Raven (1993-2001 model)

I bought an older model Eddyline Raven on Craigslist. Has a couple of small patches from the previous owner and is faded from use. I love it!! I have done rivers, lakes, and a trip in the San Juan Islands and couldn't ask for a better kayak. I plan to refurbish it this fall and make it like new.

Ever wonder how your boat will hold up after years of hard use? I recently purchased a very used 1996 fiberglass Raven by Eddyline as my first sea kayak. During my research, the criteria I sought were strength-lightness of construction, quality design, service after the sale, fun paddling/handling, and value. While new to kayaking, I've canoed, owned, built, and repaired boats for over 25 years. Let me begin by saying the boat design and quality are awesome! The Raven holds a lot of gear, the interior finish is smooth and clean, and my new Swift paddle even matches the boat! Size wise, I'm 5'10", healthy, 170lbs... the fit is great in this boat...snug and comfortable. Cockpit access is easy, and the cockpit edges are smooth. The fiberglass Raven is both stable and fun! Eddyline has really impressed me with the detail and workmanship in their boats. Before buying, I demo-ed as many boats as possible over a period of 3 months from ALL the major builders and some less known designs as well. I paddled roto-molded, glass, and kevlar boats. I was not seeking a used boat, just a good boat under $3,000.

The Raven handles great, and while I consider myself a novice, the boat responds to edging well, and loves to lean and turn. Even though not used often, the rudder system is strong, simple, and predictable. If I were to make an upgrade to my boat, I'd add a new "Smart Rudder" system to enhance rigidity to the foot pedals when rolling/bracing. The seat design/placement is comfortable, and my legs have never gone to sleep as in some other designs. I love the flush hatches when crawling back into my boat after a capsize, and while the foam bulkheads can leak, I have been satisfied with the integrity of mine. The Eddyline boats have super glass work, and even after 5 years of almost constant service the gelcoat looks great, surface scratches polish out nicely. The factory/dealer is VERY responsive, and that factor alone is enough to make a person buy an Eddyline boat. While shopping other lines, I was dismayed by the lack of response by several manufacturers, even with good design, one major builder from Canada that I met personally took 3 weeks to respond to my inquiry...enough said?

I highly recommend Eddyline. Even with many, many hard miles under the keel, my Raven is awesome! I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

No such thing as a perfect 10 and the Raven isn't an exception. I've had mine about a year. Maneuvers like a sports car but kind of "flakey" in tracking without the rudder. It's fine in flat water but with a little bit of chop, I'm having to constantly correct. Another problem is head on waves. The flat bow "slaps" the waves, costing me forward movement (and a really wet deck). I'm having to paddle harder to keep up in these conditions. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice boat but like I said, there ain't no 10.

My first glass boat. The looks and large hatches caused me to ignore the left side of my brain, Very poor tracking, very slow boat. The foot pegs/rudder control are quite spongy. On the plus side, it handle large seas well, packs easily, is very dry and light for its size.

This is the best boat made. Great secondary stability, turns easily without a rudder, and easy to roll. I like the older fiberglass seat better than the newer padded plastic one. I think it's also the best looking kayak around. I have two and wouldn't trade for anything.