Floater

Just a few photos and stats on the new kayak I picked up last week. I finally decided that spending $25+ for a day in somebody else’s kayak and having at least an hour drive to an outfitter just didn’t make sense when there are a dozen access points to everything from small creeks to medium sized rivers within that distance. Instead of taking an excursion a few times a year, time and money permitting, I can head out anytime I have an afternoon free. I’ve had her out twice and am heading out again tomorrow afternoon, possibly Wednesday and Thursday as well. Plus, since she’s mine, I can hit all the small creeks, lakes, etc. that no outfitters serve.

She is a Pelican Zest. One step above the very bottom rung of Pelican kayaks and also one step above the very shortest. As you can see from the photos, short is good with my car. ($25 for foam blocks and straps and away I drove with the kayak as shown on my itty bitty car.) Some further specs:

• 9′4″ long x 10″deep
• 31″ beam
• weight 40 lbs.
• Maximum capacity 250 lbs
• Self-bailing design
• drink holder
• adjustable backrest
• skeg (fin that helps improve tracking)
• 1-year warranty, extended to 2-years with registration

I haven’t had it out enough to give a complete review yet, but so far I can say a few things:

• Definitely worth the price.
• Handles as well without the fin as any sit-on-top I’ve been in (on?).
• Don’t forget your rubber mallet or, like me, you will be riding finless.
• The foot grooves are too shallow. It’s fine for easy going, but with hardcore paddling in rough water your feet will slip. Better shoes might help but I have a pair of favorite river sandals with slightly better than average grip and don’t really see switching over to steel-toed nonslip work boots for kayaking.
• Light enough for one man to get on and off a car, carry to the creek, portage as needed.
• The included backrest is excellent and appears to be tough enough to hold up well.
• There is room for a little gear, maybe a small cooler, behind the seat but you’ll have to get creative about tying it down.

Finally, if you buy a Pelican Boats Zest Sit-On-Top Kayak at Amazon
, the description is wrong. The foot-braces are NOT adjustable, they are molded in and the length is 9′4″ NOT 11′6″. (You’ll also be overpaying. Go pick one up at Academy Sports if there’s one nearby and save the shipping cost. Then buy me a beer sometime since I didn’t get the sale at Amazon and saved you a hundred bucks or so instead.)