Cobras

Erik,
Looking forward to your mariner review.  What’s the ETA from Cobra?   XMAS?

Sean said Cobra quoted him a couple weeks... but I'm thinking that's a bit optimistic... hope to see it within three weeks.

Thanks Stuart.

At this point, I don't suspect the hatches.  There was just too much water for it to be that.  A visual inspection didn't show anything, so I'll have to fill with water and see if I can find the leak.

-Allen

Erik:

Thanks for the order! I ordered yours, mine, and some for stock today.  If it takes any longer, its only because they are still trying to tweak the footwells a bit more...and for that I'll be patient.  

Pole:

Since there was zero weather at mendo for waves, I really doubt it was a hatch.  Your on the right track,  filling it with water definitely works.  Before make sure to check the scuppers and the tail end of the keel, common areas for leaks.  Remember use a little water, its heavy and they aren't designed for that kind of load.

Granite:

They seem to be about the same in speed.  You can skip the rudder on the Mariner, it paddles fine with out it (but yes it would be in the way).  The rudder IS very helpful on the Tourer.

Thanks for the tips Sean.  Can I borrow Jelly for a couple hours?  I figure I'll stuff him inside the hold and see if he can find the leak from the inside out.  

-Allen

Its part of his chores anyway...no problem!

Speaking of leaks. How do you repair a hull leak?

I might just be me, but I find it hard to believe a 31-inch wide 14'3" Cobra is as fast as the 28-inch Prowler 15. But then again, neither manufacturer gives waterline lengths like tradition sea kayak companies do. So I'll take the word of people who paddled the Cobra. How are those hatches with all those lock-downs to actually use on the water? Seems like it might be difficult to get them on and off--but again I haven't tried it. Going to HMB this weekend and I think I'll demo them

About wetness: As we say in traditional sea kayaking with closed-deck boats--kayaking is a water sport and you will get wet. Besides, I see more than half of you with you feet dangling in the water so why complain about wet foot-wells? the Prowler 15 is my benchmark for now--but this weekend we'll see what Cobra has to ante up.

Surf-I don't think HMB has a Mariner yet, but I could be wrong.  The hatches are ez to operate, and are unaffected by sand etc. like screw-in hatches.  The A hatch does have a lot of toggles, but with all of the storage at your fingertips provided by the other hatches, I don't see myself using it out on the water very often.

Yes, this is a water sport, but theres a big difference between getting wet, and sitting in water all of the time.  Its much nicer IMHO to decide when to soak my feet in water vs. soaking in it all of the time.  Water up here is damn cold Nov.-Feb., and during that season I won't be soaking anything I don't have to.  For that matter, even when it gets warm, getting soggy all day just isn't comfortable to me.

Miyak-It depends, but usually it involves "welding" the plastic. Sometimes if its just a pinhole and not structual just a swipe of goop will do the job.

Surf - When I tried Cobras a couple weeks ago at HMB they had Tourers and an Expedition. I'd love to hear your take on them after. Thanks for the more info Sean; looks like I need to try a Mariner!  

not gnome feet, joel has furry hobbit feet.

I did sit in one a few weeks ago, but now they are hanging from the ceiling.
Keep in mind, I did not try it on the water with all my gear on. 
From just sitting on it, the foot had little wiggle room.
Usually I wear +3 sizes larger shoe, so I can wear, wool socks and the farmer John suit.

The foot wells are tight on this boat, but if those clunky Timberlands fit, it should be just fine with booties.

The tightest part will be getting that left foot into the right footwell........