Gentlemen. I just came across this HYBRID(?) while checking out some Kayak sites. Is anyone familiar with this boat? Any & all info and opinions are welcome. http://www.paddling.net/buyersguide/showBoat.html?boatID=1072&boattype=Canoes&refer=Feature Thanks.
monstrously HEAVY and pretty slow to boot. I paddled on for about 10 minutes. That was all the time I ever wanted to spend in one.
There is nothing - absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Kenneth Grahame
quote:Thankyou TB, I see it weighs 100lbs. Yea, thats heavy. I expected it to be slow at that weight. Should I assume that positives such as stability, 800 lb weight capacity and sea worthiness don't make up for the negatives you mentioned?
Originally posted by Too Busymonstrously HEAVY and pretty slow to boot. I paddled on for about 10 minutes. That was all the time I ever wanted to spend in one.
Not for me, but it really depends on what you want to use it for.
I weigh 200 and I carry about 50# of various crap (rods, tackle, cast net, cooler, 3l water, ice, bait bucket, 10# anchoer…) I don’t see any advantage to carrying 550# of MORE CRAP.
I’ve said in a few different posts that stability os over rated. People get too comfortable with initial stability without thinking about ultimate stability. If stability and load carrying capacity is that important, just buy a john boat.
I like to comfortably cover a fair distance… it’s not unusual for me to do something between 6 and 10 miles in a day of fishing. I’ll take a more efficient hull shape over a barge every time. My current favorite is a Redfish 14 becuase it’s a better paddling yak than my Tarpon 140. Speed is a little better in the Redfish plus the cockpit is wider which makes it easier to stand and sight fish.
Now if you’re a duck hunter, that thing may be the bomb, I just don’t know.
There is nothing - absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Kenneth Grahame
“4” day hatch (bow) "
WTF… A “day” hatch that is 4"??? HAHAHAHAHAA My wallet is bigger than 4". I expect something thats called a Day hatch to be big enough to puts a days worth of stuff in… I agree with TB… if you want to duck hunt out of it I guess it would be cool but if you want to duck hunt you’d be better off in a Jon boat. There are MUCH better/faster/more stable/more comforatble, not to mentions prettier kayaks to be had for $800… even a few brand new ones…
“Paddle faster boys… I hear banjo music!”
Charleston Director- SCKayakfishing.com
Tarpon 160os
And you better have a tiny ass if you plan on sitting in it!
Political Correctness: A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end!
Hunter Bunter
quote:Thanks again TB and Nikon for your impute. Mckee, I'm a bit confused. Isnt this boat 44 inches wide? What am I missing? :question: I did a little more research and found out that this boat has been around for quite some time but was originally produced by Ocean Kayak. They passed it on to Old Town a year or so ago. I'm thinking it didnt sell. Nikon, The 4" hatch left me wondering also. More like a soda or beer can holder. The reason I brought up this "barge" is. I'm a big guy. 6'0 and 290lbs. Soon to be less. :smiley: At least I'm working on it with my internist and I'm down 30lbs. I looked into Kayaks a couple of years ago and expected to purchase one back then. Some of the fellas on this sight were very helpful but health problems and 5 hand surgeries set me back for quite awhile. Now I'm exercising, dieting and researching again. Since I love fishing, clamming and crabbing, but dont have the money for a power fishing boat, my thoughs are back to a Kayak or Hybrid. I'm thinking that fishing from a Kayak will get me back on the water and into shape faster. The Ambush was something I'd never seen or heard of. The kayaks and hybrids I've researched on the internet are: The Cobra Fish N Dive, Malibu X Factor, Ocean Kayak Big Game Prowler, Wilderness Ride 135, Hobie Pro Angler, Native Ultimate 14.5 solo and the Native Magic 14.5 ***** Ive read so many reviews on these and the Ambush that my
Originally posted by McKee BoykinAnd you better have a tiny ass if you plan on sitting in it!
Political Correctness: A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end!
Hunter Bunter
RH…another one to consider is the Future Beach Angler 160. Max cap. is 450# width is 30" and you can snag it for about $550 at buy.com. Haven’t tried it and don’t know anyone that has one but like you said the reviews are usually good. Nearest dealers are in NC and FL.
futurebeach.com for info.
I’m about 6’1" 230 and on a low budget so I’m leaning towards this one. Or maybe a used Tarpon 140 if it’s still around in a few weeks. 
There’s an Ambush w/ trlling motor on Craigslist for $600 if you want one. Remember tho, you need to register it if you plan to use the trolling motor.
There is nothing - absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Kenneth Grahame
I have the older model from when they were made by Ocean Kayak. it has some good uses but it is heavy as you know what. Carrying it alone will beat you up. Great boat for a lot of drifting, paddling will tire you out. wind makes it a real hassle. Very stable. Im 250lbs and I can run laps in it. Stand on it anywhere you want. Good for two people, share the paddling load.
Mine appears identical and is called an ambush. Didnt realize old town was makin em now.
Thank you Gentlemen, You have all been helpful. I believe I’ll test ride a few different boats in the upcoming weeks before I make my decision. The Ambush sounds like a floating tank. Its off my short list along with the Hobie Pro Angler. To expensive. And the Cobra Fish & Dive. From what I’ve read, Malibu & Ocean Kayak make better boats. </font id=“navy”>
There are a bunch of good yaks on the market.OK and Malibu are pretty popular in FL and on the West Coast.
I’m a big Native, Heritage, and W/S fan.
Before you make a decision spend some time thinking about the following:
What kind of fishing are you doing? Lake, River, Inshore, Ocean, all the above
How often are you REALISTICALLY going to use your yak? 2x/wk, 1x/ wk, 1x/month, never…
how long will you spend in it on a typical trip?
How far do you expect to paddle? 100 ft, 100 yds, 1 mile, 4 miles, 10 miles,…
How will you transport it? trailer, top of car, top of Jeep/ truck /van, truck bed
Your answers will affect the “best yak for you”
I fish Inshore mostly with a little lake, ocean and river fishing thrown in. I paddle anything from 3 foot wide creeks to across the Charleston Harbor.
I fish every week, sometimes 2x / wk
trips are 5 or more hours usually and a short day is 4 miles, typical is >6 with occasional trips of 10
I’ve been using a trailer A LOT lately, occasionally on top of my Miata, and RARELY on top of my wife’s van.
Here’s what’s in the garage right now
W/S Tarpon 140 w/ Rudder. relatively fast, comfortable, tracks well, but fairly heavy. It’s a PAIN to put on the wife’s minivan
Heritage Marquesa (redfish without factory rod holders). No rudder, as fast as the T140, 12-15 pounds LIGHTER than the T140, wider cockpit than the T140, drier ride than the T140.
Either one carries 400 pounds or so.
There is nothing - absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Kenneth Grahame
I’ve got a redfish 140 and really appreciate it when my buddies are sitting in water and I’m still dry (I don’t have to mess with waders). Mudroc has a tarpon 160 and swears the redfish is faster, thou I can’t say for sure.
I’m leaving tomorrow for Edisto to kayak/ surf fish and will not be taking the redfish, but instead my Sit-in-kayak (Pungo). It’s so much easier to load,unload and carry. In the winter time, while only using artificials, my favorite is the old town cast-away(12’9") because of the speed and manuverability. There are a lot of choices and don’t discount the SIK’s.
quote:
Mudroc has a tarpon 160 and swears the redfish is faster, thou I can't say for sure.
Do to hull issues on my yak, I do believe your redfish is faster.
Mud
WOW! Too Busy, you have surely given me much to think about. The advice sounds excellent. I plan to look at the W/S Ride 135, the Native Ultimate 14.5 solo, and the Native Magic 14.5 solo along with the Malibu X-Factor and OK’s Prowler Big Game Angler. I have my work cut out. Cut Mullet, I vaguely remember checking out the Heritage Redfish??? I’m remembering it was a bit narrow for someone my size. 28"'s wide ??? Or was it 30? You gents have really helped me and given me some important things to consider.