The quickest kayak?

Another important factor is the "paddler".  Unless you have the same paddler paddling all of the above kayaks, the result could be "bias".

I think Hydrospider will be the "motor" for all yaks so the test will be consistent with his paddling abilities.

Which one he'll try first and last?  That could make a big difference in time unless he's Popeye (j/k) 

i did not see the cobra fish n dive...interesting...

 Im interested in explosive surf launch kind of sprinting.
Boats that are quick off the line and slippery enough to keep accelerating through the next wave, or deteriorating weather, or to get to a friend in need of rescue or photo-op.
I believe that speed saves and I find the paddling more enjoyable.

This project started out with myself and a long time scupper pro pilot, having a conversation about fast SOTs. We also both decided we were going to be stronger paddlers this year with some light training and then heading out 1 day per week and work on skills. That conversation evolved into finding out which SOT was the faster and who was faster between us. We are the same height,weight, and share similar paddling styles. He is a paddler (non-fishing) and bought the Scupper Pro and Classic new. I decided to document the races so there can be no doubt and it will give me some material to edit. And flag girls.

100 yd sprint, Scupper Pro TW.
Lighter, sleeker, thus less drag,  than any of the rest.

I agree, but the old Tarpon dual hatch would be right there. Scupper is for sure fast.

 I chose to go with the Tarpon 160i instead of the 160DH based on experience.
The 160DH is a very slippery hull, but I struggled with the ergonomics of the saddle.
I was never able to find a position where I was able to fully engage my core with the boat, even with the leg straps. Sometimes one of my legs would go numb.
The T-160i fit a lot better and I thought that I was faster in that boat because of that fit.
I do have access to my old DH and its close by.

 At this point I have to agree with Rob and Tote.
These races will be decided before the 40. None of these boats will over take another in the sprint.
Blast off speed will decide this and it was the primary factor in the current T160 getting crossed off early.

Perhaps you should change the name of this thread to "The quickest paddle kayak," since you haven't included any of the widely used pedal kayaks except for the Hobie Adventure, which you specify will be paddled.  Who paddles a Mirage Drive kayak, except for short distances when leaving and returning to shore, or when crossing through surf?

I suggest that you increase the distance of your test races.  Kayak fishing isn't about sprinting.  It's about covering long distances quickly and efficiently.  A one mile or two mile distance would be a more useful comparison.

Yes, this is a paddling thread. You are welcome to enjoy it or find another topic.

Regarding the scupper classic vs pro.
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=68333.0

 

There must be a good reason why Stealth kayaks aren't considered? 

There must be a good reason why Stealth kayaks aren't considered?

Not rotomolded. From Terry's other thread.

btw: my guess? RTM disco over that distance, unless there is a turn. 

Freshwater, windless day, glassy conditions for tests, I assume?
One thing to note - in the salt, the presence of the landlord could turn any of these already fast boats into a rocket

Freshwater, windless day, glassy conditions for tests, I assume?
One thing to note - in the salt, the presence of the landlord could turn any of these already fast boats into a rocket

The landlord do love those Mirage drive fins.

Freshwater, windless day, glassy conditions for tests, I assume?

 My plan is to do as much work as possible on Blue Lakes (Lake Co) and in conditions du jour.
An established strip with a GoPro finish line and cameras on a few of the boats.
Access to a few of the different boats will put me on the road.
Scupper Pro vs Disco will happen often.

None of the races will be 1 and done. For head to head work, we will race, then switch boats, and race again, and then again, and again (every week). This is one of the reasons why the distance is 100 yards.
500 yards would not be recreational for me and I want to be more explosive off the line.
There will be no doubt which boat was faster or which paddler is stronger.
Im sure that there will be some stopwatch work on solo days,but regardless, in the fall, we will know which is faster.

So far, almost half favor the Hobie adventure hull. Friends that are not involved with NCKA are picking the Scupper Pro. I think the Freedom 15 might be the sleeper.

While it should probably be a different thread, It seems like the general belief might be that a mirage drive is faster than the paddler. Im not sure and may look into that at the end of the year.

Anyway I hope those who appreciate these boats will find this interesting.

Looking forward to seeing the results Terry!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Dude, you need a girlfriend......

Freshwater, windless day, glassy conditions for tests, I assume?

 My plan is to do as much work as possible on Blue Lakes (Lake Co) and in conditions du jour.
An established strip with a GoPro finish line and cameras on a few of the boats.
Access to a few of the different boats will put me on the road.
Scupper Pro vs Disco will happen often.

None of the races will be 1 and done. For head to head work, we will race, then switch boats, and race again, and then again, and again (every week). This is one of the reasons why the distance is 100 yards.
500 yards would not be recreational for me and I want to be more explosive off the line.
There will be no doubt which boat was faster or which paddler is stronger.
Im sure that there will be some stopwatch work on solo days,but regardless, in the fall, we will know which is faster.

So far, almost half favor the Hobie adventure hull. Friends that are not involved with NCKA are picking the Scupper Pro. I think the Freedom 15 might be the sleeper.

While it should probably be a different thread, It seems like the general belief might be that a mirage drive is faster than the paddler. Im not sure and may look into that at the end of the year.

Anyway I hope those who appreciate these boats will find this interesting.

I look forward to your results!

As for peddle being faster than paddle... I raced Sean Morley for about 100-150yards in identical hulls. The key difference is that Sean was paddling, and I was peddling. By the end of the race I had over a kayak length on him.

I think we can all agree that Sean is a far superior paddler than I am a peddler (and paddler).

Is there a reason why you're not considering the ocean kayak sprinter?

Cool topic.  I want to paddle these boats and will try to come to Blue Lakes for some heats if you need a paddle fanatic.