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Eddyline Rio 140 Review: Lightweight Rec Kayak

Eddyline Rio 140 Recreational Kayak KayakDIY Review
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Paddle Kayaks · Fishing

The Eddyline Rio 140, formerly known as the Equinox, blends recreational kayak comfort with real sea kayak performance. It is 14 feet long but weighs only 45 pounds thanks to Eddyline’s Carbonlite hull.

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The Eddyline Rio 140, formerly known as the Equinox, blends recreational kayak comfort with real sea kayak performance. It is 14 feet long but weighs only 45 pounds thanks to Eddyline’s Carbonlite hull. That is light for a boat this capable.

If you want to skip ahead and see what it costs, check the current price here.

Eddyline Rio 140 Recreational Kayak KayakDIY Review

Who This Kayak Is For

This is for the paddler who wants to cover distance on lakes, slow rivers, and inshore water without wrestling a heavy boat. It suits medium to large paddlers who like a roomy cockpit but still want speed and glide.

Stability on the Water

The Rio 140 has hard chines and an efficient hull that give it both stability and glide. It tracks straight on open water but turns with ease when you edge it. It feels more like a day touring kayak than a bathtub rec boat, which is exactly the point.

Seat and Comfort

Eddyline’s Infinity Seat is one of the best outfitting systems in the business. It is adjustable to fit a wide range of paddlers, with good back support, thigh braces, and hip pads for control. The cockpit is a generous 35 x 18.5 inches, so getting in and out is easy.

Storage and Rigging

Two 10-inch round hatches, one bow and one stern, give you sealed dry storage for day trips and light touring. Bungees on the deck hold extra gear. This is not a fishing kayak and has no rod holders or gear tracks, but it is a great platform for recreational paddling and overnight trips.

Paddle Performance

This is where the Rio 140 earns its keep. The 14-foot waterline glides efficiently, so you cover more water with less effort than a 10-foot rec boat. The Carbonlite ABS/acrylic hull is stiff, which helps it hold speed. Eddyline boats are known for holding up well over years of use.

Honest Drawbacks

The Carbonlite hull is light and stiff, but it is not as tough as rotomolded plastic. Dragging it over rocks or concrete will leave marks, so you need to treat it with more care. The price is also premium for a recreational kayak. And at 25 inches wide, it is narrower than most rec boats, so brand-new paddlers may find it a little tippy at first.

Specs

Spec Detail
Length 14′
Width 25″
Weight 45 lbs
Capacity 360 lbs
Drive type Paddle
Eddyline Rio 140 Recreational Kayak KayakDIY Review 2

Eddyline Rio 140 Recreational Kayak FAQ

How much does the Eddyline Rio 140 weigh?

45 pounds, which is very light for a 14-foot kayak. The Carbonlite hull keeps the weight down.

Is the Rio 140 good for beginners?

It works for beginners with some balance, but the narrower 25-inch hull feels tippier than a wide rec boat. It rewards paddlers who want to grow their skills.

Was this kayak called the Equinox?

Yes. Eddyline renamed the Equinox to the Rio 140. Same hull and design.

Can you fish from the Rio 140?

It is not set up for fishing, but plenty of people cast from it casually. There are no rod holders or gear tracks built in.

Where to Buy

If the Eddyline Rio 140 Recreational Kayak sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:

Check Current Price

For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official Eddyline website for the Eddyline Rio 140.