Scimitar

I picked up one of these last week off Craigslist for $100, and have had it out twice already, once in open bay chop and wind and once in a calm slough. I’m very happy with it but will probably add a removable skeg (not a rudder fan, don’t like to steer with my feet). It definitely likes to waggle and turn, which is a double-edged sword (get it) - I was confident paddling into narrow channels with it because it’s SO responsive to turns. I also felt confident paddling out into significant chop - it handled the waves beautifully and was a lot of fun! But had to course correct quite a bit on the return trips, which gets annoying. So, like I said - will add a removable skeg, and my guess is it will make this kayak perfect.

Most of my previous kayaks have been inflatables, so any hard shell would’ve been an upgrade- but the best part about this kayak for me is the fit. I’m 5’7, 130 lbs and have a hard time finding the right fit in kayaks. I’ve rented a few hard shells, and previously owned a 14 ft boat that was great, but just way too big in the cockpit for me and nearly half my body weight. The scimitar FITS, is longer, and is somehow still lighter than my 14 footer. I need to add some foot braces against the front bulkhead because my feet want to be there but are just barely too short (the perfect fit!) and I love that my hips actually are in contact with the boat, for once! Like I said before, it’s a very responsive boat. Shockingly so for a 16 footer. But the hip connection is clutch for edging, and the stability is awesome for such a sleek looking boat. Even with the waggling, I’m shocked at how easy this boat is to paddle. I’m not terribly sore after two days of paddling in a row, which is shocking for me. And the rescue assist spot is great for tying down on my equally ancient Volvo sedan - I wrap a ratchet strap around the middle of the boat there and the plastic indent makes it that much more secure.

I love this boat!

I love this boat, it's perfect for me. It is tremendously flexible for all my kayak needs: very maneuverable with the rudder and also tracks straight as an arrow, it has plenty of dry storage for camping trips, it is light enough not to be impractical for day trips, and it's yellow so great visibility on the water. I like that it's plastic (polyurethanes I think) because the hull is more durable and I don't have to worry about beach landings. It is also 5 to 10 times cheaper than a fiberglass or kevlar boats. 10 pounds lighter simply isn't worth the enormous cost difference. I am 6'3" and it was a bit too snug for me at first, but I extended the foot pegs by an inch on each side and now I have them set with one notch to spare. It's a great boat if you want to get out on the water alot and not worry too much about depreciation on your investment. I just love it to death!

Got a great deal on this boat which was VERY used (7 years old) but in very good condition (just the expected hull scratches and some tightening up needed on the rudder rigging), and have owned it for two months now.

Pros: Handling. Exceptional handling in leaned turns. Really sporty and fun with any kind of turns on the move or for doing tight figure-8s or 360s. Secondary stability. Easy to take into extreme edges. Rudder is great for straight tracking over long distances.

Cons: Construction. Thinner plastic than in most newer boats or those made by other manufacturers. Rigidity is reinforced by a metal bar along the bottom of tfhe cockpit, which is a bit cheesy. Foot braces could also be sturdier, though that may be a consequence of the aging rudder system. Tracking w/o rudder. The short length and rockered Greenland design take their toll on the tracking. Have to do more corrective strokes than I'd like when the rudder isn't in use. Strange outfitting. Hatches each have two-layer covers. Paddlefloat self-rescue is awkward with wide-blade paddles, as there's a plastic structure designed to hold only narrow paddles behind the cockpit. Rudder mechanism is a bit heavy - it takes a strong yank to deploy or retract, which could be difficult in harsh conditions.

Other observations: As a smaller paddler (5'5", 130#), I find myself sliding around in the cockpit a lot during rolls (ugly but effective), so it definitely needs some outfitting for high-performance handling. Cockpit is a lot wider than other boats of similar width. Hatches and bulkheads are tight, though the multi-layered hatch system does catch some water between the inner neoprene hatch cover and outer plastic hatch cover after a capsize. Overall, this is a great boat for skills practice and development, light touring, or surf/rock garden action. 8 when considering the value of the used boat; 7 otherwise.

Great boat, it is amazing the amount of rough water and heavy seas this boat will endure. Great, cheap plastic boat, wish it had been produced in glass.

I have owned mine for 18 months and have found it to be an easy kayak to paddle, although uncomfortable somewhat, for I am 6'2" and leg room is a bit cramping. I bought mine 2nd hand and I have had some problems with the bulkheads leaking but overall I am happy with it.

Used for day trips. Very enjoyable, loved the sleek and responsive feel. Handled well on wide rivers, lakes and especially loved the great lakes, even in waves!

Very responsive, fun to play and surf. It tends to weathercock, not enough room for gear, and hatches leak.