Lifetime Lotus 80
Stability | 9.5 |
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Speed | 8 |
Tracking | 6 |
Comfort | 7 |
Features | 7 |
Portability | 9.5 |
A budget-friendly adult kayak designed for quick jaunts on the local lake, the Lifetime Lotus 80 is a great option for the occasional recreational paddler. With a modest weight and portable size, it’s easy enough to transport to and from the water, making it a nice choice for summertime fun on the water.
Lifetime Lotus 80 Prices
Price History
Price history for Lifetime Lotus Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle, Blue, 8' | |
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Description
Size and Weight
Measuring up at 8’ (244 cm) long, the Lotus 80 is solidly a recreational kayak that’s designed more for fun-filled paddles than extended day tours. It has a 29” (73.6 cm) width, which is about average for a boat this size. Thanks to this width, it provides a good amount of stability and maneuverability.
With a weight of 36.5 lbs (16.5 kg), this boat is highly portable. It is a bit lighter than the Wilderness Systems Ripper 80, which weighs in at 39 lbs (18 kg), despite being the same length.
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Capacity
Due to its smaller size, the Lotus 80 does have a fairly low weight capacity of just 250 lbs (113.4 kg). If we consider that one shouldn’t load a boat beyond 80% of its maximum capacity to ensure peak performance, this kayak is best for paddlers under 200 lbs (90.7 kg).
That being said, the Lotus does have a higher weight capacity than the Feel Free Move, which is rated for 195 lb (88 kg) despite having a longer 9’ (274 cm) length. Therefore, while the Lotus 80 is best for smaller paddlers, it does offer a good strength-to-weight ratio.
Features
Decidedly simple, this boat was designed as a no-frills option for recreational paddlers. However, it does have some nice features that allow for a more enjoyable paddling experience.
Its adjustable quick-release seat back provides a modest amount of lumbar support for short paddlers. Additionally, the Lotus 80 comes with a molded paddle cradle to help you keep track of your gear on the water.
For storing small amounts of gear, like a spare jacket or a water bottle, this kayak has a stern tankwell with a bungee cord system.
RELATED: Best Sit On Top Kayaks: Reviews and Buying Guide
Plus, it has a self-bailing design with multiple scupper holes to help drain excess water out of both the cockpit and the tankwell. That way, the boat is easier to clean out at the end of your time on the water.
Performance
The Lotus 80 has a fairly short 8’ (244 cm) length, which will naturally limit its tracking ability, particularly over long distances. However, the boat does have a very wide and round hull design, which provides excellent primary stability in calm conditions.
As a result of this rounded hull and the boat’s wide dimensions, the Lotus 80 maneuvers fairly well in flat water. Lifetime also designed this kayak with a set of molded footrests, which provide extra control while maneuvering.
With that in mind, rounded hull kayaks like the Lotus are designed for recreational use in fair weather conditions. It offers little in the way of secondary stability, so it’s not suitable for open water or choppy seas.
When used in the appropriate conditions, though, it offers a fun, simple, and stable platform for enjoying time out on the water.
Additional information
Specification: Lifetime Lotus 80
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