A review of Prijon kayak Marlin

Prijon Marlin the best get better
Prijon is well-known for quality kayaks, that now includes the new Prijon Marlin (2009). The Marlin is the latest addition to the Prijon kayak fleet. It has similarities with the Seayak and the Touryak, some other very popular Prijon models.

To enjoy Prijon Marlin the most, you should like to paddle the ocean. If you also appreciate rough water, this kayak will be one of your best friends. The kayak has excellent surf qualities, but also does great in the tracking department.  

The Prijon Marlin is made of HTP plastic, which makes it close to indestructible (do not try…). If you don’t care much for the kayak-hull finish, the Marlin definitely is for you.
Now let’s talk about weight, because this kayak is not one of the lighter ones. It weighs in at 27 kgs (the same as the Seayak). That means you have to be quite strong to get it on the car rack, or get some help from a friend. HTP kayaks usually carry more weight than fiberglass kayaks. However, when it comes to long-range paddling weight does not matter that much.

The Prijon Marlin comes in three colors: Red, mango and lime-green. Personally, I would consider the mango or the lime-green because they are easier to spot by other boats, reducing the risk of getting run over ☹.

The kayak has a length of 518 cm and a width of 58 cm, that makes it 28 cm longer(that also means faster) than the Seayak. The seating compartment is 88 x 45 cm, which is exactly the same as the Prijon Seayak. That also means the kayak is suited for average to larger sized bodies.

The two stuffing compartments let you carry a total of 150 liters (53+97) which is 2l less than the Seayak. It is still a lot of volume, and you will be able to store tents, clothes and good food.

The Marlin has great sitting comfort. You have a small hatch right in front of you to store a camera, some food or other small stuff.
As most of Prijons kayaks the Marlin is delivered without rudder. It is supposed to run well without it, but I think everyone should have one. If you want to paddle without, just lift the rudder from the cockpit, easy…

The point...
I think Prijon has come up with yet another winner. If you think about buying a Seayak or a Touryak, but want more maneuverability and speed try Marlin first.

/Waterboy

What to look for when buying a Kayak life jacket

While there are many things to consider when buying a kayak, one accessory is more important than others. That is the kayak life jacket.
It has always amazed me how concerned people are about their children wearing life jackets (as they should…), but given none thought whatsoever about themselves. Hey, I can swim! Right…
You should always have a life jacket when paddling. If something happens, and you end up in the water a life jacket will be one of the best friends you ever had.

A kayak life jacket differs in comparison to a “normal” life jacket. When kayaking you have a constant movement of the upper part of the body, and the arms need space to be able to paddle comfortably. That is why a kayaking life jacket looks more like a slim vest.

Most paddle life jackets only give flotation help, for a complete life jacket floating solution you need an offshore life jacket, which will turn you over in the right direction if you become unconscious when ending up in the water.

Kayak life jackets come in different models, some are more specialized towards the sea, others are better for river or wave paddling. If you are an all-round paddler think of buying a life jacket that can be used for both ocean or river.
For more safety choose a kayak life jacket that has color which is easy to spot by other boaters, especially if you are going out on the sea. The same goes for reflexes which should be a standard feature on life jackets.

Another good thing to look for on a kayak life jacket is a towing belt. If you paddle in a group, some are stronger than others, especially going upwind can take its toll. A towing belt makes it easy to release a rope to the person in need and give that extra pull.

A kayak life jacket usually has a couple of well planned pockets. They are convenient for putting your mobile phone, vhf or maybe a powerbar when hunger creeps on to you. Some life jackets have larger back pockets which can store water bags. A great innovation for cold hands are pockets mounted with fleece on the inside.

Waterboy