Every time a paddler chooses a lightweight kayak to reach a destination or just to enjoy the ride, a connection with a 5000-year-old tradition is made. Kayaks were invented by the creative minds of the arctic Eskimos out of necessity, they helped them get out on the sea and gave them more options to feed their families or tribes. Nowadays, after thousands of years of evolution, lightweight kayaks come with different and modern purposes. Eddyline Merlin LT Touring Kayak is one of them and we will go through the details that make it such a trusty friend together.
When you are on the water, you need something else than your own experience to rely on and that is the experience of the company that made the vehicle you depend on to reach your destination safely and enjoy the ride. Eddyline Kayaks has no less than 50 years behind. Starting in 1971, they have produced kayaks that turned into best friends and companions, making a few innovations in the world of kayaks along the way, like spring-loaded rudders and flexible bulkheads. They proved to know that the real service for their clients is to offer them, along with the product, sincerity, and integrity. No matter you are a novice or an experienced paddler, you need to enjoy the experience from a comfortable, safe, and dry kayak. As they say, friends have to stand the test of time and time tells that Eddyilne has made the best lightweight touring and recreational kayaks on the market.
Lightweight
First Merlin LT kayaks were produced in the late 1990s. Ever since, no matter the adjustments made, it remained one of the fastest kayaks you can find and the secret is their design, but mostly their Carbonlite 2000, a thermo-formed plastic that makes them very light and subsequently very fast. The first ones were 13’6” long and weighed only 35 pounds. New ones in the Merlin LT series added more outfitting and a cushy seat and weigh a bit more, but they are still incredibly fast for kayaks of such a small length.
Stability and maneuverability
Merlin LT is an easy to handle kayak for beginners to advanced paddlers. The whole kayak is waterline, it has virtually no rocker. Maybe a little rocker when the rocks interfere, Carbonlite 2000 is not that tough, but apart from them, the Merlins can do a perfect job no matter what the conditions are. The wind does not affect them much and they can accelerate with ease, These kayaks are very responsive and very fast for their size, although they are best when used during the day and in quiet to big water.
Features and new adjustments
As we have already mentioned Merlin LT kayaks go back a long way and were certified with time. The users even developed a strong bond with them over the years and old models are still looked for. Merlin LT kayaks fit small to medium-sized paddlers and the features were adjusted over the years. A cushy seat, dual bulkheads, and deck bungees were added, but their original qualities were preserved and even if the new adjustments added to their weight, they still lead among the most lightweight and fastest kayaks out there. They are also very versatile and fun to paddle. They also include hatches and carrying toggles.
Comfort
Even if they are small kayaks, they are ready to provide the comfort you need for short or even longer water trips, because the paddling is effortless and they also have enough room for day trips, but also overnight or even weekend adventures. These Merlins are light and easy and best fitted for smaller paddlers. They have comfortable seats, with a well-padded backrest that can be adjusted forward, backward, as well as in height. Also worthy to mention: being smaller and lighter, they are easy to take out of the water, by one hand, like a suitcase, and easy to load on your car.
Specifications:
- Type: Light Touring (12ft.-14ft.)
- Lenght:13’5″
- Width: 23″
- Depth: 12.5″
- Weight 42 lbs
- Weight capacity: 325 lbs
- Cockpit: 31.5″ x 17″
- Deck Rigging: Bow & Stern
- Hull Design: Sit-in
- Material: Carbonlite 2000
- Bulk Heads: Bow & Stern
- Seat: Padded
- Number of Paddles: 1
- Adjustable Seats: Yes
Volume:
- Bow hatch: 2 Cubic Feet
- Stern Hatch:1.9 Cubic Feet
Where to buy:
Conclusions
Lighter than other kayaks on the market, thanks to the thermo-formed plastic they are made of, Eddyline Merlin LT Touring Kayak is specially designed for lighter paddlers. Their users will enjoy the dual bulkheads and hatches. These kayaks have all that is needed to turn every open water travel into a nice memory. If you chose this boat you will also get comfort and safety. With Merlin LT kayaks, even when the wind blows on your face, rest assured: your smile stays.
