Barracuda SOT

[mountainman]

Had my first paddle on my new Barracuda SOT today in my local estuary. First impressions are its a lot quicker off the mark than the prowlers I've tried such as the Ultra 4.7 and the 4.5. Probably got a little more top speed or equivalent, hard to say without intrumentation. Certainly much lighter to handle which is why I bought it. Very stable but not all that impressed with the rudder, seemed a bit reluctant to turn left for some reason, might have to give it some lube. Quite manouverable for a 4.1 metre yak. Haven't had time to set it up yet but very impressed with its glide capability and its acceleration. Now to set it up - unfortunately I purchased mine just before the centre well modification came out so I'm going to get the thinking cap on in regards to storage options. Looks fantastic (as it should for a 2k yak) much better than the finish on prowlers and nearly as good as glass yaks. Very happy! Now to work out how to put pics on of my red beast.

[Stevie]

They look like a nice light Yak mate!

[Occy]

Jason,

I can't believe we haven't heard more about these kayaks in the Australian kayak fishing community. Any chance of organising a demo day here in Sydney somewhere? I'm in the market for a new yak, and very keen to take a paddle of one of these beasties.

[johnt]

Wish I had seen this thread earlier. I am interested in having a look at these yaks and would like to know what the centre well modification is. The website has the same picture I have seen before and my only negative was rod storage. I would also like to know how it stands up to a bit of a beating on rocks

[camel]

I'm getting way too interested in this kayak. Had a look at the older model at Taren Point. The newer one with the center hatch should be a good thing. I looking forward to seeing it. Though it sounds as if it's going to be a little bit dearer than the old. I'd love a second with a bit more storage and stability for when it gets messy. This one could be the one I pull the trigger on.

[Occy]

Quite a bit more expensive ($2800 ), but the centre hatch is a thing to behold (especially if you get the rod chute) from what I'm told

[johnt]

Anyone thought of getting one shipprd from NZ. They are about $2,200NZ over there which at $1.25 is $1,760AUS. Just a thought

http://www.paddlerzone.co.nz/barracuda_sot

[Occy]

That's interesting, that site suggest the standard and fisho version are the same price in NZ. I seriously doubt that but even if they were, and you took advantage of their $700 freight offer it wouldn't stack up. Extras (brokerage, GST, insurance) wouldadd more than $500 I reckon. So the RRP's ($2200/$2800) are on the money so to speak.

[johnt]

If anyone is using one I would really like to know how they stand up to punishment. I want to do some river work in NZ and this was the yak that came recomended. This is what I was told.

"The Barracuda SoT is made of a very lightweight yet suprisingly tough ABS plastic, This is the same plastic that the boats we train for the coast to coast race are made from. These boats get a hammering and never once has one broken on us! It is super stable and sits shallow in the water so you shouldn't run a ground much. Comes with a rudder set up so is very intuitive and easy to manoeuvre with little practice. It also had all the features you as a fisherman could ask for (loads of on deck storage and rod holders fitted standard). Barracuda is also producing a more specialised 'fishing version' of this boat so we could look into this as well."

I would like to know particularly how it likes running into rocks and just how strong it really is.

[Occy]

I don't know much about this type of plastic except that it's light and really really strong and rigid. Provided large surfaces are supported. Apparently there are four sealed sections/bulkheads with added bouyancy in this beastie, which means it should be extremely strong and rigid. It's probably similar to fibreglass in that respect, but as its related to polycarbonate (aircraft windows, cockpit covers for jet fighters etc) it's much less prone to damage by impact. Because they use sheets of plastic, and thermoforming is a high tech process they can obviously guarantee consistency in the thickness of both surfaces, thus cutting down on excess plastic, and as a result the weight. I can't wait to see one in the plastic.

[blackbandit]

Picked up my new Barracuda SOT this morning from the Sydney Kayak Warehouse (thanks for all your assistance Peter - excellent service). Drove back home to the Gong and launched her into Wollongong Harbour. Paddled across to the other side, done some adjustments to the pedals and seat and took it for a spin out into the deep blue for an hour or so.

Observations and Comments

1. First thing... this boat is LIGHT. So easy to get off the roof racks. The well positioned carrying straps and recess on the gunnel make carrying it down to the launching point a breeze.
2. The finish on this boat is excellent . Looks more like fibreglass than plastic. Build quality is very good and feels extremely solid. No doubt due to the separate sealed bulkheads.
3. The all important beach launch was a piece of p..s with only a small 1/4 metre shore break. Now as I am 5'10 and 112kg, jumping into the seat is always a strain on any poor yak! No problems at all... very stable and minimal rocking if any on entry.
4. The rudder on the Barra is a fairy substantial piece of engineering, very robust indeed and super responsive to pedal input. Weighs in at 2kg and with a boat that weighs 18kg that rudder contributes over 10% of the boat's weight.
5. The sea conditions outside of the breakwater was a 1 to 1.5 metre ESE swell with a 10 knot Easterly wind. Tracking through the swell head-on or on either beam was very, very impressive, once I got the feel for the rudder. Catching 1 metre runners towards the surf zone off North Wollongong Beach was very enjoyable. Picked them up with no effort at all.
6. The shape of the bow and the position of the scuppers ensured that there was minimal water if any, in the boat. In hindsight, I cannot recall taking any water in over the bow at all!
7. Speed... now this is what really blew my socks off. The one thing I do have is very strong upper body strength. On my Australis Lynxx in single paddler mode I can get the big heavy beasty up to a fair speed... and I know I am working hard from a muscular and cardiovascular perspective. The Barracuda... much less effort and I am skimming over the waves. Less effort in that I will probably get a larger bladed paddle to give a bit more bite and maybe a bit of extra speed again. Too easy!

Of course this maiden voyage was done bare bones. No fishing gear, etc, just me, my paddle and my pfd... very basic.

Interestingly when I was back at my car on my return to shore, I did tell you how light this boat is didn't I? , a young fellow came in on his Hobie fresh from a session of tossing some lures off Flagstaff Point. Got to talking (as you do) and went and lifted my Yak over my head and plonked it on the roof racks. Young bloke's jaw nearly dropped to the dirt! He looked at me in amazement so I took it off the racks and put it back on the grass. Told him how light it was and showed him some of the features, to say he was green with envy was an understatement and said he should have done some more research before he bought his existing boat (which was very nicely set up and well rigged by the way). Happy days.

Anyway... that's my review after the Barracuda's maiden voyage.

Verdict?... you bloody ripper!!!

Mick

[Occy]

Good onya Mick, sounds like it's going to be a pleasure paddling that thing.

I'm still waiting on a call from the distributors (who promised me they would let me know when they arrive) so I can venture down south to take a look at one in the plastic. They are obviously too busy filling orders to worry about potential customers at the moment.

[GrantsBarracuda]

Nice report Mick

I must say that I brought a Barracuda as well this year and have hit the water 3 times and love it, it does not compare to my Moken 13 and I love the weight factor that allows me to lift it up onto the Triton roof racks without effort. Looking forward to some nice spring days in Adelaide to get it dirty.

[solatree]

I must say that I brought a Barracuda as well this year and have hit the water 3 times and love it, Looking forward to some nice spring days in Adelaide to get it dirty.

Welcome to the forum Grant - I'll keep a look out for a Barrcuda off Marino - good chance its likely to be you !

[rawprawn]

I'm looking for a new Yak and this is now on my list