Barracuda SOT

[dru]

Bumped into this yak yesterday when buying some stuff for the SIK. The boys at Taren Point are friendly and helpful btw.

Plastic SOTs do not normally get me excited, but this yak is begging for me to test it. Few descriptions here (no pics from who have one yet?). The shape looks sleek without being silly narrow or reducing deck space for fishing. A section through the seating spot is a bit like a "W". Ie there is a mini "out rigger" molded into the edge of the hull, both sides. A little catamaran-ish. This will provide fabulous stability. They are only about a meter long, in the middle of the boat so shouldn't impact turning much at all. I would like to know how it goes with the rudder up.

It's a different type of plastic, not roto-mould. As others have said its a sensational finish, I had to keep tapping it to make sure it isn't glass. Otoh, it is a two piece construction like glass yaks (deck and hull have to be glued together) and how it's joined will be important.

The rudder position is like most SOTs. Over the end. Cavitation in waves will be a limiting factor (rudder coming out of the water) - which is why I would test it with the rudder up. If I didn't like it's controlability without the rudder I would then be stepping cautiously in bigger conditions and wind with white tops. I love to hear a paddling report In those sort of conditions.

It's a sexy bit of kit, I'm guessing that a stealth 430 will go better, but this one is more advanced with the pre-pimping. I couldn't find a hatch with rod Shute version. Odd cause it has everything else.

As a self professed "paddle purist" I doubt I would choose it in front of a Stealth evolution, but it would definitely be on my test list for a shorter yak (short compared to my SIK). Looks like it flies, awesome finish, nicely pre-pimped, fabulous stability: that's what I would expect in a wet test of the machine.

Thumbs up.

[keza]

I think where this comes into it's own is for some one like me who would like a stealth but has to launch off rocks half the time.
It has the feel of glass but can deal with the rocks.

[bazzoo]

Keza , very impressive skis , look the goods to me , i would love to have a paddle , i think fast and stable , and tough , i want one NOW !!!!!

[Dodge]

, i think fast and stable , and tough ,

They are Baz, have been alongside Gunston on his a couple of times, tracks well and very light to lift which is the main reason he bought his one.

Finish is a good as glass, which I thought it was the first time I saw the yak.

[blackbandit]

Have had mine for nearly three months now. Use it for not only fishing, but also recreational paddling, mainly offshore.

Handles big swells with ease and also "surfs" runners... last weekend I took it out into 3m swell and played on the edge of a Bombie. Being 18kg with the rudder I find that I do need to "feather" the rudder from time to time in choppy and windy conditions. That said, in a tidal estuary or river the barracuda comes into its on. A very stable, light and fast fishing platform. The tri-hull allows you to go into shallower areas than most yaks and is handy for paddling over sand flats and sitting on the edge of known lizard or other fish species hides and holes. Being light also enables you to paddle into run-out tides with relative ease compared to heavier and broader beamed yaks.

The light weight is also a bonus for handling and storage. People are gobsmacked when I pick it up out of the water and raise it above my head and walk up the bank or boat ramp or visa versa.

However, as with most things it does have it's limitations. If I am fishing offshore in any swell over 1.5m I use my Australis Lynxx. Being 10kg heavier with a higher gunnel and wider beam, this is my preferred fishing platform for these types of conditions. Anyway, that is my humble opinion as a Barracuda SOT owner.

Happy with the Barracuda? Bloody oath... best yak investment in many a long year.

Mick