Pelican International (Canada)

World leader in the design and manufacture of kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, stand-up paddle boards (SUPs), fishing boats, and watersport accessories.

 Pelican International is a leading Canadian manufacturer of kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, fishing boats, and stand-up paddleboards. Established in 1968 and headquartered in Laval, Quebec, Pelican is known for producing high-quality, durable, and affordable boats designed for recreational use, fishing, and outdoor adventures. The company is particularly famous for its innovative materials and commitment to eco-friendly practices in its manufacturing processes.

History of Pelican International

Pelican International was founded with the goal of making boating more accessible to everyone by creating affordable and durable watercraft. Over the years, the company has become one of the largest plastic boat manufacturers in the world, offering a wide variety of products to suit different types of water activities. Pelican has been a pioneer in using thermoforming technology, which allows for lighter, stronger, and more affordable boats.

Types of Boats by Pelican International

Pelican International offers a wide range of boats for various purposes:

Kayaks:

•  Recreational Kayaks: These are designed for casual paddling on calm waters like lakes, slow rivers, and coastal areas. The Argo and Sentinel series are some of the most popular recreational kayaks from Pelican. They offer stability, ease of use, and comfort, making them perfect for beginners and families.
• Fishing Kayaks: Pelican produces specialized fishing kayaks with features such as rod holders, gear storage, and stable platforms for casting. Models like the Catch series (e.g., Catch 100, Catch 120) are favored by anglers for their stability, comfort, and fishing-friendly design.
• Sit-On-Top Kayaks: These kayaks are ideal for warmer climates and easy access. The Sentinel 100X and Solo are popular sit-on-top models, known for their user-friendliness and stability, making them great for casual paddling and beginners.
• Tandem Kayaks: Pelican also offers tandem kayaks, such as the River Gorge 130X Tandem, which allow two people to paddle together, ideal for couples or family outings.

Canoes:

•  Pelican offers a variety of recreational canoes, such as the Explorer and Ramble series. These canoes are designed for multi-purpose use on calm lakes and rivers, with enough space for gear, making them a good choice for camping trips or family adventures.

Stand-Up Paddleboards:

•  The Flow and The Rush are examples of Pelican’s SUP models. These boards are lightweight, stable, and made from durable materials, designed for recreational use on calm water. They’re ideal for paddlers who want to enjoy the water from a standing position.

Pedal Boats:

•  Pelican also manufactures pedal boats, which are small, easy-to-use boats powered by foot pedals. These are popular for casual use in lakes and ponds, and models like the Monaco DLX are well-suited for family outings or leisure activities.

Fishing Boats:

•  Pelican produces lightweight Jon-style fishing boats like the Bass Raider 10E, which are ideal for small bodies of water and equipped with features like motor mounts and built-in storage for fishing gear.

Materials and Technology

Pelican International is renowned for its use of RAM-X™ technology, a proprietary multi-layer material that is highly impact-resistant, durable, and lightweight. RAM-X™ boats are known for their excellent performance in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

• RAM-X™ Polyethylene: Pelican’s RAM-X™ is a high-molecular-weight polyethylene that is used in most of their boats. This material makes the boats highly durable, resistant to dents, and able to withstand tough outdoor conditions while remaining lightweight.
• Thermoforming Process: Pelican is a leader in using thermoforming technology, which involves heating and molding sheets of plastic into specific shapes. This allows Pelican to create boats that are stronger and more affordable compared to traditional rotomolded boats.
• ECO-FRIENDLY PRACTICES: Pelican is committed to sustainability and uses recycled materials in its manufacturing processes. Their eco-friendly approach helps reduce waste and minimizes the environmental impact of boat production.

Key Features of Pelican Boats

• Durability: Pelican boats are built to last. Thanks to the use of RAM-X™ material, their boats are highly resistant to impacts, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers who want a reliable watercraft.
• Lightweight Design: Pelican boats are often lighter than many competitors’ models, which makes them easier to transport, carry, and store. This is particularly important for kayaks and canoes, which users may need to lift onto vehicles or carry to launch points.
• Affordability: One of Pelican’s core missions is to make watercraft accessible to a wider audience, and they achieve this by offering boats at competitive prices without compromising on quality.
• Stability: Many of Pelican’s kayaks and canoes are designed with wide hulls to maximize stability, making them excellent for beginners, families, or anglers who need to stand or move around in the boat.

Innovations

Pelican International continues to innovate with new technologies and boat designs. Some of their notable innovations include:

• RAM-X™ Advanced: A more advanced version of their original RAM-X™ material, offering even greater rigidity and durability.
• Customizable Fishing Kayaks: Many Pelican fishing kayaks, like the Catch 120, come equipped with built-in mounts for accessories, rod holders, and storage options for serious anglers. These kayaks are designed with the needs of fishermen in mind, providing excellent performance and comfort.

Popular Models

• Pelican Catch 120: A premium fishing kayak designed with a wide, stable platform, comfortable seat, and plenty of room for fishing gear. This model is particularly popular among kayak anglers.
• Pelican Argo 100X: A lightweight and compact recreational kayak, perfect for casual paddling on calm waters. Its stability and easy handling make it great for beginners.
• Pelican Bass Raider 10E: A small, lightweight fishing boat that can be equipped with an electric motor. It is perfect for small lakes and is highly portable and stable.
• Pelican Flow 106: An affordable and durable stand-up paddleboard (SUP), designed for stability and ease of use, making it ideal for beginners.

Key Uses of Pelican Boats

• Recreational Paddling: Pelican’s kayaks and canoes are perfect for those who enjoy exploring lakes, slow rivers, and calm coastal waters.
• Fishing: With their dedicated fishing kayak lines, Pelican offers excellent options for both novice and experienced anglers who want to fish from a kayak or small boat.
• Family Outings: Pelican’s tandem kayaks, pedal boats, and canoes are great for family trips on the water, providing enough space and stability for multiple people.
• Adventure and Exploration: Pelican’s durable and lightweight boats are suitable for those who enjoy longer paddling trips or exploring remote water locations.