of polyethylene on its own, which allows the company to control the entire process of creating recreational kayaks. Feedback from the owners of Pelican catamarans, kayaks, and canoes confirms: during operation, neither the quality of the material nor the build quality raises any complaints.
The driving characteristics of Pelican kayaks and canoes will suit both experienced rowers and those who took the oars for the first time in the hands. On the water, Pelican boats are stable and maneuverable, allowing you to reach high speeds for sport rowing or leisurely travel with your family.
Intex
Intex produces pelican kayaks and is primarily designed for casual paddlers and newcomers.
Inflatable kayaks can be as fragile or tippy as they are reputed to be, but their performance is affected by conditions that are calm and perfect.
These boats are more economical and can be stored and transported in a closet. There are single and tandem kayaks available.
Sea Eagle
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sea Eagle is another brand that specializes in inflatable kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards.
Although their vessels are more expensive than Intex’s, you still get a pelican kayak that is better-performing and has similar durability.
However, they should be restricted to gentle rivers and lakes. A lack of storage space makes them ideal for day paddles.
They also produce inflatable pelican kayaks, which fill the same, efficient void in the market for fishing kayaks.
Sun Dolphin
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sun Dolphin is a hard-sided recreational and fishing kayak that offers a range of options. It shares many similarities to Pelican.
There is no “high performance” category available for kayakers who want to go on multi-day trips.
Many recreational boats feature shorter keels and a greater emphasis on stability, which can limit their tracking and storage capabilities.
Lifetime
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Lifetime is another pelican kayak brand with plastic boats. They offer everything, from recreational and youth boats to fishing kayaks.
They offer many customization options for their angling kayaks and seem to be focused on lightweight and portable designs.
The comfort and design of the seats are lacking. Some models feel a little too light for their weight, which could limit some paddlers’ ability to reach certain lengths and places.
Vibe kayaks
Table could not be displayed.Vibe Kayaks is a fishing company that does one thing well.
The kayaks’ stability and massive load capacity allow for multi-day trips.
Anglers will be able to fish to their hearts’ content with one of the most comfortable pelican kayak chairs on the market, as well as a variety of customization options.
Because of their large hulls and heavy plastic material, they are more costly and heavier. This makes it difficult to transport them.
They’re also great for angling and can be used as recreational boats when you’re not using the water.
Sevylor
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sevylor, a company that specializes in inflatable pelican kayak designs is one of the most established inflatable kayak brands.
They sell kayaks at a low price, but they are not high-performing. There are also complaints about the boats’ durability.
They are very affordable, easy boats to transport, and allow paddlers to get out on the water.
Conclusion
It’s difficult to choose the best overall Pelican kayak from such a wide range of models.
If you’re a good paddler and are willing to take a faster ride, the Sprint 106XP is a great choice.
Pelican offers many options for fishing or recreational kayaks that are more stable and durable than inflatable models.
With their accessible and beginner-friendly designs, the Trailblazer 100NXT and Pelican 120 are both capable boats.
Do you have a favorite Pelican model or boat? How was your experience with the boats? Please leave your comments below.
FAQ
Which Pelican kayak was reviewed best?
This sit-on-top fishing kayak is stable, easy to paddle, and contains plenty of speed. … The Pelican Strike 100X Angler Kayak features dry storage, rod holders, and pad eyes for extra accessories. This is one of Pelican’s best pelican fishing kayaks. We highly recommend slow-moving rivers.
Which is better, pelican or perception kayak?
Pelican’s unique material makes kayaks more resistant than the Perception Swifty to dents, but it also increases the likelihood of internal leaks in the event that the fusing is damaged. The Pelican Mustang is slightly less expensive than the Perception Swifty.
Is it OK to leave the kayak outside in winter?
Outdoors is possible, provided the boat is kept out of direct sunlight and other weather conditions. How to store your kayak. Learn how to position it and what support you can use. Learn how to keep your boat clean and prevent theft.
Should a kayak be stored upside down?
Avoid storing your kayak upside down: Another tip for kayak storage: When storing a recreational kayak on storage shelves, make sure you are orienting it in the right direction. You risk bending the kayak if you place it on its side. It is best to store the kayak upside-down.
Do kayak brands matter?
While a brand might be great for fishing, it may not work well for recreational purposes. It doesn’t really matter if the kayak isn’t what you need. Find out what you want from your kayak.
Are Pelican kayaks two pieces?
Pelican kayaks are made slightly differently. Pelican kayaks are made of two pieces that are fused together to create the whole kayak. This is in contrast to Sun Dolphin’s tendency to use yaks made in one piece.
Where do you store your kayak in the winter?
It is best to store your kayak in a garage or shed. You don’t want your kayak out in direct sunlight or exposed to the elements if you live where there is a lot of snow and ice.
Can kayaks be stored vertically?
Your kayak should not be stored upside down or upright. Properly storing your other kayaks upright (as though you were floating in it), will cause the entire weight of the kayak’s weight to rest on its hull, causing it to warp. The weight of the kayak will be placed on its bow and stern or other areas that stick out.
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