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wrote in
ups.com:

John Fereira wrote:
Why would you figure that? Perception has probably been making
polyethelene canoes longer than any of these other companies have been
making polyethelene kayaks. Their canoes are targetted to the casual
paddler so it stands to reason that they'd be in the recreational
kayak market as well.

I figured it because they look identical. The overall look of the
Pelican Pursuit 100DLX looks just like the Coleman Ultimate 100. The
similarity in naming, the dimensions, and the features are an almost
exact match. As I stated Coleman doesn't manufacture kayaks, and
usually just places their brand name on other companies products.

I didn't know that. I did a web search on "Coleman Ultimate 100" and the
only thing I came up with was a cooler. Apparently it's a very new model.
From one of the sites I found, it indicated that the Pelican boat is
constructed with RAM-X technology. Coleman holds the patent on RAM-X so it
may be that the Pelican boat is actually made by Coleman.

My
deduction was that when you look at the Coleman and the Pursuit 100DLX
they look exactly alike.

If they look exactly alike and the specifications are exactly alike then
they probably came out of the same mold. Frankly, I think you're spending
more time than is really useful making a decision. I doubt that many people
would find a significant difference between most recreational kayaks on the
market today, in terms of how it actually paddles. That's why I suggested
that the fact that you weren't able to test paddle the Coleman probably
isn't a deal killer. The criteria upon which you might choose a
recreational kayak is quite a bit different than for touring or whitewater
boat. Paddling performance isn't as much of an issue because, the primary
purpose of a recreational kayak is just to get you on the water in a stable
platform for a bit of casual paddling. Most of what you read on vendor
website that distinguishes one rec boat over another is most likely markeing
hype.

There are however a few things you that you might look for.

Is the seat comfortable? Most seats are molded plastic so just sitting in
it for awhile will tell you if there any pressure points that will make
paddling in uncomfortable.

If more than one person is going to be paddling the boat does it have
adjustable footpegs? Yakima foot braces are almost standard but some kayaks
have molded plastic footbraces with a handful of fixed positions.

Does the kayak appear to be reasonably constructed? Look for a fair hull
(no dents) and note how any rigging is attached. If it has a bulkhead (a
plus, since many recreational kayaks do not and it's a safety as well as a
convenience feature) does it appear watertight?

Most recreational kayaks are sold as "entry level" kayaks at an "entry
level" price. The lower the price the more you can spend on a paddle, and
other gear.

(As I stated I had simply mis-spoken by naming the Perception Swifty, I
meant to say that the Coleman was identical to the Pelican Pursuit
100DLX.)

Honestly, performance wise most 9 to 11' recreational kayaks are
likely pretty much interchangable so if you find one with an extra
feature or two at a price you like, buy it.

The overall shape is a bit different between the two. The otter is a
bit more oval shaped like a rec. boat, whereas the Coleman Ultimate 100
is like a cross between a rec. boat and a day tourer.

To me, it look just like another recreational kayak and you shouldn't base
your decision on the possiblity that it might be more like a day touring
kayak. I wouldn't consider anything less than 13' long (I'm being generous)
to be classified as a day touring kayak.

Something you haven't appeared to have done was test paddle a few day
touring kayaks to see if something a bit longer and narrower might be to
your liking.

My first kayak was a 26" wide, 12' long recreational kayak. After I bought
it I took a class and paddled several touring kayaks. Within three weeks of
buying my first boat I was in the market for another one. I ended up buying
a used fiberglass touring boat that I still have (and love to paddle) 9
years later.

I think I may end
up with the Coleman for a number of reasons, I just was really hoping
someone would know the manufacturer of this kayak.

Thanks.