If you’ve ever wondered, “Where are Pelican kayaks made?” then you’re in luck. Compared to canoes and kayaks, pedal boats are lightweight and easy to ship from one country to another. In fact, Pelican exports to 53 countries, including the United States, which is a major part of its market.
Confluence Outdoor
Confluence Outdoor is a South Carolina company that designs and manufactures kayaks, canoes and paddlesports accessories. It has eight different brands, including Pelican, and combines them to offer a wide variety of products. Pelican, for example, offers kayaks, canoes and accessories for whitewater and touring. The company has a zero-waste facility and recycles 99 percent of excess material.
The company is part of Pelican International, a global kayak and paddleboard manufacturer. With two manufacturing facilities in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec, Pelican has more than 40 years of experience. It was originally called Eskay Plastics until its name was changed to Pelican International in 1978. Pelican has since been owned by Gerard Elie and his sons.
Pelican has also been developing kayaks for fishing. The Catch 130, for example, features a Hydryve fin drive, similar to those used by Hobie. However, Pelican does not offer a reverse feature and doesn’t have the 360-degree capabilities of the Hobie Pro Angler 360. The company currently employs more than 800 people across three manufacturing facilities in the United States and Canada. They also have an extensive distribution network.
Pelican International
Based in Laval, Quebec, Pelican International manufactures kayaks and paddles. Founded in 1967, the company is a seasoned veteran of the paddling industry. Its core product line is the kayak, but it also makes inflatable boats and paddles. Pelican has also recently acquired Advanced Elements and Dagger.
Pelican is a family business that designs and manufactures high-quality outdoor products. With three manufacturing facilities in North America and a diverse line of kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, paddle boards, and fishing boats, Pelican is an industry leader. The company also manufactures sleds, which are perfect for wintertime activities on frozen bodies of water.
Pelican’s kayaks are lightweight, making them perfect for beginners. However, they are not foldable or inflatable, adding to the difficulty of set-up and breakdown. As a result, Pelican offers a variety of kayaks for different levels of experience. In addition, you can choose a kayak to suit your style and needs.
Pelican International is based in Quebec, Canada and has over 1100 employees in North America. The company is the largest provider of outdoor gear and is one of the leading kayak manufacturers in the world. The company’s products include kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards.
Pelican Kayaks use patented Twin Sheet Thermoforming technology to produce stronger, lighter, and more rigid products. Because of this, Pelican kayaks are more durable than their competition, offering exceptional durability and impact resistance. They also provide unparalleled durability and safety. And, thanks to the unique TST process, they are lightweight compared to many of their competitors.
Pelican manufactures kayaks in three facilities in Canada. The company is committed to producing high-quality kayaks at affordable prices. Their products are available for every skill level and budget.
Twin Sheet Thermoforming (TST) technology
Pelican kayaks are made using Twin Sheet Thermoforming (T-ST), a process that produces lighter, stiffer, and stronger kayaks. Combined with Pelican’s proprietary materials, T-ST kayaks provide superior rigidity, impact resistance, and longevity. They are also exceptionally safe. As a result, every passenger on board is required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or other safety equipment.
TST is a process that allows for a wide range of design possibilities. It can create double-sided components and multiple-sided enclosures, including two and three-sided models. Moreover, twin-sheet thermoforming allows for quick and affordable redesigns, including changing color and logos. It also allows for thermal insulation in cavities between parts.
Pelican has made a name for itself with its cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. Its facility has nine forming machines, including the world’s largest thermoforming machine. The process allows for the use of higher-grade plastic without compromising strength. Moreover, the pelican kayaks are UV-protected and come with a limited lifetime warranty.
Pelican is a family-owned company in Canada. Since 1968, the company has been designing and manufacturing high-quality water sports equipment. It has maintained an excellent reputation for technological innovation and design, and has introduced a number of new models this year. The company offers a wide variety of products for every type of boater, no matter what level they are at.
Pelican kayaks are lightweight and durable, yet they are not inflatable nor foldable, which adds to their overall weight and setup time. Pelican kayaks are suitable for a variety of paddle sports. The company makes kayaks for beginners and experts alike.
RAM-X material
The RAM-X material used in Pelican kayaks provides a high level of impact resistance. The material is cross-linked and heat-molded to make it stiff and durable. The material is also UV-protected. Pelican is the largest kayak manufacturer in North America and uses the double-sheet thermoforming process to produce rigid, impact-resistant products. This process also creates a kayak that is incredibly lightweight, despite its sturdiness.
Ram-X material is widely regarded by kayak manufacturers for its outstanding strength and durability. The material has a higher density than other materials, which allows it to withstand an incredible amount of punishment. Ram-X also rebounds back to its original shape when dented. The material is so strong that conventional resins and glues won’t adhere to it, meaning that a plastic welder is used to repair any defects.
The Pelican Mustang 100x kayak is made of RAM-X plastic, a high molecular-weight polyethylene that is highly impact resistant and durable. This material is manufactured by a thermoforming process, where plastic sheets are heated to a pliable temperature and then pressed over a mold. This material also allows the kayak to be lightweight, with a weight of just 39 pounds. It also comes with useful outfitting features like a bench seat, four vertical rod holders, and built-in motor mounts.
The Ram-X material used in Pelican kayaks is an excellent choice for recreational kayakers. These boats feature great durability and performance, and many of them cost under a thousand dollars. There are even budget-friendly models available for the first-time kayaker, such as the Argo 100X and the Sentinel 100X.
Buying American
When deciding to buy a kayak, the first step is deciding which model will suit your needs. There are a wide range of models available and different price ranges. For those with a tighter budget, buying a used kayak can be a great option. These kayaks usually come with extras and accessories, which make them a good option for the novice paddler.
Pelican is a Quebec-based company that produces high-end and entry-level products. Its acquisition of Advanced Elements, an American manufacturer, helped the company establish a strong foothold in the inflatable kayak market. The company now has three manufacturing facilities across North America and an extensive distribution network. They employ over 800 people and have R&D teams for all categories, including kayaks.
If you’re planning to purchase a kayak, reading reviews is vital. Not only will you learn more about a specific model’s performance in various environments and pursuits, but a review will also highlight any flaws. Pelican kayaks have been subject to expert reviews to make sure they’re a good choice for the average recreational paddler.
While Pelican kayaks are often cheaper than their counterparts, they also tend to have a few problems. One common issue is that the seating is less ergonomic than a tandem kayak. The lack of bulkheads, which create sealed watertight chambers between the seat and the hull, can cause the kayak to sink. Then there are the hull problems that can affect a kayak’s performance. A broken foot brace, for instance, can be a major issue, especially if it’s a sit-in model. Additionally, the plastic on these kayaks is often subject to UV damage and may become wavey and soft.
If you’re serious about kayaking, consider buying a higher-end kayak instead of a cheaper one. A higher-end Pelican kayak has a more defined cockpit and a lower center of gravity. They also provide greater stability. You can even add a spray skirt to protect your kayak from water.