Cobra Navigator

Well boys, last night I cam home and i told the wife that I had found a couple of tandem models so that she can join me. She said I think you should get a solo kayak.:sun: She said that she will try mine and if she likes she will get one. Now I just have to narrow my choices a little further and schedule a day to go to the kayak shop and test paddle the models I'm interested in.

CB, thats a nice little boat you posted, I wish it was closer I would snap it up.
 
Yeah, it's a good deal, but if you're more than just a casual user then you want something longer that will track better. Those shorties are okay for pond fishing or rivers where turning is tight. In open water, something like that is going to make you work a lot harder.
 
CB, I'm leaning towards the fish and dive. I know you have some experience with them. In your opinion are they reallly that much harder to paddle than say a regular 31" beam yak. I plan on trying it before I buy it, I really like the idea of being able to fish side saddle and the ability to use the jump seat for my son when he gets a little older. I just want to make sure its not a tank to paddle because I would like to be able to cover some distance in it.
 
Out of all the "big" as in wide kayaks, I would probably choose the FnD before say an Ocean Kayak Big Game. I think the Cobra paddles better than the Big Game. I tested the BG when I was looking and didn't like it at all.
But again, I don't think anyone should buy a yak without first trying a few to see what feels best. You probably wouldn't be too disappointed with the Cobra.
 
CB, you must be reading my mind. I was just watching a video of the Ocean Big Game and it looked pretty nice. I think I'm still leaning towards the Fish and Dive. I can pick up the fish and dive for $650 and still have a couple of bucks left under budget to accesorize. I may try and make an appointment for this Sunday to test paddle one.
 
I think the Manta Ray is AWESOME.



Also, keep the term "hard to paddle" relative. No good fishin yaks are really HARD TO PADDLE...just a little variation between models is all.


Id definitely vote on the logest boat possible that you like after testing...I was AMAZED at the difference between the Tarpon 120 I was using and the Redfish 14 I just purchased. The 14 is like you are on ice compared to the Tarpon. Very little effort to maintain speed. It takes just a couple paddle strokes to get to speed and will "slide" right along for 20-30 yards after you stop paddling.


Just something to think about.
 
Also good advice on the length Stink. That's the one regret I have with my Manta Ray 12. I wish I got the 14. Overall, I'm not complaining too much though. I still like mine very much. I would have had to wait several weeks or more for the 14 if I wanted it. They had the 12 in stock, so I went with it. It's very comfortable for extended trips. I usually recommend the Manta Ray's to everyone I talk to. They really are well made and nice layout.
 
Personally, I would go with a Wilderness Systems Pungo if I were looking for a sit in type. You have to think about getting in and out of that thing when you're wearing your "thick" shirt. :you:

Seriously though. The Pungo is one of the better sit in types suited for all of the above and they have a larger cockpit opening to allow easier entry and exit. I don't know about you, but if my legs start getting cramped and I can't move them, I start getting anxious to get out.
Something to think about.
 
I'm going to look at the Fish and Dive on Wednesday or Thursday, its the last grey one he has in stock. I'm hoping to try a couple of different seats and paddles too. I trash picked a couple of pieces of square metal tubing from an old universal gym set from my neighbor. They fit perfect in my hitch receiver so i'm going to try and modify them to act as a bed extender like Stink built. I'll take some pictures when I get home with the new yak.
 
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