Eclipse 17 doesn’t have a deep V hull.
“has a deep vee hull”.
I’ve owned the Aquaterra Sea Lion and just sold a kevlar Eclipse 17 / Sea Lion and neither one has a V of any kind.
I have no idea what boat you’re thinking of, but it isn’t an Eclipse 17.
The Eclipse 17 / Sea Lions that I’ve owned are very stable and beginner friendly, even though only 22.25" wide.
I’m 5’6" and 160 lbs and found the Eclipse 17 / Sea Lion to fit just a tad loose on me.
Generally - no
Generalizing a lot, at your height and weight Eclipse 17ft will be a barge. It is going to be a real handful to deal with, and that is before you get it on the water.
Since you are not that far away from Cleveland, perhaps you would be interested in some offerings that www.kayak41north.com has. They also have a rental place on Rocky River, roughly 1 mile of paddling before you get to the Lake Erie. Variety of boats ranging from 12 to 15 feet are available for renting. These are typically classified as transitional kayaks, there are a few sit on tops as well. If you show up on a slow day, you might be able to try a few.
Used boats can be had for a good price - check out craigslist. Keelhauler.org, one of kayaking clubs in the area has classifieds as well
It will likely feel a bit large on you.
I’m 5’6" and 160 lbs and have owned both a fiberglass Aquaterra Sea Lion and recently sold a kevlar Perception Eclipse 17 / Sea Lion and found both of them to fit just a tad large for my preference, but you may prefer the fit, since you’re coming from a rec kayak back ground.
They kevlar Perception Shadow 16.5 would be a much better fit for you and at 46 lbs would be much easier for you to carry and load on the vehicle.
The composite Eclipse 17 and Sea Lions are very stable and beginner friendly on flat water - I never had either of my composite versions on any rough, big water like Lake Erie, though, but they have a reputation of being very capable hulls in rough water.
The main drawback I see to the plastic Eclipse is the weight.
OK - so it is just me
I am not a compact fisherman, or wasn’t the last I was doing it.
thanks for the correction, Yanoer
I stand corrected on the Eclipse hull profile. I was just going by various user reviews. Sounds like the Sea Lion/Eclipse models are more similar to the Aquaterra Chinook than to the Scimitar I had? Got a beat up Chinook in the armada now and it’s a stable barge.
.
Ok, thanks for the info guys. I may end up just getting the conduit 13, I’ve asked around about it an asked ppl who have it and they all have had good things to say about it. Been searching Craigslist within a
100 mile distance for awhile (where I found the 17ft). Found a Carolina 14 but the guy said it was already spoken for >:(
Too big
– Last Updated: Jun-12-13 12:12 PM EST –
At your size, an Eclipse would probably be too big to paddle comfortably. There was a smaller version, the Shadow, which would be a much better fit. At 5'9" and 155lbs, I preferred the Shadow to the Eclipse.
You fit in the "smaller paddler" size range. A kayak that fits you will be easier to paddle well.
If you can, try to find a shop or event that lets you demo a few different boats. Another option would be to take a class that uses the type of kayak you're interested in. You'll be better prepared to paddle safely and make a good buying decision.
Sit-on-tops are the most popular style for fishing. Sea kayaks are appropriate for exploring the Great Lakes. i encourage you to get more butt-in-boat time before making a decision.
Used boats can be a great way to get on the water.
No! Period.
I found the weight of the Eclipse 17 listed variously between 60 and 68 lbs. That’s close to half your body weight.
The differences between the Conduit and the Eclipse are extreme. If you’re a beginner get the Conduit and upgrade later when you feel ready. The Eclipse 17 is probably the last kayak you should be considering.
Read the reviews. http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/showReviews.html?prod=343
People up to 6’4" and 240 lbs describe the Eclipse as a roomy fit. Those folks are twice your size.
Plus, the stability is described as “fair” or “marginal” by some experienced kayakers.
Fuggeaboutit.
Cleveland Craigslist
There’s a guy selling a Current Designs Kestrel for $550 near Cleveland:
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/boa/3862549965.html
Similar to the Conduit but a slightly higher quality boat (with a tad better resale value). A tad slimmer and a hair lighter, too.
Eclipse 17 / Sea Lion stability is very
good for relatively calm paddling conditions. I never had mine in rough conditions.
The only “stability” related issues that newbies might have is getting in and out of the boat. Once in, not an issue at all.
The two I owned were composite, not plastic, so my experiences may not apply to the plastic versions.
Eclipse 17 / Sea Lion is flattish mid
ships.
but… hatches
If memory serves, the Conduit has 2 bulkheads and hatches, and the Kestrel does not. For the OP: dual bulkheads and hatches add flotation / safety as well convenience / storage.
Kestrels
Composite 140 has two bulkheads and hatches.
Roto 140 does also
Roto 120 has one stern bulkhead and hatch.Float bags could be used in the bow.
user reviews
LMAO - great just great.
not laughing at you w-leaf.
at the ppl who reviewed it, likely owned it and who don’t know what a V hull is lol.
Has slight V, but ain’t a Nighthawk 16.
Lake Erie - Wind -Waves - Fetch
Keep in mind where you launch and the wind.
http://www.lighthousefriends.com/images/erie.jpg
FETCH - refers to the accumulated time
the wind is in constant contact with the water,
imparting energy into the waves.
It is too big for you!
– Last Updated: Jun-12-13 7:29 PM EST –
I have one and I am 5'-9" and 155 pounds.
Like others above have said, the Perception Shadow which is it's little brother would be ideal for you.
My wife who is 5'2' and 112 pounds has the Shadow
With that said both of them if they are the older model plastic ones can take a likin and keep on ticking.
The only time I use my Eclipse now is in down river class I and mild II WW. They are almost indstructable
Jack L
Just quoting the reviews
here at pnet.
Kestrel cockpit
is probably too large for this individual. It’s for a rather large person.
I frequently …
…hit West Branch. I launch from the site on Rock Spring Road and you are welcome to give my boat a try. I’m almost identical to you in size and just happen to fit my 17 foot boat nicely… in fact it fits better than my previous 15 1/2 foot boat.
It all comes down to fit and intended usage and there are no hard/fast rules but that Eclipse does sound as if it would be too large for you.
Anyhow, if you want to give my boat a try, just let me know.