The Merlin LT is perfectly suited for persons of lighter stature. It is a full fledged touring kayak with dual bulkheads and hatches, and all the necessary rigging for open water travel, comfort and safety; padded seat and backrest, keyhole cockpit with padded thigh braces, deck bungies for storage and re-entry and retractable carry handles. The LT has adequate storage for a long weekend trip. Smaller in size and lighter in weight, this kayak paddles effortlessly and is easy to load on your car. Don’t be deceived by the size, if the weather blows up you will still be smiling.
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Magazine Reviews
Canoe Magazine August 2001
The nice seat and keyhole cockpit was comfortable for all but the largest of us. Very stable and easy to control, even in a good chop. Tracking was very good in moderate wind (15 knots) and surfing was outstanding. Shockingly light but robust, it has round, watertight hatches that were easy to deal with.
Canoe Magazine – Day Touring Kayaks May 2003
The plastic unpadded seat with incline under the thighs, was comfortable. Thigh braces made for secure bracing in the cockpit. The backband was padded with foam modules and could be adjusted for three different heights. There was some padding at the hips. The initial stability was good. The fishform (longer bow than stern) Merlin LT tracked nicely and held its course admirably in the stiff breeze that blew in.
National Geographic Adventure 07/01/1999
The Merlin represents a substantial advance in sea kayak design because of the material from which it´s made-a polycarbonate alloy that is tougher, better looking, and more resistant to UV deterioration than polyethylene, yet significantly less expensive than fiberglass. Innovation aside, the 45-pound Merlin is a delightful little boat-it´s stable and fast for its length (13 feet 6 inches), and boasts turn-on-a sand-dollar maneuverability even without a rudder. Ideal for weekend voyages, the Merlin holds more gear than many 16-footers on the market. For more information, call 360-757-2300, or check our Eddyline´s Web site at www.eddyline.com.
Testimonials
bostonbeanie – 09-25-2009 paddling.net
Just bought a used Merlin in great condition for $800 so that will affect my rating. My first kayak is an Old Town Casco (polylink 3) 12′ x 28″. Very stable large cockpit rec kayak.
First trip yesterday in Merlin LT on Blue Mt Lake NY. Entry was tricky due to smaller cockpit and built in thigh braces. I am 5’2″ and 122, mid 50′s. Would recommend a much larger paddler try out for entry and exit reasons. The boat turns on a dime, moves along nicely under a short gentle stroke, probably twice as fast as the Casco. I was out in good conditions, light breeze and it handled well. Love the deck hardware. Easy to load on top of high vehicle due to weight.
Rating: 10 of 10
shooter-x – 10-17-2008 paddling.net
Bought my Merlin two months ago, it’s beautiful, fast, and responsive. The seat is comfortably for hours, fit and finish are great. The only thing I dislike is I can’t paddle my Merlin everyday. Great company and dealers to do business with, also bought a mid-swift paddle that works well and I think the red blades make me more visible on the water. I love this little boat.
Rating: 10 of 10
Debra Mitchell – Canton, NY
Eddyline! I have owned my Merlin LT for around 4 years now and I can’t even begin to tell you what amazing experiences I have had in it. I love it and I love your company!
Robin Smith – Southport, FL
Wonderful little boat! Craftsmanship is awesome. I originally wanted a Wilderness System Tsunami, but after seeing the Merlin LT, then taking it for a spin, I changed my mind. Just love it! Thanks for building such a wonderful boat!
Bebe – Paddling.net
I’ve logged one season with my Merlin LT and absolutely love it. I paddle primarily on lakes and rivers. It tracks beautifully and is the fastest Kayak I’ve ever used. After a twenty minute demo, I was in love. The hull is durable enough to withstand the shoreline rocks, and I have found it handles well on fairly tight river twists and turns. You’ll love this one. Rating: 10 of 10
Andre Boissevain – Sequim, WA
I am older (74) and have a heavy Seaward kayak. Since I often go alone, I wanted a boat light enough to load by myself. Also I was tired of fighting with the rudder! I am also impressed with the tracking considering no skeg.
Tupper – paddling.net
My wife and I have been paddling our Merlin LT for 8 years. We both love paddling it and have taken it everywhere – ocean, lakes, rivers, swamps. It is very lightweight and easy to handle and it paddles like a true sea kayak. I have no problem keeping up with 16 foot boats when I paddle the Merlin. The only drawbacks are the cost (although compared to fiberglass it is a good deal) and the durability. It is tougher than fiberglass but not as tough as rotomolded plastic. I cracked mine open last year on the upper Delaware (It’s all fixed now- Eddyline has excellent customer service they were very helpful). If you are looking for a small sea kayak – check out this boat.
Pat Clark – Montana
I recently purchased a used Merlin LT from my local paddle shop. It’s a fabulous boat!!! I’m new to the sport of kayaking and the Merlin LT was an easy purchase to make after trying out several other brands. I’ve had it out on lakes in steady 5mph winds (gusting up to 10mph) and in areas with lots of ski boat traffic. Even as a newbie to the sport I feel totally comfortable in this little craft. I’m not a very strong woman and I can easily carry it one handed, uphill for 200 ft. and put it on my car with ease! I’m totally hooked!!! Thanks, a thousand times, for crafting such fine boats! I appreciate the product, as well as what seems to be a company commitment to operate as sustainably as possible. I will certianly recommend Eddyline to friends who are now contemplating joining me in this kayaking lifestyle!!
Dick Rhindress
Yesterday I took both the XT and LT to our division’s annual picnic up in the Adirondacks. When I had three new people on the water, it was a fantastic tool for teaching. I could turn quickly and sprint to their sides to help, and the quick turning was great for avoiding those collisions beginners are prone to get in to. What was neat was the maneuverability. It handled almost like a whitewater boat with extreme rocker. When I finally got some good paddlers going, it tracked straight and true for some nice cruises around the lake. That LT is full of neat surprises! I still like my XT too.
Karen Hochgraf – Portland, OR
Wonderful boat! I am a small person and am very happy to find a boat I can carry easily on my own.
Pam Doughty – Hillsborough, NH
Have owned Walden Vista and Oddessy – was happy with the Oddessy. Sat in several brands at the paddleshow and the Merlin LT was the last one I tried. I fell in love with the looks and comfort. Hadn’t planned on upgrading but couldn’t resist! Thanks.
Mindy Horner – East Lyme, CT
I am now the proud owner of a very sleek, sexy, and dependable Eddyline Merlin LT. Your kayak caught my eye from the get-go… Now all I have to do is learn how to paddle somewhat gracefully.
Patricia Donnelly – Dublin NH
Picked up the Merlin LT and went straight to the water – Wow! Handled really well when the wind picked up.
Alicia Raynor – Barre, VT
We bought your merlin LT last year and don’t have a single complaint, in fact because of our constant bragging many of our friends have bought them too. There is a running joke among our group that Eddyline should pay us commisson on the sales we have made. We just wanted to let you know how pleased we are with your awesome boats. We are looking forward to this summer and all the compliments we are sure to receive. We are proud to have Eddyline by our side. Thany you so much! Alicia and Mike
Martha Schroder – Duluth GA
A “Birders World” article highlighted a Merlin kayak. I bought one six months later! It’s gorgeous! Awesome! I’m the envy of the lake! Thank you!
Dru Ferrence – Nags Head, NC
I’ve now been using my Merlin LT for over 5 years. I’ve put hundreds of miles on the boat in all sorts of weather conditions (yes, we are known for our windy ways here). I’ve also purchased a little Sandpiper, which I use to introduce other women to this wonderful sport, many of whom now own their own Eddyline! The dings and scratches are numerous but I love my Eddyline. It was the right decision then, and will be again when I have to purchase another. Thanks for making such a fine product.
Ben Dizon – Walnut Creek, CA
I just adore my carbonlite Merlin LT and use it constantly. The Merlin paddles well in most conditions and is even a wonderful delight when it is towed by a kite. For everyday use, it is just the right size/dimension/form/weight to haul/launch/paddle/sail.
Rick Delbridge – Virginia
I need to tell you just how much I like the Merlin LT. If there were a better boat on the market I sure would like to see it. I can not imagine anything that could “fit” me as well. I have been driving the guys at work crazy talking about it. Easy to load/unload, stable, fast, easy to turn (I even “carved a turn” 15 minutes out and this was the very first time I had been in the water in a kayak!). I can tell already that I am hooked and will enjoy many years of fun in this boat!
Barbara Dina – Dunedin, FL
I tried out 6 different boats before I decided on the Merlin LT. For the money, there was no comparison in maneuverability stability and comfort. I’m new to this sport and even in 20-mph winds, the Merlin felt safe, stable and was extremely responsive.
