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Topic: Viking Reload  (Read 3116 times)

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newyakr

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Very nice kayak but I'm about 3 hours from the ocean (where this kayak probably belongs). So, if anyone has a stable kayak that would be good in reservoirs and small lakes and wants to trade for the Viking, let me know. I'll provide pics if interested.


SlackedTide

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Kind of kayak do you have in mind like a 10'?
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newyakr

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From what I've heard, 8-10 footers don't track well--either while paddling or in the wind. I don't really have any specific kayak in mind, but I've seen enough of them in this section for sale that I thought I just might the idea out there. Perhaps someone is considering selling a kayak they've had for  awhile and wouldn't mind trading for this one if it fits their purpose. Or ( what I was hoping for) someone who likes fishing in the ocean takes this kayak and suits it to its purpose.


Tinker

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Really?  I've heard that you absolutely must put a rudder on anything longer than 12-feet to not go in circles.   :smt001

The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 10 tracks very well in the wind and glides straight.  The Ocean Kayak Trident 11 glides straight but likes to point into the wind a bit more than the Tarpon - but it's not insistent about it.

Might be a good idea to try a couple of smaller kayaks to see how they handle and if they'll do.



E Kayaker

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Stay with something 12ft or so. A 10 footer wouldn't do so well in the ocean and you might want to go once in a while.
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=42846.msg470404#msg470404

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Tinker

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Stay with something 12ft or so. A 10 footer wouldn't do so well in the ocean and you might want to go once in a while.

+1  I mentioned the short Tarpon and Trident only because I've owned them and know their characteristics.  They were for small rivers and lakes, not the sea.


newyakr

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This Viking has a rudder, but at nearly 15' it probably does well without it. I don't mind correcting the track while paddling--it's the wind that's tough, a problem that might be exacerbated in a kayak under 12'. But my opinion still reflects my lack of experience; perhaps there are particular brands that do quite well at under 12'.


E Kayaker

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I paddled a Tarpon 120 for years and it is a good all around kayak. It does the ocean on reasonably calm days, not too big for turning and it is rudder ready. The rudder really comes in handy in the wind. There are several kayaks in the 12-13 foot range.
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=42846.msg470404#msg470404

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.  ~John Buchan


Sin Coast

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I have a spare Trident 11 in good shape.
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RacinRob

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Why do you want shorter kayak? I am all about the speed and glide on long kayaks. The Reload is a nice all around kayak in my opinion. I paddle a 16' Tarpon EVERYWHERE.
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SuperVato

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Your desire to downsize seems reasonable and the Viking is a high quality yak you should be able to a really good trade. Trident 11 might suit you.
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newyakr

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The Trident 11 looks great. I would certainly trade for that kayak if I had the opportunity.


CptSloppywood

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Hello,
 
 I wanted to share my thoughts on this as a Viking owner and an owner of other brands and lengths of kayaks.

 If you trade down in size I think you will lose performance. Shorter boats are typically slower and don't track as well.

I had to add a rudder to my Viking reload and it tracks great now. Also it is a great boat in fresh and salt waters and even some rivers.

 If you have your heart set on a shorter boat maybe what dtizz said about the GT or an Eddyline carribean 12. The tackle pod is great and you might miss that feature alot.

 All in all follow your heart and not what others tell you



ravensblack

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Very nice kayak but I'm about 3 hours from the ocean (where this kayak probably belongs). So, if anyone has a stable kayak that would be good in reservoirs and small lakes and wants to trade for the Viking, let me know. I'll provide pics if interested.


I have an Old Town Predator MX for sale or trade. A little over 11 ft. Very stable. Its been on the water three times. Has a super comfortable seat. It paddles OK. This would be a good kayak for inland waters. The Viking is worth more I think so I can pony up the disparity in value. PM me if interested. Craig. Thanks
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Archie Marx

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Someone is going to get a good deal. I borrowed a Viking Reload for a few months, and I like it.

If it were me... I would just keep the Viking if it's not too burdensome to load and store, particularly if you ever plan to go on the salt, or I would trade it for a 13-14ft boat that can handle the ocean, like Prowler or Tarpon.

I have never paddled a kayak under 12 feet that I would recommend as a lake fishing boat.
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