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#1 2008-12-01 22:12:42
- Marshdog
- Moderator
- Registered: 2008-12-01
- Posts: 8
what kayak to buy
Okay guys, here's the deal. The more I learn about kayaks the less I know which one to buy. I've made up my mind 3 or 4 times and then change it again based on some new information that I learn. I have only paddled a WS Tarpon 120 and loved it, but I have a bad back and it's just too heavy. Oh, I can lift it, but I'm liable to regret it later, especially on a cold morning when the back muscles are stiff and already complaining about the 2+ hour drive to the marsh. I loved everything else about the Tarpon and really want a SOT. I started off looking at the Malibu Pro Explorer, which is also 12 ft long but lighter. But it looks to show a lot of freeboard and the reviews called it a bit of a barge to paddle. I also like the looks and reviews on the Malibu X13 a whole lot, but it is appr. the same weight as the Tarpon 120. Reluctant to go much less than 12 ft. in length due to poor tracking and performance, I started looking at the OK Scrambler 11 (11' 6.5" long, 29.5 in wide, and only 49 pounds). Then I went by Pack and Paddle in Laf. and they told me that they were having trouble with the quality control on the OK's. The scupper holes tend to leak and that's the only place you can't plastic weld. They pushed the Native Watercraft Ultimate 12 (which by the way are on sale right now for $749!). But it just looks like a canoe with a little bit of molding on top. It's more stable, I have no doubt, but there aren't any scupper holes. To me a kayak should have scupper holes (thoughts on that?). The Ultimate 12 is only 48 pounds, but if I'm going to go that route I may as well go with the Ultimate 12 Tegris, which has absolutely no molding on top whatsoever. It really is just a tunnel hull canoe, basically, but weighs in at only 36lbs. I just want a 12 ft long, 29" or so wide, SOT that weighs appr 50lbs. Doesn't seem like much to ask, but I sure can't find it. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Greg
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#2 2008-12-01 23:00:08
- Catch22
- Administrator
- Registered: 2008-11-28
- Posts: 145
Re: what kayak to buy
Greg, if you really like the Tarpon 120, check out the Ultralite version. Same dimensions as the regular T120, but made of Thermoform. It's the future of boats, sort of between Polyethylene and Kevlar in weight and strength and price. Weighs only 43 pounds!
www.wildernesssystems.com/tarpon-120-ultralite
Another Thermoform boat is the Hurricane Phoenix 120. This is an 11'6" yak, 28" wide, that weighs only 38 pounds. Also comes in a 130 model slightly longer and slightly heavier. They've gotten good reviews.
www.hurricaneaquasports.com/phoenix-120.html
If you think TF is too future, and want to stick with PE, check out the new Ocean Kayak Trident 11. Length is 11.5 feet, 30.5 inches wide, weight 54 pounds. My OK Caper is only 11 feet, and 31 inches wide and still faster than some 12 foot yaks. This model is brand new so it might not be in stores yet. I love my Caper, and the T11 looks to be an improved version of the Caper.
PnP talks of QC issues, and I'm thinking that's with the Scrambler 11 since it's a low-cost model branded for Academy and some discount outdoor stores. Otherwise, I've read of NO issues with the other OK boats. Certainly not had any QC issues with the ones I have.
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#3 2008-12-02 19:56:45
- Marshdog
- Moderator
- Registered: 2008-12-01
- Posts: 8
Re: what kayak to buy
Hm. Glad you countered the QOS issue with Ocean Kayaks. My wife may also be interested in a kayak and all the ones she gravitates toward are OK models. She may go with the Caper if she does decide to get one. Plus, I looked at the Trident 11 on their website and I like the looks of it a lot. That's definitely a possibility.
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#5 2008-12-03 16:50:11
- Marshdog
- Moderator
- Registered: 2008-12-01
- Posts: 8
Re: what kayak to buy
That's good to hear as well, thanx for the info. NW has a removable seat system that they put in the Ultimates and Magics. The seat weighs 6 pounds, so the boat only weighs 54 without the seat, same weight as the OK Trident 11, so I could manage it. The Magic also has scupper holes which I like. But I am starting to lean toward the Trident 11 simply because it's a traditional SOT which I like. The Manta Rays are really heavy for their size, so if I buy NW it's either going to be the Magic 12 or one of the Ultimate 12 models. How long have you had your Magic?
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#7 2009-05-17 16:07:53
- bluedog49
- 2-weight
- Registered: 2008-12-02
- Posts: 9
Re: what kayak to buy
Say, Marshdog
Did you ever buy your kayak? I just bought a Tarpon 140 recently and love it.
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#8 2010-03-07 17:54:00
- idunno
- 1-weight
- Registered: 2009-02-02
- Posts: 4
Re: what kayak to buy
If your back is an issue, and you have to have scuppers (which I agree with) I'd definitely steer you toward the Native Magic. The seats are really comfortable. My dad has an Ultimate 12 and the seats are the same as in the Magic. One of the most comfortable seats in a kayak due to the slightly elevated position. Also will keep you dry in most situations.
Just my opinion. I will likely be getting the Magic 14.5 as my next kayak due to it's ability to easily switch from tandem to single seating (I have 3 sons, 7, 3, and 3 weeks). With a Magic I can take one of my boys out with me and pass on my current kayak to my 7 year old when he's ready.
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#9 2010-03-07 22:43:11
- idunno
- 1-weight
- Registered: 2009-02-02
- Posts: 4
Re: what kayak to buy
Someone really oughtta pay attention to the dates on these posts before replying to them...
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