Check out my new UA-cam channel! www.youtube.com/@KenWhitingAdventures is now the place to find all my paddling adventure videos, while PaddleTV will focus on Instruction and Gear Reviews.
Ive had my Osprey for about a month now and have used it several times. It is worth the money because as a 70 year old kayaker I really like the weight and can easily put it on my trailer or carry it to and from the water. I've let several people test it and they have all marveled at the performance for the weight. You are right, I'm not going to set and speed records but I really appreciate the stability and it is just fun. Kayaked with several people who rented kayaks at a state park and my Osprey by far out performed the rentals. Thanks for a great video.
PaddleTV is a perfect mix of kayak adventure and gear review. The photography is outstanding, and your expertise shines through. This is by far my favorite UA-cam channel. Keep up the great work!
Great kayak in-between a true fishing kayak and river runner. I could see this as a perfect lightweight kayak for retirees who enjoy going out on different lakes. Tie this one to the RV!
My sit on top fishing kayak (no pedal) days are coming soon and the way the info is presented here is really very eye opening for a newcomer like me! Greetings from Greece!
I have the Vibe Shearwater 125 with the Hobbie 180 drive for it, great kayak super stable but slow. I'm picking up my Eddy Line Sandpiper 130 on the 18th, really looking forward for a sit inside with a big enough cockpit for a 6' 2" disabled Vet to get in and out of and not weigh 100lbs like the SH125. Great video, glad to see you making these again.
I know. I've been keen to review an Eddyline kayak for a number of years, but for some reason they have never been willing to send a kayak for review. Feel free to email their customer service with a note letting them know they should get me to do a review! :)
Another great review. Is there anything on the market That is comparable to this kayak? My priorities are what are featured in the Osprey 120: balance between performance and speed, comfort seat with back support, and light weight. I would prefer more storage vs a doggy pad. Otherwise this seems to tick all the boxes. Sat in one today and as you note, more leg room would be an improvement. Is there anything out there that compares?
This reminds me a lot of the Eddyline Caribbean 12 - similar material, same size and weight class. Have you paddled that boat? If so, how do you think the two compare?
I haven't paddled the Osprey, but I have paddled the Hurricane 128 and 140. I currently have a Caribbean 14 and previously owned a 12. The fit, finish and quality of the Eddyline is superior, but you pay a premium price for it. I feel the Hurricane is faster, while the Caribbean is more stable. I've paddled all of them on lakes, rivers and the ocean. If I could only have one, it would be the Hurricane 140. Unfortunately, they no longer sell it - I sold mine when I moved from FL to CA; had no way to transport it at the time - I replaced it with the Caribbean 14.
You have to be a bit more careful with Hurricane kayaks. That being said, Eddyline kayaks are mostly made in Mexico now, and last year they moved to Arkansas a few miles from the Walmart headquarters in Bentonville after Steuart Walton and Tom Walton invested in the company.
Eddyline moving production to Mexico means I won't be buying any of their products. Probably not what the original owners had in mind when they sold their Pacific Northwest based company to some long time employees a few years back. Shut down their original facility in Washington, moved to Arkansas and make most of their line in Mexico now. All thanks to an investment from what is pretty much the Walmart company. Sad to see a great American kayak company take that path...I was in the market but will be looking elsewhere.
I have the same opinion on SOT as you do. This one has PLUSSES Love the adjustable foot brace! Thermoformes++ Tracking looks good. But will this yak do 10 mile river trips? I paddle rivers in NC with no rapids.
I’m currently looking at this yak because of how light weight it is… My current setup is 106 old town paddle yak but i have it setup with xi3 bow mount trolling with spot lock I love it but that weight to lug around is pretty intense
Hi Ken I love your work. I live in New Zealand and I'd like to hear your thoughts on a model of SOT made here the Profish 400 by Viking Kayaks I think it would change your mind about them. However I see you have to do products that are available in the US or Canada. I also think that US kayaks are designed for Bass fishing so look more like mini skiffs to me.
Profish 400 looks pretty good! It's a pretty standard SOT, but I like how the bow is designed to shed water. Looks like it's designed to handle open water more than most SOTs. Don't get me wrong... I like Sit-On-Top kayaks for certain applications. They are hands down the best fishing kayaks. They're also great for people who prioritize stability over speed, and want a boat that's easier to get into and out of. All great reasons to get one!
Don't get me wrong... I like Sit-On-Top kayaks for certain applications. They are hands down the best fishing kayaks. They're also great for people who prioritize stability over speed, and want a boat that's easier to get into and out of. All great reasons to get one! Shoulder strap helps... but I find the kayak bangs into my legs. I'm a dragger, or I use a cart. :)
One thing I think sit on tops really shine in is pedal versions, even my 14 ft 160lb kayak is pretty quick thanks to the drive but without it I'd never want to take it out
I haven't used a Tarpon in about 10 years, and it's changed since then, and so I would love to. I've got another Wilderness Systems boat that I'm going to test first! Stay tuned... :)
Most sit-on-tops are sea worthy, to a certain extent, because they don't fully swamp. They don't do very well in real rough conditions though. Not only are they inherently slow, but you can't edge them. On top of that, even if they don't swamp completely, they become extremely heavy and difficult to control when you get water in the cockpit area (before it has a chance to drain). That being said, sit-on-tops are great on the sea in the right situation. They're fun to play around with in a surf zone and they're great for fishing offshore.
@@PaddleTV Thanks, that is good to know. I live in Nova Scotia and looking to do some sea paddling close to shore on calm days. Not comfortable with an enclosed kayak just yet!
While I have no doubt that Crescent kayaks are quality boats, saying that all Crescent Kayaks are faster, easier to paddle and more stable is just not true.
@PaddleTV I was reverting to 'fishing' kayaks, sit on top, open deck. If other paddling fishing kayaks are faster, what would the be? Not a Jackson or Old Town...
I don’t why the hell anybody buys a new kayak, there are tons of used ones out there for sale, just bought one of these for 1/e of new price in garage kept with a cover.
I think your being a little unfair to sit on kayak market. There a lot safer for kids and new paddlers. You don't need to learn eskimo rolling or how to put a skirt on. I love the 20-30kg weight on these type of boat too. It keeps it down in the water and smooths out the ride. I cant see hurricane osprey selling that well. Themo form sit on kayak? I'm sure my kids would wreak that kayak in a summer. If you want a light sit on kayak under 10kg look for a wave ski. But don't let the kids near it !! My jemski just came back from £500 repair after they "used" it a few weeks ago. For now there back on the pyranha fusion sit-on-top. I can fix that at home !!
Soo... No skeg or rudder ?! What about a paddleholder ? Noticed your paddle was on the ground... Ohh... and... what are the odds that this will ever happen : ua-cam.com/channels/AZ9mAx3rrqOi4fd0uRkEGA.htmlcommunity?lc=Ugzub4hjbrJep8k0YHx4AaABAg&lb=Ugkx9JQb4jecnsHI16SLfG6pwMntnLiaI5kq Would be a kickass video IMHO 😬
No skeg or rudder. Doesn't need one. It tracks very well for a 12' kayak. It does come with a paddle holder that you can place on the boat. I didn't use it. The link you sent takes me to the Community page in general. What are you referring to?
@@PaddleTV Pff... Damn UA-cam deleting my comments for some weird reasons... Anyways... Let's try this again : It's a link to my comment on your Community post about surfing waves on the Mendocino coast with Jeff and Cate from Liquid Fusion Kayaking. Hope you will do a video like that in the future! 😉
Hadn't thought about that! Might not want to with a thermoformed boat anyway. They're not as durable as rotomolded plastic. You'd want a cradle style kayak cart for this boat.
Get a Crescent Crew- cheaper, faster, can go tantrum or single, but it is a little heavier, but can carry 500+ pounds. Also cheaper- the crew is the one to buy.
I like the looks of the Crescent Crew for sure (look forward to testing it)... but it's more than little heavier. It's 2x the weight, which makes it not a realistic option for someone interested/needing a light weight kayak.
Yeah, realistically I think once you are near or especially above the 100 lb mark then for many people it will mean needed a trailer and cart to safely or at least effectively transport your kayak. Right now I'm using a Jackson knarr to fish from and even though I'm fairly fit I would not want to try loading anything like that in anything but a trailer
The Crew is 76 pounds. Since this Kayak, which looks very good and had a good review, is about 45 pounds, both are a bit heavy for single hauling. The Crew has twice the capacity in weight. I would look to cartilage g either. And the Crew is cheaper.
Ha! I don't think of SOT's as being similar to canoes. The joy of canoes is that they take lots of gear and are easy to portage. Sit-on-tops are neither.
Check out my new UA-cam channel! www.youtube.com/@KenWhitingAdventures is now the place to find all my paddling adventure videos, while PaddleTV will focus on Instruction and Gear Reviews.
Ive had my Osprey for about a month now and have used it several times. It is worth the money because as a 70 year old kayaker I really like the weight and can easily put it on my trailer or carry it to and from the water. I've let several people test it and they have all marveled at the performance for the weight. You are right, I'm not going to set and speed records but I really appreciate the stability and it is just fun. Kayaked with several people who rented kayaks at a state park and my Osprey by far out performed the rentals. Thanks for a great video.
PaddleTV is a perfect mix of kayak adventure and gear review. The photography is outstanding, and your expertise shines through. This is by far my favorite UA-cam channel. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate that, and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon! I'm having a blast.
Great review! I am glad to see a manufacturer focus on lowering the weight of their sit-on kayak. Weight matters (at least my back says so).
I love it when you do the above action video. It really shows the tracking line that is held while padding.
Great kayak in-between a true fishing kayak and river runner. I could see this as a perfect lightweight kayak for retirees who enjoy going out on different lakes. Tie this one to the RV!
My sit on top fishing kayak (no pedal) days are coming soon and the way the info is presented here is really very eye opening for a newcomer like me! Greetings from Greece!
I have the Vibe Shearwater 125 with the Hobbie 180 drive for it, great kayak super stable but slow. I'm picking up my Eddy Line Sandpiper 130 on the 18th, really looking forward for a sit inside with a big enough cockpit for a 6' 2" disabled Vet to get in and out of and not weigh 100lbs like the SH125. Great video, glad to see you making these again.
Look forward to hearing you like the Sandpiper! I wish Eddyline would send me a kayak to test/review. I'm not sure why they won't...
You need to review the Eddyline Caribbean 14 FS
I know. I've been keen to review an Eddyline kayak for a number of years, but for some reason they have never been willing to send a kayak for review. Feel free to email their customer service with a note letting them know they should get me to do a review! :)
Great review.
Just got one today, so I’ll let you know more after I’ve taken it out for more than a test swim.
Another great review. Is there anything on the market That is comparable to this kayak? My priorities are what are featured in the Osprey 120: balance between performance and speed, comfort seat with back support, and light weight. I would prefer more storage vs a doggy pad. Otherwise this seems to tick all the boxes. Sat in one today and as you note, more leg room would be an improvement. Is there anything out there that compares?
Eddyline kayaks also makes a thermoformed sit-on-top kayak, although I've never tried it.
That looks like awesome back support.
When are you trying a surfski?
A Baldwin short downriver is a foot longer than this boat, and in Kevlar weights 21#! And it’s fast and stable!
This reminds me a lot of the Eddyline Caribbean 12 - similar material, same size and weight class. Have you paddled that boat? If so, how do you think the two compare?
I haven't paddled the Osprey, but I have paddled the Hurricane 128 and 140. I currently have a Caribbean 14 and previously owned a 12. The fit, finish and quality of the Eddyline is superior, but you pay a premium price for it. I feel the Hurricane is faster, while the Caribbean is more stable. I've paddled all of them on lakes, rivers and the ocean. If I could only have one, it would be the Hurricane 140. Unfortunately, they no longer sell it - I sold mine when I moved from FL to CA; had no way to transport it at the time - I replaced it with the Caribbean 14.
You have to be a bit more careful with Hurricane kayaks. That being said, Eddyline kayaks are mostly made in Mexico now, and last year they moved to Arkansas a few miles from the Walmart headquarters in Bentonville after Steuart Walton and Tom Walton invested in the company.
Check out Headwaters Kayak Channel for anything EddyLine Kayaks and Stellar Kayaks related 😉
Eddyline moving production to Mexico means I won't be buying any of their products. Probably not what the original owners had in mind when they sold their Pacific Northwest based company to some long time employees a few years back. Shut down their original facility in Washington, moved to Arkansas and make most of their line in Mexico now. All thanks to an investment from what is pretty much the Walmart company. Sad to see a great American kayak company take that path...I was in the market but will be looking elsewhere.
Thanks for sharing! Awesome insight.
The price point is difficult for me. But 17lbs lighter than my equivalent size and type of kayak makes hauling a heck of a lot easier.
Have you ever tried the Liquidlogic Kiawah 12 ?
I have the same opinion on SOT as you do. This one has PLUSSES Love the adjustable foot brace! Thermoformes++ Tracking looks good. But will this yak do 10 mile river trips? I paddle rivers in NC with no rapids.
Absolutely! This would be a decent kayak for a 10-mile river trip. Of course, not as fast as a touring kayak, but I would take it.
I’m currently looking at this yak because of how light weight it is…
My current setup is 106 old town paddle yak but i have it setup with xi3 bow mount trolling with spot lock
I love it but that weight to lug around is pretty intense
Yup. Fishing kayaks can be super heavy!
Hi Ken I love your work. I live in New Zealand and I'd like to hear your thoughts on a model of SOT made here the Profish 400 by Viking Kayaks I think it would change your mind about them. However I see you have to do products that are available in the US or Canada. I also think that US kayaks are designed for Bass fishing so look more like mini skiffs to me.
Profish 400 looks pretty good! It's a pretty standard SOT, but I like how the bow is designed to shed water. Looks like it's designed to handle open water more than most SOTs. Don't get me wrong... I like Sit-On-Top kayaks for certain applications. They are hands down the best fishing kayaks. They're also great for people who prioritize stability over speed, and want a boat that's easier to get into and out of. All great reasons to get one!
Seems a lot like a Liquid Logic Kiawah. Same seat, handles, dry box.
We have a 63lb Samoyed. How would this boat do with the dog? Kindof $$$$ Any other options?
First comment! Cheers, Ken - love your videos!
Wish I had a garage I would buy it finally a sit on top with good wieght capacity
Sit on tops generally are SELF BAILING, and are nicely carried by simple SHOULDER STRAP which I leave always attached.
You can use those as thigh braces/straps too I am guessing ?
Or are they like those things some people use for SUP's to carry them around ?
Don't get me wrong... I like Sit-On-Top kayaks for certain applications. They are hands down the best fishing kayaks. They're also great for people who prioritize stability over speed, and want a boat that's easier to get into and out of. All great reasons to get one!
Shoulder strap helps... but I find the kayak bangs into my legs. I'm a dragger, or I use a cart. :)
One thing I think sit on tops really shine in is pedal versions, even my 14 ft 160lb kayak is pretty quick thanks to the drive but without it I'd never want to take it out
Hi Ken,
I love your channel. Can you review the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105? Would love to hear your feedback.
I haven't used a Tarpon in about 10 years, and it's changed since then, and so I would love to. I've got another Wilderness Systems boat that I'm going to test first! Stay tuned... :)
Are there any good seaworthy sit on tops?
Most sit-on-tops are sea worthy, to a certain extent, because they don't fully swamp. They don't do very well in real rough conditions though. Not only are they inherently slow, but you can't edge them. On top of that, even if they don't swamp completely, they become extremely heavy and difficult to control when you get water in the cockpit area (before it has a chance to drain). That being said, sit-on-tops are great on the sea in the right situation. They're fun to play around with in a surf zone and they're great for fishing offshore.
@@PaddleTV Thanks, that is good to know. I live in Nova Scotia and looking to do some sea paddling close to shore on calm days. Not comfortable with an enclosed kayak just yet!
Crescent Kayaks are superior to the kayak in this video. Speed, ease of paddling, stability is incredible.
While I have no doubt that Crescent kayaks are quality boats, saying that all Crescent Kayaks are faster, easier to paddle and more stable is just not true.
@PaddleTV I was reverting to 'fishing' kayaks, sit on top, open deck. If other paddling fishing kayaks are faster, what would the be? Not a Jackson or Old Town...
No fishing rod holders?!?
None that are integrated. Easily added if you want them.
It’s a beautiful ❤
I don’t why the hell anybody buys a new kayak, there are tons of used ones out there for sale, just bought one of these for 1/e of new price in garage kept with a cover.
I think your being a little unfair to sit on kayak market. There a lot safer for kids and new paddlers. You don't need to learn eskimo rolling or how to put a skirt on. I love the 20-30kg weight on these type of boat too. It keeps it down in the water and smooths out the ride. I cant see hurricane osprey selling that well. Themo form sit on kayak? I'm sure my kids would wreak that kayak in a summer. If you want a light sit on kayak under 10kg look for a wave ski. But don't let the kids near it !! My jemski just came back from £500 repair after they "used" it a few weeks ago. For now there back on the pyranha fusion sit-on-top. I can fix that at home !!
Yeah this video totally neglects the poly rotmolded surfski sit on top kayaks like the epic v7 or v5
Get them their own cheap rotomolded LIKER Kayaks Onwind Surfski and you are done! 😉
Soo...
No skeg or rudder ?!
What about a paddleholder ?
Noticed your paddle was on the ground...
Ohh... and... what are the odds that this will ever happen : ua-cam.com/channels/AZ9mAx3rrqOi4fd0uRkEGA.htmlcommunity?lc=Ugzub4hjbrJep8k0YHx4AaABAg&lb=Ugkx9JQb4jecnsHI16SLfG6pwMntnLiaI5kq
Would be a kickass video IMHO 😬
No skeg or rudder. Doesn't need one. It tracks very well for a 12' kayak. It does come with a paddle holder that you can place on the boat. I didn't use it.
The link you sent takes me to the Community page in general. What are you referring to?
@@PaddleTV Pff... Damn UA-cam deleting my comments for some weird reasons...
Anyways... Let's try this again :
It's a link to my comment on your Community post about surfing waves on the Mendocino coast with Jeff and Cate from Liquid Fusion Kayaking.
Hope you will do a video like that in the future! 😉
Does it only have 2 scupper holes??? You can't use a scupper hole cart with it. That's unfortunate.
Hadn't thought about that! Might not want to with a thermoformed boat anyway. They're not as durable as rotomolded plastic. You'd want a cradle style kayak cart for this boat.
Get a Crescent Crew- cheaper, faster, can go tantrum or single, but it is a little heavier, but can carry 500+ pounds. Also cheaper- the crew is the one to buy.
I like the looks of the Crescent Crew for sure (look forward to testing it)... but it's more than little heavier. It's 2x the weight, which makes it not a realistic option for someone interested/needing a light weight kayak.
Yeah, realistically I think once you are near or especially above the 100 lb mark then for many people it will mean needed a trailer and cart to safely or at least effectively transport your kayak. Right now I'm using a Jackson knarr to fish from and even though I'm fairly fit I would not want to try loading anything like that in anything but a trailer
The Crew is 76 pounds. Since this Kayak, which looks very good and had a good review, is about 45 pounds, both are a bit heavy for single hauling. The Crew has twice the capacity in weight. I would look to cartilage g either. And the Crew is cheaper.
@@TheTechnologyFox Crew is a tandem so thus the weight. I'm drawn to their LT II.
Yeah.... But it's made in the USA 😬😬😬🤣
a PLUS.
Too expensive
Sit on Top are Canoes… Not a Kayak… Only good in Tandem !!!
Ha! I don't think of SOT's as being similar to canoes. The joy of canoes is that they take lots of gear and are easy to portage. Sit-on-tops are neither.
thanks