Kayak Review

Minnesota Spokes-n-Folks News
Kayak Review
User Report on the Flex Carve 80 (also know as the Spitfire by Emotion Kayaks) Kayak from Dick's Sporting Goods

I recently purchased this "sit-on-top" kayak from Dick's on sale for $199. I plan to use it for lazy floating on the pond out back and exploring local creeks and streams when water levels permit.

I've been out on this kayak four times in the last few days and have enjoyed it a lot. Being able to step right out when the boat needs to be dragged through a shallow spot and then simply sit right back down when past the shallows is a very handy feature. There is no need to bail or pump it out if it takes on water. The water simply drains out through holes in the bottom.

Features

1. Semi-flat shallow V-hull offers good stability and reasonable tracking and speed
2. 6 scupper holes quickly drain water from cockpit and tank well
3. Toggle handles and molded-in side carry handles for easy transport
4. Molded-in foot well for comfortable and secure bracing
5. Molded-in cup holder
6. Tank well with bungee system to secure gear
7. Integrated fold-down seat back
8. Length: 8'
9. Width: 30"
10. Weight: 38 lbs
11. Weight Capacity: 225 - 240 lbs

My Comments (in no particular pro or con order):

12. First and foremost this is a "wet boat" - that means that you will need to wear a swim suit while using it.
13. This is a warm weather boat to be used in swimming temperature water
14. Sit-on-top kayaks are unsinkable and virtually indestructable
15. Unpowered boats under 9 feet in length do not need to be licensed in Minnesota
16. The toggle handles front and rear are fine but the molded in handles on the sides are not very effective
17. The molded-in drink holder works for a can in a foam can insulator but would not really hold anything else very well
18. The seat back angle is adjustable and is quite comfortable
19. Sit-on-tops are usually a bit heavier than open cockpit boats because of the additional material required to make them
20. There are molded-in paddle rests on both side of the boat - I added a velcro strap to secure the paddle more effectively
21. Your entire body is exposed to the sun so be sure to use sun block
22. Unlike an open cockpit boat, you can move around a bit more or sit sideways with your legs dangling in the water
23. It makes a great swim platform IF you master the technique of getting back in when in deep water AND you have a small anchor to keep it from drifting away while you swim
24. The boat is quite stable
25. Can be rigged to be a great fishing platform (see internet for tips on rigging sit-on-tops)
26. I would not have this as my only kayak but it makes a great addition to the fleet

These will be on sale at Dick's until June 12, 2010. Although I like this boat a lot, you should seriously consider whether it would be suitable for you.

Find additional reviews on the internet. Search "Spitfire Kayak Reviews".

Also -- the seat straps are now secured with screws rather than rivets. Some people had problems with the rivets on earlier models.

HAPPY KAYAKING!