Something for the weekend?

The Pelican Pursuit DLX

An independent Review by Mark Anderson published in Canoe Focus June 2004

	Manufactured in Ram-X resin for impact resistance and memory capacity (the ability to regain original shape after impact), the Pursuit DLX Sit-In is the newest addition to Pelican’s line of kayaks.

Recreational kayaks are maybe not the sexiest boats in a companies range, more like the estate car of the kayaking world. They are generally big, heavy and can be a little cumbersome in the water. However, big can mean comfortable and cumbersome in the water can relate to predictability and sure footedness for people of average kayaking skill or beginners. The bonus with the Pursuit is that it is actually not that heavy. It weighs in at 45 lbs and that is light enough for me to handle on my own out of the water.

The Pursuit of course can carry quite a load. It is well suited for overnight trips unless you pack everything including the kitchen sink. There are fore and aft storage areas, one of which is for dry storage, which is a real bonus as it can accommodate a small tent and everything else I may need for a night in the wilds. Then the shock cords situated on the deck can be used for for items you may want at hand and there is also a paddle holder.

Needless to say that if you intend to spend many hours in a kayak then comfort may be at your top of priorities. In this test I spent four hours in the kayak with one portage and it felt very comfortable with no back ache or numbness on my backside. Much of this is down to the well padded adjustable backrest, which for someone such as myself comes top of the list. All but the very largest of paddlers would fit into the cockpit and along with the adjustable backrest there are the adjustable foot braces to really get you comfortable.

Top speed is probably around 4mph and when really pushed the boat causes a noticeable wake from the bow, but this is a recreational boat after all! For someone wanting a stable kayak to explore grade one and two rivers it works very well. It is reasonably responsive, tracks well and due to its width is very stable and therefore a great boat for beginners to develop their skills; intermediate paddlers to practice edging, turns and so on, or people looking for a do-it-all hull.

This is a good quality and well built kayak and would highly recommend the kayak since it serves multiple functions. I would give it the thumbs up it as a first boat for anyone.

Length: 11' 6"/ 350 cm
Width: 28" / 71 cm
Weight: 45 lbs/20 kg
Max. Capacity: 350 lbs/159 kg

Mark Anderson