Pelican Seek 100X - Recreational Sit on top Kayak - Lightwei

The Verdict

You don’t buy a sit-on-top kayak for speed. You buy it for the ability to slide off into the water, swim, fish, and climb back aboard without performing a J-stroke ballet. The Pelican Seek 100X nails that core promise, but it’s not without compromises. Here’s what 220 Amazon reviewers (4.4 stars) actually think after paddling it.

What you actually get

The box contains the 9-foot, 10-inch RAM-X polyethylene hull, one adjustable EVA foam seat with padded backrest, a two-piece paddle, and the drain plug. That’s it. No paddle leash, no crate, no rod holders. At 38 pounds, the Seek 100X is genuinely light — one reviewer noted, “I’m a 62-year-old woman and I can load this on my SUV roof rack by myself.” That’s the headline feature and it holds up.

How it performs on the water

The hull is a modified V-shape with a wide 30-inch beam. It tracks better than you’d expect for a recreational boat — straight-line paddling takes minimal correction. Primary stability is excellent; you can lean back, stretch, and cast without white-knuckling the gunwales. The 275-pound capacity rating is realistic for a solo paddler with a cooler and tackle box.

The adjustable seat is the standout feature. It clips into three positions along a molded track, letting you move the backrest forward or backward mid-paddle. One buyer called it “the most comfortable kayak seat under $500 — I did four hours on a lake without numbness.” The recessed footwells give you three positions, though here’s the catch: the tracks are spaced for longer legs. Multiple reviewers under 5'4" reported the footrests felt too far away, forcing them to paddle toes-up.

What buyers consistently praise

• The weight-to-durability ratio. RAM-X plastic is scuff-resistant; one paddler dragged it over a gravel launch and reported only surface scratches.
• The scupper holes. Twin channels drain water fast, and the raised seat keeps your backside dry.
• The molded side handles. They’re positioned at the balance point, making solo carries less awkward than center-handle designs.

Where it falls short

The included paddle is the weak link. It’s a heavy, flexy plastic blade that’ll tire you out after 45 minutes. Factor in a replacement. The lack of any paddle keeper is also annoying — the paddle slides off the hull when you stop to take photos or swim. And while the hull is tough, it flexes noticeably under heavy paddlers; at 240 pounds, I felt the deck give slightly when bracing.

Who should buy this

• Weekend lake paddlers who want a stable, easy-to-transport boat for casual paddling and swimming.
• Older or smaller paddlers who need a kayak they can load and unload solo without a truck bed or trailer.
• First-time kayak buyers who want a forgiving, low-maintenance hull without spending $800+.

Skip it if you’re over 6'1" (knee clearance in the footwells is tight), you plan to paddle rivers with current (the flat hull catches crosswind), or you expect to stand up and fish — this is a sit-down boat.

FAQ

Q: Can two people fit on this kayak? Technically, the 275-pound capacity allows it, but the seat track is designed for one. A child could sit in the rear footwell, but it’s not a tandem boat.

Q: Is it stable enough for a beginner? Yes. The flat-bottom profile and wide beam make it very forgiving. The primary stability is high; secondary stability (leaning) is moderate — expect to feel tippy if you lean hard.

Q: Does it come with a paddle? Yes, a basic two-piece plastic paddle is included. Most buyers replace it within a season.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a lightweight, comfortable sit-on-top for calm lakes and slow rivers, and you value solo-loading convenience over speed and performance features.

Skip it if you’re tall, plan to paddle in wind, or want a kayak that’s ready for fishing out of the box.

Rating: 4.2/5 — The Seek 100X earns its stars on comfort and portability. The paddle and footrest quirks keep it from perfection, but for casual paddlers, it’s a smart, honest buy.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.