[DogFish]

I finally got my new Kaskazi Pelican out for a trial paddle along with JB and his new Prowler Elite 4.5 last Saturday.

Not very testing conditions, but based on how it paddled through the rougher bits it should prove to be a great big-water boat. Will now be spending the next couple of months seeing if I can get it successfully rigged out as a long range fishing yak to compliment my existing Perception Swing tupperware kayak.

Once I've got the electric bilge pump, hinged rear hatch with recessed cam latches & insulated fish bag hold, fish finder, rod holders, anchor and drift chute rigging, etc... etc, all fitted, then I should be able to take it out for a fishing session and post a full review and pics on how it all worked out.

In the meantime, here's a couple of pics of it at the beach & on the water.

DogFish

 

[hairymick]

Hi Dogfish,

Mate only one thing to say, SWEEEEEET.

Congratulations on a truly beautiful new boat. Look forward to more piccies and a full review.

 

[DogFish]

Thanks Mick... yeah it's not a bad little boat. Not quite as sexy as one of those Howe Extaseas, but then again, only half the price to me here in NZ.

I'm not overly happy with the quality of finish and fit-out. Kaskazi need to get their act together if they they are going to continue supplying the International market as other new owners have also voiced similar concerns recently. Perhaps the new ownership will sort it out.

I've arranged to get a mold taken of the cockpit next week as I suspect I will eventually follow your example and end up building my own S&G SOT fishing yak to get the exact features and performance I would like.

Cheers... DogFish

 

[Milt]

Congrats Dogfish,

What an impressive looking yak, how well does it paddle in terms of speed?

Its a shame if the finish on them isn't A class as I'm sure it cost you a packet!

Milt,

 

[hairymick]

Hi Dogfish,

I agree with Milt re the finish. That is just B.S. that the maker is prepared to supply a poorly finished product - especially for export. What the hell is he thinking?

A question mate, if you don't mind. I see the pelican has no tankwell. Is there a benifiet in this? I'm having second thoughts about the tankwell on my Kadaitchi. Seems to be an awfull lot of wasted space under a tankwell. or is that just the tourer coming out in me?

Perhaps a short tankwell - big enough for a crate and a hatch behind it might be an answer? just thinking out loud.

 

[Les Lammers]

I finally got my new Kaskazi Pelican out for a trial paddle along with JB and his new Prowler Elite 4.5 last Saturday.

Not very testing conditions, but based on how it paddled through the rougher bits it should prove to be a great big-water boat. Will now be spending the next couple of months seeing if I can get it successfully rigged out as a long range fishing yak to compliment my existing Perception Swing tupperware kayak.

Once I've got the electric bilge pump, hinged rear hatch with recessed cam latches & insulated fish bag hold, fish finder, rod holders, anchor and drift chute rigging, etc... etc, all fitted, then I should be able to take it out for a fishing session and post a full review and pics on how it all worked out.

In the meantime, here's a couple of pics of it at the beach & on the water.

DogFish

Dogfish,

Nice looking yak and I'm glad it arrived safely. What's up with the fit and finish? What bothers you about it? Please be specific. I have a few rubs with mine too but nothing major.

Here is a bit of my rigging solution. I decided to use a Cratemate that I can remove to keep the deck clean. I may rivet some 6" PVC to the inside of the bag to hold the anchor upright. I found some stainless swiveling pad eyes to secure the crate bag to the deck. They fold down when not in use. I will also use the pad eyes on the rod tubes to attach a tether. There are 6 'D' rings on the bag as well as a a shoulder strap and the cover to the bag closes tightly.

Also, it looks like the new Kaskazi owners are listening. The Dorado is being modified. I hope the Pelican will get venturis too. I'd like to see a 'keeper' for the rudder when it's not in use added too.

http://kfs.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/ ... 2271071242

Folding pad eye: http://bosunsupplies.com/products2.cfm?product=S3711

Les

 

[hairymick]

G'day Les.

Where did you get the cratemate. I haven't heard of them before. great idea

 

[Les Lammers]

Hiya Mick,

Got it from KFS: http://kayakfishingstuff.com/Merchant2/ ... ry_Code=ci

I like the thing because it holds everything except rods and at my advance age, feeble mind etc, it helps to have all my kit ready to go. :wink:

There are velcro tabs on the inside of the bag to secure it to the crate. The rod holder (4) are large enough in diameter to hold a fish grip and there are two pockets on the outside.

Here is a pic of my new ride, petrol prices being what they are, it's great!

 

[hairymick]

Hi Les,

Thanks mate, - Love it.

 

[Les Lammers]

Hi Les,

Thanks mate, - Love it.

Good on ya Mick,

I got it here. They made it especially for me. Guess they felt sorry for me.
Been there many times in my life w/o one.

Gotta go. Wipin' away the tears of joy.

Les

 

[PeterJ]

Nothin like a bit of toilet humor

 

[water_baby]

funny you should mention the 3rd grip cratemate Les, as i was looking to buy one just last week. just couldnt find anyone to do an international order for me

if worst comes to worst, ill just rip off the idea and make one myself, but it would be nice to buy it all done.

anyone know if it is available to australia???

 

[Dodge]

Here is a pic of my new ride, petrol prices being what they are, it's great!

Les

A great device, does this mean you can throw away the nappy with that more civilized setup? :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[DogFish]

Milt... It paddles nice and fast with little effort and feels light on the water compared to a standard SOT plastic yak. Very responsive in rough water and lifts over choppy waves with ease.

Mick... I've become disillusioned with tankwells as they tend to become loaded with water in rough conditions and just bog you down. I prefer the concept of an insulated fish/gear bag in the hull sealed to a watertight hatch opening. A hinged hatch cover with recessed cam latches means access should be no more difficult than reaching back into a tankwell. The benefits are that there would be less added weight, fish can be kept on ice, lower centre-of-gravity, and the bag would be removable for cleaning and hull access when required. I would suggest two rear hatches on your Kadaitchi - a small one directly behind the seat into a gear & tackle compartment, and a larger one with insulated fish bag beyond that again.

Les... here are most of the issues I've identified so far:
1. There is a large lumpy concave soft spot in the hull on the keel line directly under the seat. Poor vacuum bagging & resin starvation...?
2. The left footwell is deeper than the right one, as are the rudder pedals.
3. The right footwell is longer than the left and the pedal track has been mounted accordingly resulting in the right pedal being 25mm forward of the left hand one.
4. The rudder pedal tracks are only mounted with self tapping screws!
5. The pulley for the rudder uphaul lines is situated on the gunwale so that you are guaranteed to graze you knuckles on a lazy paddle stroke.
6. There is no parking bracket or bungy hold-down for the rudder blade. This results in the blade slamming onto to the unprotected deck when hauling up the rudder and will result in cracked gelcoat or worse in time.
7. The hatch covers aren't tethered to the hull as is standard practise.
That list of problems will do for now...I'm getting depressed.

DogFish

 

[Les Lammers]

Read this thread:

http://kfs.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/ ... 2271071242

I dunno why these could not be crafted locally.

Les