Fin Whale

Family Fun Packraft

The MRS Fin Whale is a high-capacity family packraft (417 cm length, 420D Nylon hull, 840D floor, 772 lb / 350 kg total capacity) — the largest-capacity tandem in the MRS lineup. The hull is longer and fully streamlined for improved performance; compared with the Barracuda R2, interior space increases by 30% and the gap between the front and rear seats is wider for two paddlers plus gear. A middle seat with front-to-back adjustment provides flexible space for cargo or a child onboard, and there’s additional usable space behind the rear seat. Ideal for family flotillas with a child or dog onboard, two-paddler-plus-gear lake expeditions, and lake-day outings with extra friends or pets. Compared with the Adventure X2 (compact recreational tandem) and the Viking EVO X2 (whitewater self-bailing tandem), the Fin Whale fills the high-capacity family-flotilla niche — MRS-patented design.

Size

Specifications

Comparison Between Fin Whale and Barracuda R2

EVA foam backrest *2
0.7 lb (330 g)

4P fixing 3L front seat (wide)
0.7 lb (330 g)

4P fixing 2L rear seat
0.5 lb (242 g)

Adjustable footrest/seat
0.6 lb (255 g)

Skeg set S
3.0 oz (86 g)

Inflation bag
4.8 oz (135 g)

V2 Detachable Quick-Install Packraft Handle
3.6 oz (102 g)

Care

• The default package ships with the EVA foam backrest, which installs quickly and is ready to use out of the box.

Performance Tips

• The Fin Whale inflates to 2.5-3 PSI (higher than the 1.5 PSI standard on most MRS models) for hull rigidity on this larger high-capacity platform — adjust within the range based on weather and water temperature.
• Air pressure varies with temperature. After launching the packraft into cooler water, the air inside the chambers contracts and the pressure drops noticeably — this is normal, not a leak. Top off with a hand pump until the chambers feel firm again.
• To enhance comfort, the seat cushion’s air pressure can be reduced — this lowers the seat height and lets it conform better to the body, also improving backrest support.
• When approaching the Maximum Single Paddler Weight of 397 lb (180 kg), increase hull air pressure slightly to alleviate strain — concentrated single-paddler load can deform the hull under stress more than evenly-distributed multi-paddler load.
• Use the detachable stern fin for steadier tracking on long touring legs.

Best for

• Family flotillas with a child, partner, or dog onboard (the middle seat adjusts front-to-back for cargo or a child)
• Two-paddler-plus-gear lake expeditions and multi-day trips
• Lake-day outings where high capacity and generous interior space matter
• Paddlers wanting a larger-capacity hull than the Barracuda R2 or the Adventure X2

Not recommended for: Class III+ whitewater (see the Viking EVO X2 for the tandem whitewater option), sustained single-paddler use above 397 lb (180 kg), total load over 772 lb (350 kg).

Warranty

Every MRS packraft includes a 3-year warranty against material and manufacturing defects. ISS (TiZip) zippers are warranted separately for 1 year.

FAQ

What weight can the Fin Whale carry?

Recommended total capacity (paddlers plus gear) is 772 lb (350 kg) — the largest tandem capacity in the MRS lineup. The Maximum Single Paddler Weight is 397 lb (180 kg) (concentrated single-paddler load is more demanding on the hull than evenly distributed multi-paddler load). Exceeding the total capacity won’t sink the boat — it has significant buoyancy — but it will affect maneuverability, stability, material load, and water resistance.

How does the Fin Whale compare to the Barracuda R2?

The Fin Whale is longer (164 in vs 140 in outer length), wider (41 in vs 38 in), with 30% more interior space, and built on the 420D Pro-fabric hull (vs the Barracuda R2’s 210D standard fabric). Total capacity 772 lb (350 kg) vs the R2’s 507 lb (230 kg). Pick the Fin Whale for family flotillas and high-load expeditions; pick the Barracuda R2 for adventure-race pace at lower pack weight.

How does the Fin Whale compare to the Adventure X2 and Viking EVO X2?

The Adventure X2 is the compact recreational tandem for casual paddling (210D standard fabric, 414 lb / 188 kg capacity). The Viking EVO X2 is the only whitewater self-bailing tandem on the market. The Fin Whale sits as the high-capacity flat-water family tandem — widest cabin, highest total capacity, no whitewater rating.

Why is the air pressure 2.5-3 PSI instead of 1.5 PSI?

The Fin Whale’s larger hull volume needs higher inflation pressure to stay rigid under high loads. Most MRS models use 1.5 PSI; the Fin Whale and the Mini-Shark are exceptions with supplier-specified higher pressures. Adjust within 2.5-3 PSI based on weather and water temperature.

Can the middle seat hold a child?

Yes — the middle seat features front-to-back adjustment, providing flexible space for carrying cargo or accommodating a child onboard. There’s also additional usable space behind the rear seat for gear or a second small passenger.