Lifetime Tamarack 100

Size and Weight

Measuring up at a cool 10’ (304.8 cm) long, the Tamarack 100 is a recreational kayak that offers a modest amount of natural tracking ability on calm water. Its 31” (78.7 cm) width is slightly larger than average for a boat this size, further testament to its stability and comfort-focused design.

With a total weight of 50 lbs (227 kg), the Tamarack 100 is fairly average in terms of portability for a 10-foot boat. While it’s not excessively heavy for a kayak this size, it is slightly heftier than one would expect from a blow molded polyethylene model, as they’re often on the lighter end of the spectrum.

That being said, this kayak is still very portable, especially with two people. Its front and rear T-handles make it easy enough to transport to and from the car after a long day of paddling.

Capacity

The Tamarack 100 boasts a maximum weight capacity of 275lbs (124.7kg). This is enough to accommodate most paddlers, though it’s important to keep in mind that one also needs to allow some leeway for the weight of their gear.

After accounting for the fact that one shouldn’t overload a boat beyond 80% of its stated capacity, the Tamarack 100 is best for paddlers who are under 220 lbs (100 kg). Therefore, for longer, more gear-intensive adventures, this kayak is most suitable for smaller paddlers.

Features

With the Tamarack 100, Lifetime included a number of comfort and functionality-focused features that don’t break the bank.

They included an adjustable Quick Release Seat with a backrest for added lumbar support on longer paddles. Moreover, this boat comes with multiple footrest positions so it’s able to accomodate kayakers of different sizes.

It has a large rear tankwell and a small forward tankwell, each with bungee cords for strapping down gear as you paddle. Additionally, the cockpit of the Tamarack 100 comes with a modestly sized hatch, which provides below deck dry gear storage on longer trips.

This kayak also features self-bailing scupper holes throughout the deck and tankwells to prevent water from pooling up inside the boat. It also comes with a paddle keeper system to prevent you from losing your paddle if you stop for a break on the water.

Performance

When designing the Tamarack 100, Lifetime gave this boat a wide, rounded hull. As a result, it offers great primary stability on flat waters. However, despite the three chining rails on the hull of this boat, it still offers little in terms of secondary stability on choppy seas.

As far as tracking goes, this boat’s 10’ (304.8cm) length provides it with a bit of natural tracking ability. Lifetime took this tracking ability slightly further by including deep tracking channels on the hull to improve its ability to glide in a straight line on the water.

The hull on the Tamarack 100 is also fairly flat, with minimal rocker, which helps improve its tracking over longer distances. With that in mind, this boat is still best used on relatively flat waters in sheltered areas due to its lack of secondary stability.