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Subject: Eddyline Merlin XT Author: Keith Meyers [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] Date Posted: 11:44:10 06/13/02 Thu I was checking out Eddyline's website today and noticed that the specs of the 2002 Merlin XT have changed from a year ago. The cockpit size is listed as 35"x19", up from 31.5"x17". I belive the depth has increased as well, from 14" to 14.2". I've always liked this boat as a daytripper, but at 5'11" and 250# I found it way too small for anything but a very short outing. The thigh braces also made it very tough to get in and out. In the 2002 picture of the boat, the braces seem to have been eliminated. Has anyone tried the 2002 model yet? Would love to hear your feedback! Thanks, Keith. [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Replies:

[> Subject: Re: Eddyline Merlin XT Author: Fern [Edit] Date Posted: 13:31:37 06/20/02 Thu Keith, I have not actually paddled one, but did sit in a Merlin XT and an Eddyline Nighthawk 17.5 at a recent Canoe and Kayak show in New Hampshire. The cockpits of both were quite roomy. I don't think either one had thigh braces, which have always been my nemesis, and have kept me from being comfortable in a lot of boats. I think it's worth looking into further. I'm looking forward to test-paddling a Nighthawk at some point in the future. Let me know what you think.

[> Subject: Re: Eddyline Merlin XT Author: Chris [Edit] Date Posted: 21:43:38 07/14/02 Sun >Has anyone tried the 2002 model yet? Would love to >hear your feedback! Thanks, Keith. I wrote up both boats a bit in my demo day post. I've got Eddyline on the brain now. Neither boat had thigh braces in them when I tried them, The 17.5 Nighthawk would need rather large ones for me to feel tight in it actually, it was probably 2" off the tops of my thighs. Even without footpegs and braces the 17.5 felt great. It's a bit too expensive for me, so I tried the Merlin XT too. The cockpit of the Merlin XT was smaller a bit than the 17.5 as far as the height of the deck, I would still want some braces in it but they would look like 'human braces' for the Merlin. I was actually reasonably in control just by pushing up with my legs a bit. I really liked the feel of this boat, very very lively, will take some work to get totally comfortable in it which I sort of like. Will be testing one thoroughly via a rental with a full skirt on it etc. Keep an eye around for that in a week or two. I'm a new paddler so keep that in mind. Don't take what I say as gospel.