[troppo]

The more I have paddled the big blue, and the more I have built my skills with it, the more I want to do. However, my yak, Feelfree Nomad definately has limits when it comes to long distance and comfort in bigger waves. So, . . . . while I am very happy with my yak for the coastal strip and estuaries and creeks, as well as playing in the surf, I am thinking about something more big bluish.

Okay, what's available for ocean work?

Kaskazi Pelican or Dorado seem awesome. But some folk on the forum have had some problems with quality of finish. Also, while there is supposed to be an Australian distributor, I don't know if they are easily available or have to go through the pain of importing.

Wavedance Kingfisher is just coming out on the market. I have been reading PeterJ's and Occy's reports on it with great interest.

Fishmatics on the forum is bringing out a new yak.

Then there is Scupper Pro, Cobra Expedition, OK Prowler, Viking Predator, Tarpon 160.

I would be very interested to hear your views on what's available regarding a yak that is good for longer distance touring on choppy water and fishing from (of course). Like, how much better are the Kazkazi yaks to things like the Scupper Pro or even the Kingfisher (which I guess has not been properly tested yet.)? I really want to hear why you think one yak is better than another. If you reckon one is faster, how much? Is it significant or just a little bit? Tell me your thoughts.

 

[Dodge]

Firstly have just noticed you have moved to Elite Member Joday, well done.

I believe most of the yaks over 4m in the quality brands are bluewater yaks and I've had my Swing about 1km offshore and felt quite comfortable, and that same would apply to the list you posted.

But if I was in the market again, its the GRP yak of Fishmatics I would wait for for serious offshore work, seems to have so much potential and many of the qualities in under deck storage that seem to be a characteristic of boats with some SA heritage

 

[troppo]

Thanks Dodge. Does Fishmatics have a website where I can get more info?

 

[Salty Dog]

G'day troppo, if you really want to know the difference between some of these models & the Kaskazis, you could drop a quick line to Capn Jimbo.

He's tested a number of these, & owned a Scupper & a Kaskazi Skua.

He also seems to care about good design too if you've read his articles & they are oriented towards offshore fishing.

He does pop his head in here occasionally but you may be best off just sending him an e-mail.

There's a link at the bottom of the front page of his site:
http://ftlauderdaleyakfishingclub.org/

I've been drooling over the Kaskazis for awhile now too. I own a Scupper & have had no problems with it offshore but wouldn't mind something a bit nicer down the track.

That boat of Fishmatic's looks interesting too, especially if it's more readily available.

 

[Dodge]

Does Fishmatics have a website where I can get more info?

Had a look in the members list and no site is shown, but from memory when he was gathering info for the design [Main sect] I think there was a contact of some sort.

Saw your comment on the Kingfisher looking fat and agree with you, sort of like a fat swing, and is heavier than swing [they are 22.5kgs]

 

[bazzoo]

troppo, have a look at the cobra mariner mate, its not in australia yet , but am willing to bet it wont be long 14foot 3 inches and looks the goods with plenty of primary and lots of secondary stability, i would rule out the long skis, having had several when i was a bit fitter , :roll: :roll: they are great , greyhounds of the sea, but very unstable for fishing

 

[Daveyak]

Troppo, I've also been somewhat bitten by the ocean going bug and so have been drooling on my keyboard when looking at pics & details of Kaskazi and other longer kayaks. The one that really gets my paddle muscles twitching is the Howe Extasea. It's 5.4 metres long and weighs 22kg & I think is just begging to be pimped up as a fishing kayak. A bit more expensive perhaps but made in Oz (gotta love that).

They've been mentioned here before & you've probably seen 'em but if not they can be seen at http://www.howesurfskis.com/html/sea_kayaks.html

I'd love to try one 8) .

 

[Peril]

troppo, have a look at the cobra mariner mate, its not in australia yet , but am willing to bet it wont be long 14foot 3 inches and looks the goods with plenty of primary and lots of secondary stability

Baz, the mariner was renamed the marauder. Looks a fine boat but is unlikely to make it to our shores as it is only made in the US. Cobra has a plant in NZ, and they make the pro fisherman (a model rejected by the US market) instead of the marauder. Cobra Aus imports from Cobra NZ.

My opinion of the pro fisherman to date is that it is eminently suited to open water work. I have found it a pleasure compared to my last yak in the rough conditions and will have no reservation taking it on long open water trips. Haven't tested it in the surf yet.

By the accounts of those that have taken it for a quick spin, it is faster than the P13 and the Swing. It also has a very large centre hatch, enabling you to store a fair bit in the hull and reach it while on the water. Good place to put fish if you're worried about the grey overcoats.

 

[troppo]

The one that really gets my paddle muscles twitching is the Howe Extasea. It's 5.4 metres long and weighs 22kg & I think is just begging to be pimped up as a fishing kayak. A bit more expensive perhaps but made in Oz (gotta love that).

http://www.howesurfskis.com/html/sea_kayaks.html

Daveyak, I had seen that, thanks for mentioning it. It is long and sleek (54 cm wide) so should be fast. Don't know how stable it would be at rest when fighting a fish or anchored. What do you reckon?

I am puzzled why "The Intasea has the same hull as the Extasea with the same great features" but the Intrasea is a "moderately fast kayak" while the Extrasea is "fast"

Am I right in thinking that the only difference between the Extrasea and the Intrasea is in the way it is set up? For example, the Extrasea has rudder, more hatches etc.

Howes are in Gympie, just down the road from me about 6 hrs. I shoud visit :lol: .

Anyone tested an Extrasea?

 

[troppo]

Baz, the mariner was renamed the marauder. Looks a fine boat but is unlikely to make it to our shores as it is only made in the US. Cobra has a plant in NZ, and they make the pro fisherman (a model rejected by the US market) instead of the marauder. Cobra Aus imports from Cobra NZ.

How come the Pro Fisherman was rejected in the US market?

 

[troppo]

http://ftlauderdaleyakfishingclub.org/

That boat of Fishmatic's looks interesting too, especially if it's more readily available.

Capn Jimbo's website has some top info. Top discussion on what he considers to be the hottest fishing yaks.

Anyone heard anymore from Fishmatics? From his post, his yak should be fast, given its width and length.

 

[troppo]

Heya Troppo.

Have you tried any of the Mirage Drive Hobies yet?

You should - especially with the Turbo fins I don't think you can go wrong for efficient movement thru ocean conditions.

Anyway - give it a try.

I have never tried one. Wonder how they compare to Kazkazi yaks?

 

[Peril]

Baz, the mariner was renamed the marauder. Looks a fine boat but is unlikely to make it to our shores as it is only made in the US. Cobra has a plant in NZ, and they make the pro fisherman (a model rejected by the US market) instead of the marauder. Cobra Aus imports from Cobra NZ.

How come the Pro Fisherman was rejected in the US market?

Don't know the full story. There were complaints about hull slap and about the centre hatch being a little high and pressing against your thighs. It does this but I've quickly gotten used to it and don't notice. I always wear long trousers for sun protection - may be the difference. Haven't found the hull slap to be any worse than the tempo, but maybe I don't know better.

 

[Shoey]

I spoke with Fishmatics the other day about the demo model which was due here about now. Frieght costs are incredibally high for a one off model to be sent over. He is going to ship a container load of about 20 kayaks over to make it worthwhile, but we didnt get to discuss when he thought that might be. If he doesnt respond to this post in a few days, ill ring him again and mention it.

I know he is very keen to get them here as he has had a lot of interest shown in the finished product. Im hoping they arrive soon so I can get my hands on one.

 

[troppo]

After the discussion on the Cobras, I did a little research. The Cobra Expedition seems an interesting one. 5.5 m x 60 cm x 22 kg. While not designed as a fishing boat, it is fast and capable. However, it (and Dorado etc) seem to be 'wetter' than others as the paddler sits lower and more water comes over the sides from waves than taller yaks. They also say it cuts through waves rather than lift over them so more water comes into the cockpit than with some other types. Yet, overall seems a top yak.

Anyone have any experience with this yak?

 

[Deaddrift]

Hi Troppo

I fish off an expedition and I am very pleased with it in most respects.
It is a wet boat in so far as the cockpit will fill if you are punching out through breaking waves (which kayak doesn’t), but the venturi valve drains this very well. At anchor in wind waves it does get waterlogged and the central hatch becomes unusable without going for a paddle to drain the cockpit. I have used this in some pretty wooly conditions and the only time I have felt nervous is in bounce waves off cliffs in big swell (think egg-box with the bumps at around a meter). I have had to become a better paddler as this is not the bullet proof marvel that is the scupper (my other boat) as it has scant secondary stability. On the up side it goes like a rocket. I fish with a P15 owner who claims he needs three paddle strokes to my two. I have no reservation if you are an intermediate paddler or are prepared to become one. It is also light – I can pick it up and put it on a SUV, which I would probably not be able to do with the scupper. It is even narrower than the scupper and is great to paddle because of it. On the down side it is not the ideal yak for fishing (Small rear hatch and sitting side-saddle gets uncomfortable as the cockpit has sharp sides). It is a long yak with little rocker, so if you are navigating wind waves it does tend to punch through rather than bounce over, but I like that as it seems more efficient. If somebody could redesign the deck layout to be a little more fisherman friendly this would be a leading contender for the fisherman who is happy to become a proper paddler. On the open ocean (big swell) it is flawless. Because of its length and scant rocker it is probably not the best choice of boat to surf in, but the up side is that it is quick enough to keep ahead of the average wave when you head into the beach. I would definitely try before you buy and look at the secondhand market as they aren’t cheap. I got mine with a good wing paddle for NZ$1000 on Trademe and haven’t used my beloved scupper since. I should probably do a decent review of it one day ….

See the "Dreadnought - Cobra Expedition" thread under the rigged kayak section for pics of my baby

Glenn

 

[troppo]

Thanks Deaddrift. Top bit of info on the Expedition. Here is the URL to Deaddrift's rigged kayak post:

http://www.akff.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3596

Keep the info coming in, folks.

 

[troppo]

Meoldchina, I would be very interested in hearing your views on it. Wonder if you can test drive one? You obviously have good taste in yaks, having 2 Roscoes (sik). I used to have a Rosco canoe, 'bout 20 yrs ago and it was fantastic.

So, when ya have a peek at the Extrasea, and maybe a paddle , give us the goss.

 

[DogFish]

troppo,
I took a Cobra Marauder for a test paddle this evening. I would say it was about equivelant to the Prowler 13 in how it performed but it unfortunately has got those tight cramped footwells like the FnD and Pro Fisherman models. Needless to say I won't be selling my Kaskazi Pelican or cancelling the order for a Prowler Elite 4.5 that is replacing my Swing.

Cobra NZ are going to be importing the Marauder direct from the U.S, and I would assume also supply them to the Aussie market. The bare boat is going to be about NZ$1200.00 and then the optional hatches would add about another NZ$300.00. Works out pretty pricey compared to the P13.

DogFish

 

[Salty Dog]

So how do you rate the Kaskazi Pelican Dogfish? They cerrtainly look excellent to me!