Product Reviews > Kayaks > Eddyline > Merlin XT

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Reviews for Merlin XT Kayak by Eddyline

Rated: 8.47/10 Based On: 17 Reviews

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10-11-2012
Submitted by: JB

Rating: 6 of 10

I owned an Eddyline Merlin XT for about 3 years. It is a beautiful boat and it tracks well. However, it has always seemed a bit unstable, especially in steep side swell (I'm 5'10" and 180lbs). I used it in Flathead Lake in MT, where big waves frequently come up rapidly. I was once out with five people ... the three with Merlin XTs were all rolled, but the two in Merlin LTs were fine. Finally, this year I traded my XT in for an Eddyline Journey. It is MUCH more stable, and I feel more secure. The Journey does not track as well as the XT with the skeg up, but the skeg down it is as straight as an arrow.

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07-16-2012
Submitted by: Trin

Rating: 10 of 10

My husband and I have paddled with the Merlin LT and XT since 2000 and love them. We paddle in the open waters of the San Juan Islands, around Seattle in the bay and all over lakes in the state. They are well made and still look like new even though this is our 12th season. We highly recommend these!

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05-17-2011
Submitted by: mtfrank

Rating: 9 of 10

I have been paddling the Merlin on flatwater and rivers in Iowa for five years. It is a 15 footer, 23" wide, 46#; made of Carbonlite 2000. I find it to be a very good all around boat. It is reasonable fast (about .3-.4 mph slower than my Solstice GTS); has good stability; is fairly maneuverable; tracks fairly well; and is easy to enter and exit. It is a good boat for some of the faster rivers here. If you want a boat that does a lot of things well, this is it.

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08-19-2009
Submitted by: jaw

Rating: 6 of 10

I paddled the Merlin XT cabonlite that my neighbor bought. It was a paddle of about 9 miles at the local lake. The first thing to impress me was the fact that it tracked very well. The second was edged turns. It is very responsive to edging. After getting all excited about how well it handled I was ready to cover some water and see if it had any real flaws. Well within a few miles all the excitement was gone as this kayak just does not glide through the water. I had brought my gps along to see if it was reasonably fast. It is not. As far as stability is concerned it is a little light but no more than many other kayaks. I never felt uneasy in the Merlin. I so wanted to like this boat but I need a kayak with some glide and the Merlin suffers in this area. It might be different for a lighter paddler but for me at 190lbs. this boat returned to little forward motion for the effort applied.

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06-12-2009
Submitted by: waterbird

Rating: 5 of 10

The Merlin XT has been discontinued, so you should be able to find some very good deals on it now, possibly even new leftover boats from dealers.

The Merlin XT is not a beginner's boat. Beginners will find the stability, both initial and secondary, insufficient. Experienced paddlers may think the stability is perfectly fine. The stability problem is caused by the very deep V hull. This is NOT a shallow V. In calm water the Merlin gives a smooth, fast, stable ride, very responsive.

The shape of the Merlin is now outdated, compared to the beautifully designed new Eddylines. But it does have huge storage capacity. The cockpit is large and comfortable. The seat is only moderately comfortable. The Merlin has the usual beautiful Eddyline thermoform finish and is very light weight.

I'm giving the Merlin a low rating due to the stability problem. Otherwise it does have some qualities and might suit an experienced paddler.

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11-12-2008
Submitted by: law

Rating: 9 of 10

I have had my XT out on two 8 mile trips in the sound and love it. It is stable, light, fast and will hold a lot of weight. The finish looks great.

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05-22-2005
Submitted by: ---

Rating: 9 of 10

I have owned my Merlin XT in Carbonlite for over a year now, and am very pleased with it. It's lightweight, seems fast to me, comfortable, and durable. It requires no rudder since the shallow V hull makes it track like an arrow. The low profile makes for a very wind-resistant watercraft, which I really like. Hatches are roomy and stay dry. Cockpit is plenty roomy for those of us who aren't supermodel slim. (Had a Merlin LT before this, and needed WD-40 to get into it, and the jaws of life to get back out.)

The only reason I don't rate it a 10 is that, while some have said it "turns on a dime"... well, that's not my experience. The Prijon Yukon Expedition is the only long kayak I've ever paddled that I could paddle straight or turn abruptly (trihedral hull), but that boat is hard for some to handle. Another thing about the Merlin - it has the great looks of a composite kayak but you don't have to baby it. Small scratches are easy to repair; the carbonlite is a very tough material. The Eddylines are a tad expensive, but worth it in my opinion.

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07-28-2004
Submitted by: peapod

Rating: 10 of 10

I recently purchased a Merlin XT and could not be more pleased with my purchase. I had a perfectly good kayak that I liked but my back had given me some trouble so my doctor suggested that I get a lighter boat. The criteria for the new boat was different than when I went looking at my previous boat. I needed a boat that not only was light, and stable, but extremely confortable. Most importantly I wanted a boat that would track well without the use of a rudder. The pronounced V hull keeps the Merlin going straight ahead without a rudder or skeg. The boat will also turn on a dime. By not having to push my foot down on the foot pedal my back is not strained. So this over 50 year old paddler is very pleased with the stability and confort. There is one other nice surprise I encountered with this kayak. The boat is extremely fast. I have timed my paddling at the same areas that I went with my previous boat and I would say I am paddling 10 percent faster. The added benifit is I can get to my destination faster and sit for a shorter period of time. Overall I would recommend the Merlin especially if one has a back problem. The boat can handle waves very well, is confortable, pretty and tracks beautifully. I also use it for photography and I have no problems taking pictures.

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07-02-2004
Submitted by: PC

Rating: 10 of 10

I've been comparison testing a number of boats over the past two weeks. I currently own a Necky, Eskia which was right for me two years ago when stability meant everything. So, by a process of elimination, I zeroed in on the XT. This is a lively boat, turns easily and tracks extremely well without skeg or rudder. Paddled today in gusty winds and the boat held its course, first with a rear quartering wind, then into the wind and finally a front quartering wind. Just occasional leaning and double stroking needed to hold it on point. I even did a paddle float re-entry in wind and waves without a problem.

I both tested and bought the model with the conventional, non-keyhole cockpit, I would have bought a longer Eddyline but their keyhole cockpits are apparently intended for double-amputees. I don't know why Eddyline seems to favor the smaller paddler.

Anyway, considering price, value and seaworthiness, the Merlin XT does it all.

Also, while the XT is certainly not a racer, it sure is considerably faster than my Eskia. As measured with a GPS, I had no trouble getting the boat up to nearly 5 MPH. It's easy to maintain 4-4.25 MPH without wind/wave assistance. In comparison, under identical circumstances, the Eskia averaged 3.5 MPH.

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05-26-2003
Submitted by: ---

Rating: 8 of 10

I've had my Merlin XT for a 2-3 years and still enjoy it very much. I've found it a very stable kayak to paddle (which again proves how individual kayaks fit and why trying them out is a must!). I often take my camera along and have no problmes stopping and taking photos. Since I'm on the heavy (but not tall) side, getting out of the keyhole cockpit is a struggle, so I'm glad that Eddyline has done away with it. (It was never useful, since my knees/legs firmly grip the deck without use of the keyhole.) It tracks and responds to leaned turns well. I think its about 50 lbs. which works for me to load and unload solo. This is not the fastest kayak around, though I've had no problems keeping up with the group on most trips. I'd recommend that anyone try this boat out. David.

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02-05-2003
Submitted by: BigJockJoe

Rating: 7 of 10

Bought the 2000 version of the Merlin XT in Carbonlite. This kayak is finished inside and out very very well. Anyone considering this kayak should definately TRY IT OUT before purchasing. I bought mine in the winter and didn't try it first. Cockpit opening was a major problem-too small for tall/heavier people. Definately a smaller-person boat. The hard plastic seat and seatback were also numbing after only a short distance. I think my biggest gripe was stability. Think you might like to quit paddling the Merlin XT and take a break? NO WAY JOSE! Unless you want to do eskimo rolls. Just sitting still in the XT was a feat only a high wire artist could appreciate. I have never sat in a kayak so tippy in my entire life. It has a pronounced V hull, and even at 23 inches in width, this thing was like straddling a torpedo. You simply couldn't take a rest or God forbid try to open your sprayskirt for a drink or a snack! I gave it the benefit of a doubt and took it out on three different occasions in three different environments to see if it was just a fluke, but I came away disliking this kayak more each time. Luckily, I sold it for more than I paid for it, so that wasn't disappointing. Definately NOT a beginners kayak, and not one for taller/heavier people. Quality and workmanship are top-notch, however the carbonlite isn't that light in weight. The newer version of this kayak has a much larger cockpit opening- but that still doesn't address the stability issue at all.

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06-13-2002
Submitted by: gaylordsr

Rating: 10 of 10

I only have 14 hrs in my 2002 Merlin XT but Eddyline has outdone themselves with this great kayak.T he most important thing for me was a longer cockpit, which has gone from a keyhole 31 1/2 long to an oval at 35" long. Lord, what a difference. Now I can straddle the kayak from the back, walk up to the seat, sit down and and then put both feet in. (couldn't do that with the 2001 XT ). It still handles, carves and paddles like the older XT's, which always was great. But now I can get in it without falling over. Thanks a million Eddyline!

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12-20-2001
Submitted by: RK

Rating: 8 of 10

I purchased a new 2001 Merlin XT this year, my third kayak, for use as a evening fitness boat that I could leave on the car over night on occasion. It is light and short enough to easily toss on the car. Responsive, a carver with the well defined V shape, yet good stability. A blast to paddle in wind waves, a jumper and surfer, leans and handles well. The hull seems to slide well on launches like plastics (isn't as gougy as fiberglass) but has the glide of glass on the water. It has enough capacity for weekend trips but you would have travel light for longer trips. I dont like the weenie deckline clips (which break) and the handles with the little velcro holders and the cockpit keyhole is a little tight in front getting in but seems to have a tighter knee brace feel when you are seated. Overall a great boat providing diversity to my little fleet. When a take a friend paddling, I use the Merlin.

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10-01-2001
Submitted by: CHB

Rating: 7 of 10

First off-Your faithful correspondent: a 50-year-old out-of-shape 5-10, 200# newbie to paddling, with one season's experience on a 12' sit-on-top, though I've been around boats small and large all my life. Goal: day paddling on Lake Michigan off the beach. Have tried a number of boats on demos, and had the Merlin XT in Carbonlite over the Labor Day weekend. Verdict: No issues with materials or execution--well built and finished. Nicely responsive, tracks well sans rudder which really doesn't seem to be needed at all. Doesn't track like the 17' Solstice GT I tried, but would be a lot easier to carry up 2 flights of stairs to the garage from the beach!

Problem: At my weight, the stability is an issue; felt insecure initially and I couldn't define a solid sense of the secondary as I have in other trials. Between that and the cockpit--OK once in, but tight on the way--entry and exit were a challenge, except for the unplanned wet exit, which turned out to be surprisingly easy! Didn't feel secure enough to reach around the boat without keeping a paddle blade in/on the water; wouldn't want to try photos. Definitely felt insecure with the seas (1-1.5') on the aft quarter; better with the seas from ahead of the beam. By comparison, I felt significantly more confident in a Caribou-S I tried, even though it's narrower; the V bottom on the Merlin definitely translates to less primary than a different design would have, and I suspect my weight has to do with the weaker secondary than I expected. Would be a great boat in the more compact category for someone lighter or more experienced.

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07-02-2001
Submitted by: Hawki

Rating: 10 of 10

I've had my XT for a couple of months now and love it. I also purchased the boat for the forgiving properties of plastic but the look and feel of a composite. I've already had many comments on the design and look of this boat. We just finished a 2 week vacation paddling on the California Northcoast and Southern Oregon coast. We've been in sloughs, bays and flat rivers throughout the area and I'm more impressed with this boat with every outing. I've had the boat in 15mph+ winds and found it easy to maintain course with just paddle strokes and edging only occasionally. It was especially nice when in tight quarters of a flat water creek we found in Oregon ... this boat turns on a dime. It was also a pleasant surprise to find the boat rolls extremely well making practicing my rolls a lot of fun. Speed is about what you would expect from a 15 footer, but I had no problem staying with a Looksha IV while exploring Trinidad Bay. I was looking for a rudderless design that actually lived up to its hype and I believe I've found it with the XT. This boat deserves a look from anyone looking for a kayak that does a lot of things well.

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10-08-1999
Submitted by: samelnyk

Rating: 10 of 10

What a great plastic boat. I bought this boat for three reasons -- the price (the dealer was selling his boat to free up capital); the looks (of all the plastic boats out there, this is a true beauty -- it does not look like a plastic boat); and, the rudderless design (this boat is designed to track well without a rudder). On the water, this boat is truly a pleasure. It tracks well; it has good initial and secondary stability; and, the cockpit is large and comfortable. Further, the boat can be edged well. It takes wind well and has only a slight tendency to weathercock. It is also light (for a plastic boat). The only complaint that I have about the boat is that the covers for the forward and rear hatches are difficult to secure so that they are water-tight. A suggestion given me by Eddyline -- apply some 303 to the covers and the seals. Another small complaint -- the deck behind the cockpit is raised in the middle. This makes self-assisted re-entries using a paddle fl! oat not as easy as they should be.

All in all, a great boat that fulfills a wide range of activities well. It works well; it looks great; what a boat!!

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07-07-1999
Submitted by: JJ

Rating: 10 of 10

I am a new owner of an XT. The reasons for choosing it were weight (it is much lighter than comparable plastic boats), manueverability, comfort and storage capacity. My typical trips are exploring the Columbia River and the coastal bays of Oregon and Washington with . I've had it out in some fairly big weather so far - 20+ winds w/waves to 3 ft - and I'm very pleased with how it handles. It is more expensive than comparable plastic boats but if you don't need a full-on expedition boat, the XT is worth a look.

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