The Mariner is ideal for a small group or large family. It will accommodate up to 8 paddlers, or easily carry three to five paddlers with camping gear for a one or two week trip. The Mariner has been paddled in a wide range of conditions. Its shallow arch hull and flared sides provide both good initial and secondary stability. The hull has several inches of rocker and is easy to maneuver. Its shallow draft allows it to be used in relatively low water levels in rivers and lakes.The Mariner's flared ends provide great buoyancy resulting in a drier more stable ride in rough conditions. The Boy Scouts of Greater Los Angeles have a fleet of more than 16 Mariners and regularly circumnavigate Catalina Island, 28 miles off the California Coast. 180 lbs.