Best all-around sea kayak?? | P&H Scorpio kayak review

The P&H Sea Kayaks Scorpio has been around a long time! Why has it been around so long? Well... a lot of people love this kayak, and that's because there's a lot to love! But is it the right kayak for you? In this video, I do an in depth review of the Scorpio - a kayak that is considered by many to be one of the best all-around sea kayaks on the market.
Gear I'm wearing:
NRS Orion Semi-Dry Paddling Top: in4adventure.com/7sbl
NRS OS Ninja PFD: in4adventure.com/27kg
NRS Endurance Paddling Pant: in4adventure.com/fdb2
Watch the Ireland sea kayaking adventure:
• Sea Kayaking Ireland -...
Watch the Volan 160 Review: • This is What a Luxury ...
Other gear I use and recommend:
Paddles:
Aqua Bound Recreational Kayak Paddle - in4adventure.com/ea2o
Aqua Bound Durable Touring Kayak Paddle - in4adventure.com/sorx
Aqua Bound Performance Touring Kayak Paddle - in4adventure.com/p42x
Aqua Bound Whitewater Kayak Paddle - in4adventure.com/1vur
Gearlab Outdoors IPIK Greenland Paddle: gearlaboutdoors.com/collectio...
PFDs:
Recreational Kayak PFD - in4adventure.com/jhza
Touring Kayak PFD - in4adventure.com/odyssey
Fishing Kayak PFD - in4adventure.com/cvmb
River Kayaking PFD - in4adventure.com/27kg
Dry Wear:
Dry Suit - in4adventure.com/nmrj
Dry Top - in4adventure.com/Flux%20Dry%2...
Semi Dry Top - in4adventure.com/7sbl
Paddling Jacket - in4adventure.com/Stratos%20Se...
Shorty Jacket - in4adventure.com/i0gg
Paddling Pant - in4adventure.com/fdb2
Base Layers:
Lightweight Shirt - in4adventure.com/6yvx
Expedition Weight Shirt - in4adventure.com/6mzo
Lightweight Pant - in4adventure.com/28tt
Expedition Weight Pant - in4adventure.com/spy9
HydroSkin Shorts - in4adventure.com/qica
HydroSkin Pants - in4adventure.com/uby7
Warm Weather:
Long Sleeve Paddling Shirt - in4adventure.com/anss
Short Sleeve Paddling Shirt - in4adventure.com/Guide%20Shor...
Short Sleeve Paddling T-Shirt - in4adventure.com/fc6n
Surf Shorts - in4adventure.com/Benny%20Boar...
Footwear:
Expedition Boots - in4adventure.com/Boundary%20Boot
Wetsuit Bootie - in4adventure.com/5yp3
Wetsuit Shoe - in4adventure.com/dlan
Water Shoe - in4adventure.com/sfcj
Other Paddling Gear
Gearlab Deckpod 2 (Deck Bag): gearlaboutdoors.com/products/...
NRS WRSI Current Helmet - in4adventure.com/x4cq
NRS Drylander Shock Cord Sprayskirt - in4adventure.com/yiup
Surf Ears Ear Plugs - in4adventure.com/7sfb
GoPro Hero 11 Black - in4adventure.com/j22e
Zoleo Satellite Communicator - in4adventure.com/1e6s
Check out our full Paddling Gear Guide here: in4adventure.com/paddling-buy...
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY and subscribe to our NEW Blog, In4adventure.com !
Produced By Heliconia Productions: www.heliconia.ca/
Become a partner: heliconia.ca/contact-us/
Submit your gear for review: in4adventure.com/gear-review-...

[@broccolisamurai3930]

This was my first sea kayak. I love it and get lots of compliments. I use it in Lake Erie and the Niagara River as well as in creeks!

[@peakandpaddleuk]

I have a Scorpio (and its composite sister the Cetus) and they’re absolutely fantastic boats. People tend to think of them as expedition boats but back in the day, P&H marketed the Scorpio as an all rounder and personally I still feel it’s a perfect all rounder too!

[@darb4091]

That was back in the day, before the market was saturated with 30 inch wide rec kayaks; so everything is relative.

[@chrislavigne1212]

Of all my kayaks this scorpio mv is my go to boat lately. Awesome boat. Very comfortable seating and love the roomy day hatch.i take this boat in open water and against the tide on rivers and its one of those boats that just keeps giving to get you through. By far my fave plastic boat.

[@snowleopard1918]

Those day hatches behind the cockpit steal a ton of room from the main rear compartment due to the appropriate 4” foam bulkhead, between the day hatch and the main compartment. Someone told me they are used on the HV models of some P&H boats mainly because they need that 4” foam bulkhead as a hull stiffener. I’m not sure if that’s true or not. I thought about the HV Virgo, but decided against it just because I couldn’t get my cart into the shallow short rear hatch, due to the day hatch and that skudder box eating up all of the room behind the cockpit. I have a P&H Venture Islay 14 and it has tons of rear storage because it doesn’t have a day hatch or that skudder box, but it still has a skeg.

[@HIM.BlackTheBillionaire]

I loved this review and can't wait to get into one of my own Scorpios

[@ihan_perus]

I turned my kayak's day hatch (behind the cockpit) to a cooler box by installing some insulating material all around the inside of it. Then I just throw a couple of frozen water bottles in there with all of the food stuff (mostly beer and sausages ; ) and everything keeps nice and cool for a quick one or two night trip during the summer. I have a SeaBird R. Scott HDPE in medium volume. Love my boat!

[@PaddleTV]

Very cool idea!

[@martin.feuchtwanger]

You'll have more versatility with a single larger stern storage over two smaller stern storages. For keeping food/drink cool, you can use a soft cooler (ie, a padded bag) in the stern storage.

[@mikeisland7382]

Solid review. I've been camping out of this boat for a number of years. My complaints are the same as yours. I wish it had one big rear compartment and an oval front hatch like a Valley boat. It might not be fast but it's the boat I want to be in when the conditions turn ugly. While I appreciate the toughness it's the heaviest boat I've ever carried.

[@keanulovestopaddle]

Yessss let’s go. Been waiting for this one

[@kevincasey2947]

The compas well is far enough forward to see the compas over a foredeck bag. That is a feature I appreciate.

[@janeseddon5500]

Peter here Ken. Thanks for your review of the Scorpio. I have a Scorpio Mk2 LV. I find the cockpit outfitting second to none. You do really feel one with the boat when on the water. My biggest problem was the extremely poor seal between the Kajaksport rubber hatch lids and the moulded hatch rims. All hatches leaked severely. After many options I ended up with a reasonable fix using plastic bin liners under the lids. Not ideal, but on the water who cares. Water intrusion is at least limited when rolling or even surfing. Ironically, when the Scorpio arrived in Aust from the UK after 8 months wait it came with a note in the small front day hatch to beware that that hatch may not be waterproof???. Also I ordered the skeg version. During a paddle with some strong side winds I neded to deploy the skeg. I dropped it all the way down and it essentially disintegrated in the skeg box and needed a replacement. P&H sent a replacement promptly from the UK. Kudos for that. The sail fitting on the Mk2 enabled me to deploy a .7M2 sail without needing to drill any holes other than 2 cleats. The handling of the Scorpio is superb. It is very resistant to weathercocking which means that skeg use is minimal. It is super easy to roll and the low back means an easy roll for those who use a lazy lay-back roll. BTW, I am a big fan of rear day hatches. I have one kayak, a Paddling Perfection Sea Bear, which does not have any rear day hatch and it is an absolute pain having your lunch and coffee and anything else rollong around in the voluminous space created by no day hatch. Also, things such as towrope, stirrup etc, can be handy access on the water. No need for someone to have to come alongside and remove spare paddle and access a large hatch to recover such objects. Just a thought. I very much enjoy for segments and look forward to more. PS, I wish NRS had an outlet here in Australia. Cannot afford the freight from America to replace a couple of NRS Hydraskin tops. My favourite.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the boat Peter! Great info. I can totally understand how the rear day hatch is preferred by some people. It totally depends on the type of paddling you're doing, things you want access to, etc. Cheers!

[@GTN355]

Not the first time I read about P&H Skeg/Skudder issues... About the hatches : That's the reason I really like the way Prijon makes their hatches, but for some reason not every brand agrees with me sadly :( You can however get lids from Jackson Kayaks that are compatible with some kayaks which can be strapped down like the Prijon and I believe Delta ones too!

[@martin.feuchtwanger]

Just how stable are you when opening, using, and closing the day hatch? In anything but flat calm, surely you are unstable while twisting around, not holding a paddle? I believe the best on-the-go storage option -- aside from the tiny built-in front hatch -- is a good lap bag.

[@Dacinovski]

Went from Prijon Kodiak to Scorpio. I was reborn with it. I love it. Worth the money.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks for sharing!

[@oOJadonOo]

Could you do a Paddle review? Im a newer kayaker and im starting on a budget but i want to know if i was to invest in a better paddle what to go for, maybe different price points, pros and cons of paddles themselves? Please. And thankyou. Your channel is awesome love the content really informative.

[@Kayaking_to_escape_family]

For once this kayak is cheaper in the UK. I have a feeling P&H is own by Pyranha and British made. That why it maybe cheaper here.

[@peakandpaddleuk]

P&H and Pyranha are the same company; the one makes sea boats and the other makes white water boats. They’re manufactured in the Midlands.

[@matt4543]

Manufactured in the North West of the UK, near Runcorn. I went​ on a factory tour last week. @peakandpaddleuk

[@dtbrooks7325]

very helpful; right on target

[@tommasobrentari161]

love your drysuit.. you can tell that is new from the sound... ;)

[@PaddleTV]

Totally! The 'crinkle, crackle' of new dry gear. :)

[@jmwlr]

Next time you are in NC, come by and take my P&H Valkerie out and play with it. JW

[@GTN355]

Amazing huge boat I would rather spend the cash on than this Scorpio : € 400 more well spent!

[@Cymrukayakingadventures]

Thanks ken.i have now purchased.

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

Excellent review as always! I'm looking at boats for lake Michigan. Safety is important, but I'm also really cheap. Therefore, my logic is to buy the absolute CHEAPEST boat possible and then get the best GPS rescue beacon money can buy.

[@GTN355]

And you should be! It's all just a bunch of overpriced PLASTIC !!!

[@darb4091]

Personally I would focus on my skills and always check the marine forecast before I went out.

[@gw6797]

How long is the paddle you were using in your trip to Ireland with your Scorpio? Just curious Cheers Graeme

[@Simon_W74]

This is the upgrade from my current Kayak for doing longer trips, I did see a review that had a bit of a mixed review, mostly good. One complaint was P&H response to issues. But in fairness to the Reviewer that did give updates when they then had a resolution from P&H. I am looking at the Skudder version as I like the idea of also using the P&H sail. Which is probably the only way I would use it. I would probably use it as a skeg rather then a Rudder.

[@GTN355]

A link to the Review would be nice ;)

[@Simon_W74]

@@GTN355 I don't normally like to put links to other reviews on a review video. I will look though my History and drop the link.

[@jayburne6825]

Thanks ken

[@PaddleTV]

Cheers Jay!

[@carliobenzio7230]

What's your opinion on Aquaterra Sea Lion kayak?

[@PaddleTV]

Unfortunately I've never had the chance to try it. Looks fun!

[@rob3rt891]

Which volume/size would you say is best suited to someone 5' 10"? MV? Thanks, Rob

[@papadracula]

I am 6ft, 180lbs, an I have been paddling the Scorpio LV for a couple of seasons. Fits me like a glove, but I have quite narrow hips.

[@colmhanrahan2769]

Yes mv

[@PaddleTV]

My feeling is an MV would be good.

[@georgewilliamssr5230]

I have a Jackson Karma RG do my multi day / ocean paddling. I’ve found it to be the best all round design for every type of paddling / expedition adventures. Don’t know if Jackson makes them anymore. But it works great in class 4 or open ocean and surf. I would love an ocean touring boat. But just haven’t found a need yet.

[@GTN355]

Dear Ken, I wish you very a bit more picky/criticising when it comes to these reviews... $ 2600 USD is a lot of money for a plastic boat! Even the € 1900/2000 it can be bought for on this side of the Atlantic is a seriously high amount of cash for such a boat... IMHO the prices for these things have gotten out of hand when you can find old posts on forums where people are talking about 1300/1400 costing ABS thermalmolded kayaks in the past !!! Do you have any plans to review Norse Kayaks or Rebel Kayaks for example ? Even some Stellar models are available in the € 2000 - 3000 price range over here so I think they should be in the USA or Canada too ?! All of them have nice higher end materials and some would be even made of Carbon :) About the kayak itself : I think the footpegs have been replaced with Kayak Sport footpegs by the dealer ? P&H or Venture footpegs usually look a bit different depending on the model. And if you want big open hatches then I think Prijon is the way to go unless P&H brings back the big square hatches of the Capella from the '90's ;)

[@prophecy66]

I have to agree about the pricing. That is an insane amount for a plastic boat. Here in Canada that equates to 3559$. You can get a brand new rotomolded Valley Sirona, Gemini or Etain, any plastic boreal designs, as well as any Delta thermoformed kayak for 1000$ less. Composite Zegul's start around the same price range as well. Come to think of it, I don't think I know of any plastic boats in the same price range lol.

[@PaddleTV]

Actually, prices have changed a lot! The Delta 17 retails for $2500 USD, and the Valley Etain RM also retails for $2500 USD. They're all in the same price range.

[@prophecy66]

@@PaddleTV perhaps in the US, where all kayaks are overpriced surprisingly. But in Canada, all of the kayaks I mentioned are around 2500-2800$ cdn.

[@PaddleTV]

Prices have definitely gone up for all types of kayaks! I agree that $2600 is a lot of money for a kayak, but I also think of how long the kayak lasts, and how much enjoyment I get from it... and it hurts a lot less :) I also think about how much MORE money I spend on mountain biking, and kayaks don't seem as bad.

[@prophecy66]

@@PaddleTV they definitely have, just more so in the US. 2600$ USD is just far too much for a plastic kayak, especially in Canada where every alternative is 1000$ less essentially, I don't see 1000$ in extra value here. I think if the pricing was brought down it would be really competitive. That extra 1000$ would get a kick ass paddle and pfd, or a drysuits. I will note, p&H boats where i've seen them in Canada seem to keep their US pricing compared to others that seemingly have Canadian market pricing. So in the US market I suppose this is competitive, but not here in Canada.

[@HeathenGeek]

🙂🙂

[@HeathenGeek]

Ooh, got some more info the dry suit / cag / trousers in this vid? The idea of squeezing into a wetsuit is becoming less and less appealing as some of us get older (fatter?) 🙄🙄

[@PaddleTV]

:). I'm using the NRS Element Semi-Dry Top. It's their 'Mack-Daddy' dry top, made with Gore-Text. A much more affordable, and still great hooded, semi-dry top is the The Orion Semi-Dry Top: www.nrs.com/nrs-mens-orion-paddling-jacket/p2cz. The big difference is that it isn't made with Gore-Tex Pro fabric, but the fabric is still VERY durable, waterproof and breathable. I'm also wearing the Endurance Splash Pants (not dry pants) www.nrs.com/nrs-mens-endurance-splash-pant/p85r and the OS Ninja PFD - www.nrs.com/nrs-ninja-os-pfd/pl7q

[@CheekyMonkey888]

past 15-16' composite is the way to go, rotomolded gets too heavy and thermoformed too flexible

[@n-da-bunka2650]

A roto-molded kayak for MORE than the price of a thermo-formed would be a difficult premise

[@PaddleTV]

Not if durability is a real concern! Don't get me wrong... I love a good, light, thermo-formed kayak - but I also love having a kayak that I don't have to worry about damaging. Depends on the trip.

[@mosulmedic7048]

For the price, it is far too heavy. I have a Delta 17 and it is over 10 pounds lighter and similar price. Comparing the two kayaks, it doesn't offer anything other kayaks don't. Like with most hobbies, there's a price to performance drop-off. Higher end cost usually means " lighter" So, I don't see any appeal to it considering the price and weight.

[@stevens2279]

@mosulmedic7048 I've spoken to several professional paddlers and watched a few videos about the Delta needing repair if paddled in harsh conditions like a rock garden or rocky beaches. Although the P&H is heavier it is also more durable. I don't own one but the difference is obvious if someone is looking for an all around yak that will hold up in rough conditions.

[@mosulmedic7048]

@@stevens2279 but there are plenty of kayaks that are strong and lighter. I have quite a few. For that price point? Absolutely no excuse for that weight

[@stevens2279]

@@mosulmedic7048 Please share the brands and models. I'm interested in learning about them.

[@peakandpaddleuk]

I’m assuming you’re in the US; these are British made kayaks so you’ll be paying extra compared to the Delta because of import costs. Because the UK has a very rocky coastline, British kayaks tend to be on the heavier side because they have to be very durable. P&H are renowned here in the UK and internationally for making premium kayaks and the Scorpio is one of the most commonly seen boats in UK waters, so I think you’ll find many people will disagree with you :)

[@PaddleTV]

I really liked the Delta 15.5 that I tested, but there's a time and a place for a thermo-formed kayak. Yes, the Delta 17 is 10 pounds lighter, but it is nowhere near as durable as a rotomolded kayak. That's the trade-off. For some people, it's more important to have a lighter kayak than a more durable kayak. For other people, durability is of paramount concern. I would consider the Scorpio to be a better 'All-Around' kayak than the Delta 17, simply because it's much more durable and can handle a wider variety of trips because of that. I'm not saying it's a better kayak... but it is more versatile kayak.

[@gordonbarton8440]

worst skeg design I know along with a pointless shudder and who designed a lifting toggle that is so uncomfortable to lift with.

[@PaddleTV]

Your experience was very different from mine!

[@gordonbarton8440]

@@PaddleTV and that’s fair enough. In my opinion the best all rounder is the Northshore Atlantic. I struggle with P&Hs. Can’t get comfortable in them which is a shame as my old Sirius was a really nice boat to paddle and the Virgo is a nice little boat with the exception of that skeg.

[@GTN355]

P&H Skeg/Skudder issues are indeed all over the forums online... It's also very silly that their "MKII Slider" for the Skeg/Skudder isn't included on all boats : It's like € 50 extra for a small piece of plastic !!!