Gear Review: Eddyline Fathom Touring Kayak
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 10
Location of Test: Wilamette River...100 miles
Duration of Test: 1 week
Product Name: Fathom
Product Brand: Eddyline
Best Use: Touring and Sea Kayaking
The Full Review:
The Eddyline Fathom is by far my favorite touring boat. At 16 and a half feet it really glides in the water and tracks like a dream. Recently paddled over 100 miles in a fathom and was comfortable who entire time. The first thing I noticed about the fathom was how well it tracked. I never felt myself taking re-corrective strokes to try and get it back on path. With just a slight rotation of the hips, I was able to get it moving in the direction I needed. That has to do with the very distinct edges and progressive chines on the hull. The design of this boat is flawless in my opinion. Another great feature is just how light the Fathom is compared to other boats in its class. You can feel it in every paddle stroke.
One thing that was really helpful for me on my trip was the easy to use day hatch located just behind the cockpit. I was able to store plenty of stuff I need to use during the day and was easily able to reach back and get it. I stored my water, snacks, radio, map, and cell phone back there. The fathom also comes with a dropdown skeg which I used every single day out on the river. This adds to the tracking of the boat. The only thing that was a bit weird for me was rolling the boat. Because it’s not a classic displacement hull, I felt like it had a point where it gave some resistance while rolling it. Though this could just be the way I had packed my gear in the boat. All in all, this is my favorite boat for longs trips.
SHOP EDDYLINE KAYAKS
The Good:
Light and responsive
Dropdown skeg
Comfortable outfitting
Easily adjustable footpegs
FAST!!
Tracks really well
Conveniently placed day hatch
The Bottom Line:
The fathom is my #1 choice for a long tour or a sea kayaking trip. It's fast, responsive, and tracks really well.
The Full Review:
The Eddyline Fathom is by far my favorite touring boat. At 16 and a half feet it really glides in the water and tracks like a dream. Recently paddled over 100 miles in a fathom and was comfortable who entire time. The first thing I noticed about the fathom was how well it tracked. I never felt myself taking re-corrective strokes to try and get it back on path. With just a slight rotation of the hips, I was able to get it moving in the direction I needed. That has to do with the very distinct edges and progressive chines on the hull. The design of this boat is flawless in my opinion. Another great feature is just how light the Fathom is compared to other boats in its class. You can feel it in every paddle stroke.
One thing that was really helpful for me on my trip was the easy to use day hatch located just behind the cockpit. I was able to store plenty of stuff I need to use during the day and was easily able to reach back and get it. I stored my water, snacks, radio, map, and cell phone back there. The fathom also comes with a dropdown skeg which I used every single day out on the river. This adds to the tracking of the boat. The only thing that was a bit weird for me was rolling the boat. Because it’s not a classic displacement hull, I felt like it had a point where it gave some resistance while rolling it. Though this could just be the way I had packed my gear in the boat. All in all, this is my favorite boat for longs trips.
SHOP EDDYLINE KAYAKS
The Good:
Light and responsive
Dropdown skeg
Comfortable outfitting
Easily adjustable footpegs
FAST!!
Tracks really well
Conveniently placed day hatch
The Bottom Line:
The fathom is my #1 choice for a long tour or a sea kayaking trip. It's fast, responsive, and tracks really well.