One of them is the Ride 135....which Jon Ward told me I would really like alot. And as usual.....he was right! This is a great kayak. Almost can't explain why, you just have to try it. Here is the new kayak at the launch:
It is another one of those kayaks that has "fishability". Not the fastest, or the dryest....but those arent really my criteria. It paddles extremely well. It seems to glide more than cut through the water due to the hull design (pontoon styel) but that is easily corrected with paddle strokes and/or rudder controls. It handled light chop with no problems and it was almost effortless to paddle. Again really surprising. It felt good to paddle.
It was also comfortable. Now the seat pad that come built in, certainly is a little thin and overall not as nice as the Phase seating on the Tarpons and other Wildy models. But, it was adequate. I might add an after market pad. The seat back is a little flimsy, not as much support if you are used to after market seats. It is adjustable, nice feature but I would like to see it have more support. Plus, I car top my kayaks, so I lift over my head supporting the kayak on top of my head at the seat...not on this one. That hurt.
Not as heavy or hard to handle when lifting as I though it would be. Well balanced from the side handles, and although heavier than the Tarpon, still not that bad.
Cockpit area and tankwell are big enough for a family. I have not yet rigged any rold holders, and I might not. Really did not need them. And with this little rod keep feature.....I may not need them anyway:
The rudder worked with ease...and oh yeah...even I could stand in it. Still need to get used to that but I couldnt even stand in my Malibus. So this is nice although, I may never do it again.
Great kayak, surprised not more people use this boat for kayak fishing. It was only a few hour trip, not much paddling so after I take a longer voyage, I will give an update then.
