Sees-koo-wee-hah-nay wrote:
My wife was recently in the market for her first kayak. Through much
research, she had decided on a Swifty but had seen the Coleman/Pelican
kayaks and wanted to "check them out" before making a final descision.

The Pelican and Coleman kayaks we looked at were sold at department
stores. Just asking a question brings on dumbfounded looks from the
clerks who have no clue. They also seem cheaply made, one I looked at
had an odd dent in it, not typical hull deformation from sitting on
something, but a flaw in the molded platic about the size of a
softball. No thanks.

Since you are not interested in better options, I won't post what she
finally chose and is 100% happy with.

I have inspected the kayak closely and it is actually well made and as
rigid if not more than the Otter and very similar in construction.
Otters are a good basic rec boat, it isn't that I'm being difficult or
anything... just that I know what I am looking for after demoing what
we have and we have decided on that boat for a variety of reasons. The
Coleman just threw a monkey wrench in the works since it is brand new
and has a few nice additional features at a very slightly lower
pricepoint on sale.

I have two outdoor outfitter/kayak shops in my area and truth be told,
the salesman at Dunham's Sporting goods by my house was an avid kayaker
and was actually quite informative. He didn't have any info on who made
the Coleman though beyond our agreement that it looked very similar to
the Pelican Pursuit.. which is why I came here.

I'd be perfectly happy to hear what your wife chose, just that
extolling the virtues of a day tour/touring model will not even be
considered as it is not what we need or desire. Some fishing on
fla****er lakes/rivers, some recreational paddling for exercise, and
some basic class1-2 rapids at best for fun. Believe me I know how nice
and comfortable some upper-end models can be and if they fit our goals
and budget I'd consider them... they just don't fit our needs right
now. I have no problems buying two more a a couple years or so down the
road and owning 4 kayaks with specific purposes. Not a big deal for me.

Thanks