Test ridding a Trident & stumbled onto an amazing kayak!

I was test ridding a Trident 15 at the Kayak connection in the Santa Cruz harbor and found a new kayak that really amazed me.  I went to buy an older model 1999 trident 15 that was on sale. I thought for sure I was going to take it home but I found out right away that the sonar hatch was to far forward for me to reach any controls for a fish finder/sonar. I would have needed arms another foot longer. I don't know what the engineers were thinking. I find I use this tool all the time and even win I have a fish hooked. I also did not like the stability of the boat. I'm 6'1" & 195#s. So, I sadly returned it. there was a new kayak mfg. showing his kayak off in front of the Kayak Connection store. It was very different looking and was an open style kayak. I never wanted that kind of kayak and it looked slow and like something unstable. The guy showing it to me said it was everything I was sure it wasn't. So, I test drove it. It was very windy that day and the surf was really up. I could not believe how fast and stable it was! I even plowed it into the breakers at the opening of the harbor and turned it sideways into breaking surf. It did not take on any water and I even stood up in it and stepped into the back area were one would keep there live well or gear etc. The kayak was called the raptor and he has a  web site called SantaCuzkaKayaks.com I really want one of these now and I'm hopping I can save a little more and get one. I was so impressed I wanted to pass this experience on to other fishermen.

  I went to buy an older model 1999 trident 15 that was on sale.

A 1999 Trident 15? I don't think so.

On one of your previous posts you refered to an 2009 trident so I figure the 1999 is just a brain fart (I have those all the time). but the web address doesn't seem to work for me, and I would like to see what got you so excited.

http://santacruzkayaks.com/products.htm

Your right,  a 2009 Trident
My brain farts a lot. Maybe I should have not put capitols try WWW.santacruzkayaks.com
Sorry

http://santacruzkayaks.com/products.htm

I thought about that but figured it was too simple so didn't even try it, thanks.

if he's refering the "The raptor" I'm not impressed it.

Probably get a used Hobie for that price    Better get one of these for it if you do buy one:

I don't know ---- can you paddle it backwards???

yeah backwards may be tough. but the video of the guy dumping it and re entering was a bit of a shocker, did better then I would have guessed. a self bailing device would be nice. that occasional sneaker wave may get water in and having to hand pump all day might get to me after a while.

They have this boat at headwaters kayak shop in Lodi if you want to check it out. They have rentals if you want to take it OTW

ooooo aaaaaaa look at my new arrow head kayak, no one will help you load that thing 

weeeeeeeell, I'd have to paddle one before I formed a real opinion, BUT...I'm kind of a traditionalist in terms of yak designs I like & what works for the type of launches I prefer.

It's interesting concept though (the raptor). I don't doubt its fishable, but then I have also seen converted windsurf boards land big stripers too.

If you are stoked on it than that is what counts. Get it dialed in & post up to show what it can do!

I have one at my store as a demo. I've taken it out a few times on flat water. I was suprised by the speed for such a large boat, however when it hits the wall it hits HARD. I was paddling with my buddy in a Prowler Big Game angler and they seemed to match speed. I was able to easily stand up in it which is cool. The weight is also not bad for a boat its size. All and all I think its the right boat for some but not for everybody. I do use it when I take my 11 month old son out because its soooooo stable.

My two cents.

I saw that a couple weeks ago,
Ricky "Noel" Mitchell (Paddle and Flies) showed it to me and said he was impressed.
My main concern was the capacity (310lbs) seemed a little low for a 65lb boat. Especially when I'm 245 and carry aprox 30lbs of gear - what happens to my catch? can it handle a quality ling/Halibut/WSB/Sturgeon and still keep me high and dry with all my gear?
Even at 195 I would do the math with all your winter clothes, extra dri bag, Tackle, and a quality fish along with the possable conditions = looks like you might be testing the limits of the craft.

What ever you choose - do a thourogh check to be sure it will fit your true needs.

See Ya Soon,
Eric / Yakhopper

P.S.
If you ever do a self rescue you will see why the sonar shield is an extra foot forward