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I'm planning on bringing my 'upgrade' forward and hoping to get a new, longer/faster yak in the next month. At the moment its a toss up between the Elite and the Tarpon 160.
So, I took the first steps today and looked at /sat in a Prowler Elite thismorning at my local kayak shop. My first impressions were that it looked and felt a bit 'plasticcy" - I know that sounds wierd, but I'm used to the Tarpon which seems more solid. There was no sign of the weak area in the cupholder, (I didn't push THAT hard though while the shopkeeper was watching me) although the plastic through the entire yak was definitely thinner than what is on my Tarpon. The weight of the 15 foot elite seemed similar to that of the 12 foot Tarpon - obviously the Prowlers are made thinner? (although if anything I think that the Tarpons are probably too heavy rather than the Prowler being too light)
I was also a little unimpressed with the front hatch on the Prowler - the Prowler hatch basically just sat on top of the rubber seal and looked like it could let in water if the straps weren't tied down TIGHT - anyone had this problem with other Prowlers?
Also, I wasn't aware that the centre hatch on the Prowlers was a sealed bucket - in itself not a bad idea for storing phone/camera etc, but on my Tarpon this hatch allows access to the centre area of the yak. I've found this to be a benefit if storing rods, thermos, sprayjacket etc inside the hull -allowing easy access whilst on the water rather than having to shimmy up the front to get access to the gear. Any comments from Prowler owners on the pros/cons of this centre / forward hatch?
I also note theres no rear hatch on the Prowlers - again accessing inside the rear section of the yak is therefore impossible. Fixing things like nav light, anchor cleat or electrics behind the seat area looks like it could be problematic (although theres a heap of deck fixing points which may rule out the need for internal access)
To me it does seem that theres a lot of wasted space behind the tankwell - on the Elite theres a foot or so of deck space behind the tankwell. As I intend to do some kayak camping and need to carry as much gear as possible inside the hull it seems that this has been overlooked. However it looks as though theres a provision for a hatch to be fitted at the back of the tankwell to access the inside of the hull area back there -anyone done this? Does the P13/15 have a similar area?
I WANT to like the Elite, but first impressions left me a little undecided. :? :roll:
What DID impress me was the exta legroom (not a lot more than I'm used to but enough for my taller frame), the hull shape - it just LOOKS fast!, the high raised bow (due to plenty of rocker in the hull shape). The big rear tankwell looks as though it would fit a full sized esky? , although theres small notches at the seat end of the well - about 8 inches back - these would seem to rule out putting a crate or esky at the seat end of the tankwell? Do the other Prowler models have this?
THe extra room in the cockpit was great where the tackle box sits, but the mounting point for the forward (Scotty) rod holder looked too far forward to comfortably reach - anyone else think the same? I currently use a forward flush mount rod holder but theres no spot to put this, so it's a Scotty or nothing.
Can any Prwoler / Prowler Elite owners shed any light on my concerns?
With the Tarpon 160i the Sydney retailer doesnt get any in till late October so it's a bit of a pain that I can't even look at one let alone test it until then.
Anyway, that's my rant... 8)
So, I took the first steps today and looked at /sat in a Prowler Elite thismorning at my local kayak shop. My first impressions were that it looked and felt a bit 'plasticcy" - I know that sounds wierd, but I'm used to the Tarpon which seems more solid. There was no sign of the weak area in the cupholder, (I didn't push THAT hard though while the shopkeeper was watching me) although the plastic through the entire yak was definitely thinner than what is on my Tarpon. The weight of the 15 foot elite seemed similar to that of the 12 foot Tarpon - obviously the Prowlers are made thinner? (although if anything I think that the Tarpons are probably too heavy rather than the Prowler being too light)
I was also a little unimpressed with the front hatch on the Prowler - the Prowler hatch basically just sat on top of the rubber seal and looked like it could let in water if the straps weren't tied down TIGHT - anyone had this problem with other Prowlers?
Also, I wasn't aware that the centre hatch on the Prowlers was a sealed bucket - in itself not a bad idea for storing phone/camera etc, but on my Tarpon this hatch allows access to the centre area of the yak. I've found this to be a benefit if storing rods, thermos, sprayjacket etc inside the hull -allowing easy access whilst on the water rather than having to shimmy up the front to get access to the gear. Any comments from Prowler owners on the pros/cons of this centre / forward hatch?
I also note theres no rear hatch on the Prowlers - again accessing inside the rear section of the yak is therefore impossible. Fixing things like nav light, anchor cleat or electrics behind the seat area looks like it could be problematic (although theres a heap of deck fixing points which may rule out the need for internal access)
To me it does seem that theres a lot of wasted space behind the tankwell - on the Elite theres a foot or so of deck space behind the tankwell. As I intend to do some kayak camping and need to carry as much gear as possible inside the hull it seems that this has been overlooked. However it looks as though theres a provision for a hatch to be fitted at the back of the tankwell to access the inside of the hull area back there -anyone done this? Does the P13/15 have a similar area?
I WANT to like the Elite, but first impressions left me a little undecided. :? :roll:
What DID impress me was the exta legroom (not a lot more than I'm used to but enough for my taller frame), the hull shape - it just LOOKS fast!, the high raised bow (due to plenty of rocker in the hull shape). The big rear tankwell looks as though it would fit a full sized esky? , although theres small notches at the seat end of the well - about 8 inches back - these would seem to rule out putting a crate or esky at the seat end of the tankwell? Do the other Prowler models have this?
THe extra room in the cockpit was great where the tackle box sits, but the mounting point for the forward (Scotty) rod holder looked too far forward to comfortably reach - anyone else think the same? I currently use a forward flush mount rod holder but theres no spot to put this, so it's a Scotty or nothing.
Can any Prwoler / Prowler Elite owners shed any light on my concerns?
With the Tarpon 160i the Sydney retailer doesnt get any in till late October so it's a bit of a pain that I can't even look at one let alone test it until then.
Anyway, that's my rant... 8)
