> -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Michael Bliss > Subject: Re: [VFB] Kayak question > > Jerry, > > What is your recommendation? I am thinking of buying one to use here in > Hawaii. > > Mike
Mike, The best all around Sit-on Top (SOT) kayak ever made is the venerable Ocean Kayak Scupper Pro TW. It is long enough to be fast and is a fabulous design. Because it a rockered boat it does pretty well in all kinds of seas. About 55 pounds so you can handle it. Deep butt seat. You need a simple back band. YOU CAN LEAN TURN this yak with a little practice. It accelerates well, tracks well and is fast. Very little hull slap in skinny waters and finally excellent secondary stability. A very common mistake that most yak anglers make is thinking that a flat stable platform is what you want. Actually, any yak that does feel a little tippy when you get in it is TOO FLAT and will tip over in waves and swells. These yaks have good initial stability, but terrible secondary. A yak with pretty good initial and very good secondary stability results in turning, control, seaworthiness, and ease of handling. Finally, you can get Scupper Pros at Very REASONABLE PRICES. I also have a real bias toward buying the most basic yak you can . Use it a few times and then lay it out the way you want. Otherwise things are never quite where you want them. If you are a BIG guy, like me (over 240 lbs* and over 6'-4"**), you may want to look at the Prowler 15. (less rocker, but a little faster, AND HEAVIER.) (There are other choices for a big guy kayak) Unless you are looking for a full blown sit-inside touring Yak, I think 14' is the perfect compromise on the speed, tracking, maneuvarability ratio. my 2 cents !! Of course, your mileage may vary. jg * yup, I am over 240 ** nope not even close. I am classically UNDER TALL ;-)
