Pelican Clipper 80X

Size and Weight

At 7 ft 9 in. (236 cm) long and 28 in. (71 cm) wide, the Clipper 80X is pretty wide for its short length. The relatively wide base is coupled with a height of 14 in. (36 cm) to provide a very stable platform. Unsurprisingly, this kayak is feather-light with a weight of only 27 lb (12.2 kg).

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Capacity

Pelican Clipper 80x is rated for 200 lb (91 kg). This is more than enough for a small kids’ kayak.

Features

The Clipper 80x is not exactly feature-rich, but it packs everything you need for fun, stress-free recreational trips.

The kayak features two simple bungee-based carrying handles on the bow and the stern. A molded cockpit table includes a bottle holder and a couple of compartments for small items.

The adjustable ERGOFORM™ padded backrest is breathable and big enough to provide some comfort. However, anyone taller than 5 ft will probably feel crammed inside the cockpit. Also, the seat itself is molded with no cushioning, so you won’t be too comfortable on longer trips.

At the stern, there is a small open tank well that will fit a 20-liter dry bag or a small backpack. There is also a drain plug at the very stern to remove any water that gets into the hull.

Safety features include two styrofoam blocks on either side of the seat that should provide some buoyancy if the kayak gets flooded. Naturally at this price, there are no bulkheads or dry storage.

Performance

Pelican Clipper 80X performs pretty well, considering its intended use. The wide twin-arched hull provides good primary stability, while the short length ensures that the boat is very maneuverable. You can’t expect an 8-foot boat to be fast or track well, so if you plan any long-distance trips, look elsewhere.

Overall, Pelican Clipper 80X is a good way to introduce your kid to kayaking and see if they like it before upgrading to a better boat.