Thanks, Jerry.
----- Original Message -----
From: "jerry goldsmith" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2005 8:33 PM
Subject: RE: [VFB] Kayak question
-----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 ;-)
