[BJT]

Hey guys, I keep on changing my mind on kayaks , lol. How does the prowler Elite 4.5 compare to the prowler 15 (pro's & cons, Price etc etc). And has the prowler elite come out yet? Anyone got any pics of it?

Cheers

 

[Peril]

There are a couple of threads, one posted today, with pictures. From what I understand it is the same as the P15 except that the centre hatch now opens into a small sealed area (no longer any danger if it leaks but the sealed area is of questionable value), it has a recess for a removable transducer (but requires a particular Hummingbird FF, yet to be released, to really take advantage) and deck fittings and mouldings to make it easy to fit a Minn Kota leccy. All good for Johnson Outdoors (who own OK, H & MK) but I don't know that it makes for a better fishing yak. I haven't seen one in person. Ask Dogfish - he seems to be keen on it.

 

[BJT]

Oh, thanks for that peril, did'nt see that. Here's the link for that thread >>> http://www.akff.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2524 .Anyone have any idea of what the price is going to be?

 

[DogFish]

Hi BJT, just to clarify what Peril posted. The Elite 4.5 is more a longer version of the P13 than a modification of the P15. The hull design and deck layout are identical to the P13 with the added feature of the transducer scupper and mounting recess. The transducer recess will accomodate any transducer that will fit in there and is not limited to any brand or model. The Elite 4.5 is heavier than the P15 as more plastic is used in manufacture to stop the oil-canning and hull flex typical of the P15. The cockpit day hatch has an integral molded bucket like the P13. The price is about $50-$75 more than what a P13 retails for.

Cheers... DogFish

 

[Gator]

Hi, I made an enquiry to a supplier in NZ and was advised that the price is NZ1799 with rudder. They were going to check on a cost to ship it to Adelaide for me. I thought it looked like an interesting yak.

However; I mainly enquired out of curiosity as I have committed to an X-Factor.

The contact in NZ is Jackie Dainton [[email protected]]

Cheers
Duncan

 

[DogFish]

Duncan... you shouldn't need to import one direct from NZ. They will be available from the Aussie Ocean Kayak dealers, although possibly in short supply at the very moment as Johnson Outdoors are busy manufacturing a large order for the UK market.

Shipping from NZ would cost you the best part of $700 to $800. :shock:

DogFish

 

[simond11]

I had a chance to see one at Ferg's Kayaks in Wellington. The dealer told me they were going to be very popular because of the extra features, including a spot to place a GPS on or near the bow. The recessed fish finder spot looked very appealing, but apart from that I am not really sure it differs dramatically from a Prowler 15. It is not as long, but has the same shape. This one also has a Leccy mount. Guess a test paddle would be appropriate. I am going back to Wellington in a couple of weeks so will try and get a test paddle in if possible.
Cheers

Simon
Prowler 15

 

[Guest]

I contacted Canoe Sports down in Sydney to ask when the Prowler Elite 4.5 would be available, and its RRP with rudder.

They replied this morning saying they have received some stock late last week which are available.

Price with rudder : $1699.00 (until 01/07/06, when there will be a price increase)

Colours available : Flame, Yellow & Ocean

Mmmm....I guess I need to ring my mate later today and find out if he was serious when he said he wanted to buy my spare Tarpon 120 over dinner the other night!! :lol:

 

[Gator]

Here's the quote I got from a NZ supplier

Hi Duncan,
Its great that you have purchased a new kayak. If anyone else would like a Elite 4.5 the costs are as follows;
Prowler Elite 4.5 Ruddered NZD $1600
Freight Port to Port to Adelaide NZD $341.06
Insurance NZD $75
Quotation is valid for 60 days from 26 June 06.
Regards,
Jackie

 

[Guest]

Interesting,

Having it shipped from NZ would cost around AU$1,667.32 delivered to Adelaide. There would be GST on import bringing the cost to $1,833.70.

Will be very interesting to see how much the price rises on 01/07/06 locally.

I never would have thought you could land one here shipped direct from NZ for around the same money as a locally purchased kayak.

When I say around the same money, I am factoring in the expected price rise, in addition to the local delivery charge from Sydney to wherever it is you live for those outside Sydney who cannot collect their kayak.

Although I do wonder if there are additional charges at the point of local customs which are not being accounted for in their quotation?.

 

[Gator]

Bugger! :evil: I forgot about Uncle John's GST. I guess I should not complain as Uncle John is about to pay for my new yak. Still makes for interesting costing given that quote is good until the end of July? Then again, when you start adding up the extras the situation changes. My X-Factor is about the same price; however, once the extras are added in it is more like $2500 -and- add a shark shield to that

 

[Scott]

Duncan, mate I can't imagine yakking without a shark shield. After my brief run in with the white, they were always in the back of my mind when yakking in open water conditions. Since i got my shark shield, I don't even think about them any more. The peace of mind it gives me is invaluable in my opinion.

Catch ya Scott

 

[Gator]

Scott: Yes mate I kind of figured it was good insurance. Phil told me it is like the American Express Card - "Don't leave home without it!"

 

[goddy]

I wonder if they make a croc shield? :lol:

 

[Gator]

YES! It is called a 44 Magnum Somewhere on this forum I posted an experience I had in Darwin - Then it was a 30/30

 

[JB]

Hi all, Just found your site and joined up. I've got one of the new elites here in NZ. In fact went for a spin with Dogfish in the weekend while on visit to the olds. Paddled for about 8 odd km's with my arms stil intact. I've fished out of a FND for a while now but paddled most yaks around.
The elite blew me away with it tracking and glide qualities. Stability was also right up there.
The inserts are a great addition as the provide 100% seal and thus I had no, yes nun, water inside after 3 hours in a slight chop and half metre swell.

Heres a few photo's of me out on the water with a few mates, one with an identical elite, except he has no rudder. The common opinon was that a rudder is a great help on the elite as the P15. The photo where I'm hooked up is on a kawahai (I think you call them Australian SAlmon??)
All I'll say on the elite is priceless!!!!! I'll let you know when I've taken her in some rough stuff.

regards

 

[Guest]

Heya JB

Thanks for posting some pics of your Prowler Elite 4.5.

They are a fine looking boat!

 

[JB]

No worries Dallas. I'll put some more on once shes fully fitted out.
plan is to put a scotty triple on the front but only 2 holder on it not three. Am just lining up another lowrance sounder for it as well.

I've got another buddy who is making a designer fish bag (but currently under wraps so I'll keep the detail at that) which is the mint!!!

The anchor running rig from Stephen Tapp works exceptionally well.
Its a reasonably dry ride and the extra flaring on the bow makes sure it carves the waves better then the P15.
This baby is going to catch fish and go where I no yak has gone before.

regards

 

[BJT]

Thanks for that jb. It's good to hear a report on the prowler elite finally. It's a great looking boat.

 

[Gator]

Re the Elite - I just now got a price from Adelaie Canoe Works of $1749 with rudder, paddle and backrest. They are supposed to be here in a couple of days.