Kayak review

From OKFC Wiki

This is an article that has been started on Jan 18,2010 by members for members. Additional contributions of knowledge and pictures (non-copyrighted) for any kayaks would be appreciated. If you need any assistance with the Wiki please contact AFishin'Nado [1].

[edit] Overview

Last year we put together a kayak swap picnic. Everyone brought their yaks and club members were able to "trade" rides for an afternoon. We are a pretty opinionated and passionate group about what we do and the gear we do it with. This article was created to give prospective kayak owners impressions from seasoned kayak owners about their crafts. Unlike many commercial websites, this article does not have a salesman's bias. We are not sponsored by anyone, links to the individual kayak companies are includes as an aid for our members only.

Additionally, we have created a customized rating system Yak report card (rating A to F) to help with anyone trying to decide between kayaks.

Enjoy.

[edit] Emotion "Grand Slam"

Reviewed by TexasDan

• Speed: A
• Stability: A
• Tracking: A
• Wind Profile: -A
• Standing Stability: C... I've seen it done, but not ready yet so I'd rather sit
• Storage: A... large compartment up front, one between legs, plano storage right behind seat
• Dry Factor: A... the only time I gets wet is from rain & paddle drip, but do use scuppers
• Seating Comfort: A can sit for hours
• Pimp Factor (Accessories?): added Scotty Pole holder w/extender, anchor trolley system,
• Rudder: Can fish without it, but working on adding one to it

Length:14'-5" Width: 30" Weight: 69 lbs Load: 375-450 lbs.

Visit the Emotion site [2]

[edit] Heritage "Redfish 12"

Reviewed by Kirk (Helrazor)

• Speed: A
• Stability: A

The redfish is wider than most kayaks and offers good stability as well.

• Tracking: B
• Standing Stability: A

It is a challenge but I haven't fallen out yet but it's bound to happen someday

• Storage: A

Redfish has more room than most.

• Dry Butt Factor: B
• Seat comfort: B
• Pimp Factor. A
• Weight: B

65 Lbs.

• Rudder: N/A
• Price: A
• Hull Slap: Redfish wins. super quiet.

I love this boat. The Redfish is a sit on top I bought used but I believe the Redfish is the least expensive.

Visit the Redfish site [3]

[edit] Hurricane "Phoenix 140"

Reviewed by Santiago

• Speed: A We need a race to test this
• Stability: B It never feels out of control
• Tracking: A Beautiful! and I don't have (don't need) a rudder
• Wind Profile: B I really don't know how good or bad this yak is vs. the ideal
• Standing Stability: D I challenge any member to stand in it
• Storage: B I don't use it. I don't need it for what I use it
• Dry Butt Factor: A Great, unless I screw up. What SOT is 100% dry?
• Seat comfort: B This depends on the seat and not on the boat. Without a seat, I give it an F.
• Pimp Factor: A The Phoenix is a beautiful boat; Two-tone ABS (like motorcycle helmets) with a high-gloss finish
• Weight: A At 54 pounds (stripped) it is the lightest 14-ft SOT around
• Rudder: DON'T NEED ONE
• Price: 50% higher than roto-molded SOTs
• Hull Slap: A I think it's non-existent, but I haven't checked other boats

Additional comments: Negatives:

• Limited "deck" space; that is, flat surfaces along gunnels to install accessories, lay down baits, etc.
• Carrying handles are not "amidships" which makes it awkward for a one-person carry
• Drain system channeled to a single output hole via hoses could result in difficult to repair leaks and/or clogging.

Visit the Hurricane site [4]

[edit] Kaskazi "Dorado II"

Reviewed by Bigguy

• Speed:A
• Stability:A
• Tracking:A
• Wind Profile:A
• Standing stability:F
• Storage:B +
• Dry butt factor:C-
• Seating Comfort: A-
• Pimp factor: oh Yes, it's fiberglass ( can get any color you want, also a carbon/kelvar layup if wanted)
• Rudder:Yes
• Weight:66 Lbs

Price: $1800.00 which includes importing from south africa length: 16 ft, beam: 24.8 ", load cap 418 lbs, weighs 66 lbs

Pros: Stable,tracks very straight, nice glide and very quiet. Can store 7 1/2 foot rods in the fishbox, great offshore. Cons: Wet butt sometimes. There is absolutely no way to stand.

Visit the Kaskazi site [5]

[edit] Malibu kayaks "X13"

Reviewed by Wayne (piproto)

• Speed: A
• Stability: A
• Tracking: A
• Wind Profile:A
• Standing stability: B I am able to stand, but am having to constantly shift.
• Storage: A
• Dry butt factor: A
• Seating Comfort: A
• Pimp factor (Accessories?): Just Rod Holders..
• Rudder: Rudder ready (not installed)
• Weight: 60 Lbs
• Price:Paid: $754.00 plus $90.00 Shipping

Visit the Malibu site [6]

[edit] Native "Magic 12"

• Speed:
• Stability: A+
• Tracking: A++
• Wind profile: A
• Standing stability: C
• Durability: only time will tell
• Storage: D
• Dry butt: B
• Seating comfort: A++
• Pimp factor: C
• Rudder: Not really need on the natives install

The natives have a very nice glide to them; they take little effort to get under way. They track well even in a moderate cross wind. You can sit in them for 5-6 hours with no discomfort.

Biggest draw back to the Ultimate is that it collects water and has to be sponged out. Get caught in a heavy rain storm and you better have a pump. Attwood now has a 500 gpm battery powered bilge pump, would be a great investment. The Magic also comes in a 14.5 version; you are going to get wet in the Magic. Even though the Magic rates lower, that is what you will see me in the most.

I think if I was ask by someone, I would tell them Native, Redfish, or Malibu (have one of those, but a tandem). I believe that Native and Heritage are part of the same company. Stay in the 12 to 14 foot range. Buy a good paddle to start with, you can get a graphite shaft Werner for under 150.00, better to buy to long a paddle than to short. At 5'5" the suggested paddle length for me is 220cm, I prefer a 230 - 240cm paddle.

[edit] Native "Ultimate"

Reviewed by Kirk (Helrazor)

• Speed: A
• Stability: A
• The Ultimate features a pontoon hull which offers excellent secondary stability.
• Tracking: Ultimate wins this category. The pontoon hull offering more predictable tracking.
• Wind Profile: B
• Standing Stability: A
• Storage: The canoe hybrid design offers plenty of room for anything you could possibly need to bring.
• Dry Butt Factor: A

The Native seat is super dry and comfortable.

• Seat comfort: A

It's like fishing in a lawn chair!

• Pimp Factor: A

Lots of room for toys but my ultimate has 3 scotties and a perfect spot for my clamp on fishfinder.

• Weight: B

Ultimate weighs 55 Lbs.

• Rudder: N/A
• Price:
• Hull Slap: B

The Ultimate is actually a hybrid of a canoe and kayak. The Ultimate slaps in a frontal chop due to it's hull design.

Visit the Native site [7]

[edit] Ocean Kayak "Prowler 13 Angler Big Game"

Yak Report Card by Wishnfish

• Speed: B-
• Stability: A
• Tracking: B My Prowler 15 and Scupper Pro TW have longer and narrower hulls so track and paddle straighter and more easily.
• Wind Profile: A
• Standing Stability: Haven’t been brave enough with cold winter water, but with 34” beam and flat floors under foot it should be a breeze.
• Storage: Bow Hatch with Battery storage shelf for Fish finder; the large hatch in the floor located right in front of seat holds two plastic bins for easy access to gear,open tank well behind seat.
• Dry Butt Factor: A if you use scupper stoppers
• Seating Comfort: B It’s a Sit-on-Top. An aftermarket high back seat and Sea Line inflatable seat cushion are highly recommended for a comfortable day of paddling.
• Pimp Factor: 4 Scotty rod holders with 9” extensions and six flush mount deck brackets plus the two trolling flush rod holders behind seat allow for a wide variety of set ups that don’t get in the way of paddling. A Piranha Max 180 Fish finder with a 90-degree transducer is mounted front and center with threaded transducer mounted in the factory-configured scupper. A 36” insulated fish cooler is clipped to the fore deck. I also added an anchor trolley system with a stake out pole and drift sock in addition to the anchor. A trailer allows for a quick launch and not lifting the monster onto the roof of my van after the paddling workout. I am looking for a live well system.
• Weight: 69 pounds bare boat, up to 550-600 lbs with me and all the gear and catch…
• Price: List price is $959.00. I paid $650.00 in Jan. ’09 at TCO.

Comment: I really like this boat. It is my fishing machine. True to my name, I have rigged the boat and find little time left to go out so I’m Wishnfish!

Visit the Ocean Prowler site [8]

[edit] Perception "Swing"

Reviewed by Philip (AFishin'Nado)

• Speed: A
• Stability: A
• Tracking: A
• Wind Profile: A
• Standing stability: F
• Storage: B
• Dry butt factor: F

You might as well wear a wetsuit. I added 2 one inch dry cell foam pads which has helped

• Seating Comfort: D
• Pimp factor: A

Lots of spots to drill holes & customize. The diving tank well in the back posed a interesting problem that I fixed by creating a customized milk crate.

• Rudder: Yes

It made a huge difference for me. The rudder was custom made by my neighbor an aircraft mechanic as Perception had none available. I disagree with John on this subject as when you are drift fishing you can control your direction.

• Weight: 42 Lbs
• Price: A

Pros:Very stable,tracks very straight, very fast, very light and very quiet. Cons: Wet butt syndrome. Center hatch too small. There is absolutely no way to stand.

I haven't tried any recent models, although I do not believe much has changed. Very few members have a perception craft. I do and mine is the Mad max of a yak. Originally designed as a diving yak this thing is so jury rigged that it could qualify for a monster truck race.

Visit the Perception site [9]

[edit] Perception "Prism 14"

Reviewed by Tylerod

• Speed: A
• Stability: B
• Tracking: A
• Wind Profile:C
• Standing stability: F No standing
• Storage: C

Two hatches but not easily accessed or sealed.

• Dry butt factor: F

Wet butt kayak

• Seating Comfort: D
• Pimp factor (Accessories?): Comes with adjustable foot stops...i added the rest.
• Rudder: Not available
• Weight: 60 Lbs
• Price:Paid: $400 slightly used on craigslist.

Great speed in this kayak...sits really low in the water. I fished this for a year but i will be purchasing a native solo for comfort-ability and the ability to stand n fish.

Visit the Perception site [10]

[edit] Wilderness Systems "Commander"

Reviewed by Tylerod

• Speed: B A little slower out of the hole-shot but maintains speed well.
• Seating Stability: A+ You can move around to get gear or lean heavily to one side with no issues
• Tracking: B About what you would expect from 12' kayak (I do not have rudder model)
• Standing Stability: B+ In and out of the seats are super easy. Standing is great...wobbles a little then re-stabilizes after certain point. Deceptively stable.
• Storage: A Huge area in stern for storage can fit full size Coleman cooler + more. No dry storage included. Tie down system is great.
• Dry Butt Factor: A+ Only way to get a wet butt in this yak is to fall in the water.
• Seat Comfort: A+ Regular seat is easily adjustable and slides to the front to easily access gear and is extremely comfortable. Perch seat is great addition as well.
• Pimp Factor: A+ Comes rudder ready , trolling motor ready, and slide trax system is great. Waiting for more aftermarket products to be released.
• Weight: C A little on the heavy side but not bad considering all the options vs. normal kayaks.
• Rudder:F Comes rudder ready but the price to add WS rudder wasn't worth the benefit in my eyes.
• Price: B I bought it new, locally for 950+ tax for basic model.
• Hull Slap: B I haven't experience detrimental weather yet....there was no slap during my two test runs...however at an all out paddle is was a little noisy..it was water "woosh" noise though and not wave slap. Regular fishing patrol speed is quite.

All in all the only thing I would've done different is put a flat surface where your feet would be when standing. I personally like the 12' model because it fits in my short-bed truck easy and is much easier to handle if solo. When this yak comes out in 14' it will be a major hit. I also like the high gunnel wall Steve mentioned as it will keep me relatively safe from the gators I seem to constantly find.

I'd like to test in rough weather because I think the wind profile maybe a factor being as big as this is. However I don't think waves will be an issue.

Visit the Wilderness site [11]

[edit] Wilderness Systems "Tarpon 120"

Reviewed by Shark

• Speed: B (Not as fast as 160 but decent)
• Stability: A
• Tracking: A
• Wind profile: B
• Standing stability: never tried
• Durability: I have dropped it a few times and it keeps on ticking.
• Storage: good
• Dry butt: Excellent
• Seating comfort: A
• Pimp factor: rod holders and clips
• Rudder: none I haven't missed it

The 120 is reasonably light and easier to store on the ceiling of my garage. I have had no problem getting it to the fishing spots.

Visit the Wilderness site [12]

[edit] Wilderness Systems "Tarpon 140"

Reviewed by Snook57

• Speed:
• Stability: A+
• Tracking: Natives: B+
• Wind profile: B
• Standing stability:WS never tried
• Durability: only time will tell
• Storage: A
• Dry butt: A+
• Seating comfort: C
• Pimp factor: B-
• Rudder: install one as it was needed

As far as seating comfort, I want out of the WS 140 after 2 hours, gel pad seat may take care of this. Stay in the 12 to 14 foot range. Buy a good paddle to start with, you can get a graphite shaft Werner for under 150.00, better to buy to long a paddle than to short. At 5'5" the suggested paddle length for me is 220cm, I prefer a 230 - 240cm paddle.

Visit the wilderness site [13]

[edit] Wilderness Systems "Tarpon 160i"

• Speed:A
• Stability:A
• Tracking:A
• Wind Profile:B
• Standing stability:B
• Storage:A
• Dry butt factor:B
• Seating Comfort:A
• Pimp factor (Accessories?) Adding Anchor trolley soon, replaced seat with Surf to Summit seat (very comfortable)
• Rudder:Yes
• Weight:60 Lbs (Forgot actual)
• Price: $700 - almost 2 years ago

I love this yak, easy to paddle and comfortable. Lots of storage room. Tracks really well.

Visit the Wilderness site [14]

[edit] Hobie (Not reviewed - please contribute)

Generic comments not reviewed as of yet

Pros: Highly stable. These are pedal drive as opposed to using a paddle. If you have a shoulder or difficulty paddling this ride will take you everywhere and fast. Lots of accessories. In fact you can get a outrigger and even a sail for it Cons:expensive and heavy to cart around

Visit the Hobie site [15]

[edit] Pelican (Not reviewed - please contribute)

Review by Claudine (Jovilea)

Pelican Castaway 116 DLX: I took this one for a test ride since it was for sale cheap(my boss's). I headed out on the St. Johns on a light wind day and came back within a half hour. This yak was all over the place, even when I was out of the current and only had to contend with the wind. It did not have a rudder. It has adjustable foot rests, but the boat was rocking all over the place as I was trying to adjust them while on the water. Likewise it rocked with each stroke, and after having experienced the Drifter, I was not comfortable in this yak. It also has a seam, and that is a concern of mine too. The rod holder is located way up towards the bow, and even someone as tall as I am had to really reach to get to it. On the positive side, this had a very dry seat which was also very comfortable. The waterproof dry hatch stayed dry, and they are very inexpensive boats. But I would not recommend this for any who wants to do some serious fishing, but it would be adequate for light recreational usage.

Visit the Pelican site[16]

[edit] Liquid logic (Not reviewed - please contribute)

Generic comments not reviewed as of yet

Visit the Liquid logic site [17]

[edit] A few additional thoughts by John (Mainsail John)

The choice of kayaks is overwhelming to someone new to kayak fishing. Here are a couple of thoughts on the subject.

• Most would agree the best model for fishing is a sit-on-top. Beyond that, there are a lot of opinions about models and features. For example, I can't imagine having a kayak without a rudder, but some people strongly disagree.
• I would not recommend a kayak less than 12 feet in length.
• Everyone worries about "stability" when they first get into kayak fishing. I have never found a top brand of kayak that was "unstable". They are all stable if you are sitting. I believe this is a non-issue and this needs to be explained to newbies. On the other hand, some are much better than others if you intend to stand up and fish.
• The picnic is the best possible way to try out a variety of kayaks in a real setting. I wish I knew how to spread the word to the entire community the next time we have a picnic. Trying a kayak in a pool is not an adequate test. You really need to try out a kayak on the water, preferably in windy conditions. Some have an annoying hull slap, and frankly, there are some that just don't paddle well. Don't trust the literature, it's no substitute for personal experience.
• Don't buy a "brand name" thinking it will be good. There can be a wide range of good and bad hull features within a brand. For example, I have tried Malibu kayaks that I really liked. However, I once owned a Malibu Pro Explorer and it had the worst hull slap of any kayak I have experienced.