This day touring model has cargo space in the spacious bow and stern hatches for a weekend camping trip. The Fathom, again IMO, has somewhat better attention to detail. Thermoform plastic is more susceptible to cracking and shattering than rotomolded polyethylene, especially in very cold temperatures. Width/Beam: 29" / 74 cm. I started with a Necky Vector 13 (no longer made) and Ive had my Eddyline Caribbean 14 for a year. This alone, could account for the higher price of the Eddyline. Excessive UV damage may mean the kayak hull needs to be refinished. On each Skimmer, youll find a roomy bow hatch for storage, with smaller center and stern hatches on longer models. I will skip them all and say I feel very strongly that the Eddyline is a superior boat and well worth the additional money. Current Designs makes rotomolded plastic kayaks as well as ultralight Aramid composite boats. Hurricane kayaks Skimmer models are among the lightest sit-on-tops on the market, thanks to their Trylon ABS construction. For a dependable, no-frills kayak, Perception has a variety of good options. However, there is a $1000 price difference. . Even here I saw a post that it is too small (but also that it is spacious enough, from other posters). A rudder aids with both tracking and steeringa necessity on long tandem kayaks like the Whisperbut Eddyline solo kayaks turn easily enough that rudders arent needed. Think about those eskimo skin on frame kayaks. The easiest way to start searching for used kayaks is by sifting through online classifieds. I did not get a chance to sit in a Tracer, but sat in one of the recreational Hurricanes (a Santee, may be) and felt that it had a lot of flex to it - may be due to the wider/flatter shape of the rec boat compared to the more compact touring shape Saw another internet review of the two saying about the same (too much flex in the Tracer compared to Eddyline). Most passionate paddlers will be happy to regale you with their kayaking tales and where the boat has taken them. Length: 12 (366 cm)Width: 26 (66 cm)Weight: 41 lb (18.6 kg)Capacity: 295 lb (133.8 kg). Weve also got some tips for buying used kayaks and answers to common questions. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Hurricane kayaks. The Phoenix 160 is slow, like the Tarpon 160. This version of Eddyline Caribbean 12 has been specifically customized for fishing. I think that would not be a problem at all for most paddling, but will be noticeable in waves. I have a friend who has a lot of experience with both. This material can handle regular impacts and abrasions just as well as a heavier rotomolded polyethylene kayak. Ask the owner how and where it was stored. But it is prettier. It all started in the backyard of Derrers house in Colorado, where Tom started building his first whitewater kayaks from fiberglass. The comfortable SOT seat sits high for comfort and visibility and is made out of high-quality marine grade materials. Anyone have experience with these models and do you think either of these would be safe in bays on calm, non-windy days? That kayak does not have a sealed bulkhead in the bow, and when that kind of kayak capsizes, the bow tends to fill up with water. The Vector was a little easier to spin because of the flat bottom, but Im learning to carve turns anyways, so not a big deal. You can check the more general ones like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji using general search terms like 12-foot kayak.