Prijon Yukon Expedition

Review Date
April 19, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: chaenel ,  Paddler

Price Paid:  $1350.00 at Outfoor Store

Summary:
Ever wonder what those white water kayakers would do on a long expedition without an inflatable raft or helicopter to provide logistical support? No need for extraordinary support when you're paddling a Yukon Expedition. The "Yuke" can easily handle the gear for a week-long solo trip down any class III river, and with an experienced WW paddler, class IV. There are those who criticize the tracking ability of the the Yuke; that's because they probably need to work on their paddling skills. If you tend to rely on a rudder to track straight while paddling any kayak that isn't on rails, you need to learn how to "edge" the boat with subtle J-leans. I generally paddle this way even in sea kayaks with excellent tracking ability. I bought my Expedition with a rudder after reading reviews that said it would be "necessary" if paddling any open water. I've paddled mine in some of interior Alaska's rivers and laks as well as Prince William Sound and found that to be untrue and have removed my rudder. It actually made handling worse in a beam wind or when practice rolling. The yuke is the best river kayak one could ask for as long as they're not looking to take on serious white water (class IV+ or bigger). It works "okay" as a sea kayak, but it's not too fast. There's a reason it's called a Yukon Expedition. If I were to embark on a real Yukon River expedition, I'd pick no other craft than it's nakesake by Prijon.

Similar Products Used:
Prijon Seayak

Review Date
October 27, 2008

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Reviewed by: g bush(Unregistered User) ,  Paddler

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at outdoor center

Summary:
yes it does both but neither well.wont keep up with real touring kayaks at all, as for rivers it can but turning is OMG in any kind of curent.can barel roll, think of it as a really expensive recreation kayak but better built.if camping means lots of gear this will do it with room to spare.

Customer Service:
havent had any issues, bought a second even though the review is not pleasant i like enough to get a second

Similar Products Used:
i have rented everything, owned both yukon expeditions for over 8 years

Review Date
February 28, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.67 of 5, 3 votes

Reviewed by: chris(Unregistered User) ,  Paddler , from Manassas VA

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at Rafting outfitter

Summary:
Let me say right off the boat is fantastic. Prijon put a lot of thought into the design and construction, and made it a very very sturdy boat.

With that said, I will also say the boat is really designed for taking a lot of gear down mild rivers or across bays and such. Before I got a 'real' WW boat, this one took me down some major class III whitewater without much drama. It turns much better than a dedicated sea kayak, but without the optional rudder it will NOT go in a straight line easily. Just remember that.

The bottom line? If you want a strong touring boat with TONS of volume and storage space and plan to paddle rivers or bays, go for it. Don't expect it to be fast with its large beam. Think of it as the Ford Expedition of kayaks.

Customer Service:
I've had no problems with the boat, so customer inquiries haven't been tested.

Similar Products Used:
Various touring boats by perception and others.