Marlin Kayak by REI

This kayak looks like it could be part shark or part cruise missle.  I bought it from a guy that BobN knows.  All we know is that it was made by REI -- at least that's what it says on the hatch cover.

The specs:
15' long
27" wide
52 lbs


Bob and I paddled it and both of us were impressed with many aspects of this kayak:

-  It's quite fast and maneuverable.
-  It has replaceable fins.  They're like fins on surf board.  They act as stabilizers and help it track better.  I unscrewed the fins and it paddled it.  It was fine, but just a bit more tippy like a sit-inside kayak.
-  It's got a neat no-nonsense rudder and pedal design that won't catch your fishing line like other rudders.
-  Excellent construction, mold quality, and trippy-looking multicolor granite finish.
-  The front pod and tankwell is pretty cool.  The removable pod looks like it could be used as a fish box or beer cooler.  When the pod is removed, it exposes a tankwell with scupperholes.
-  The rear hatch is HUGE.  I've never seen one this big, yet it seals out water nicely.

I'm sure it's at least a few years old, but it was in excellent shape and a great deal I couldn't pass up.  The only thing missing was an 8" hatch which should be easily replaceable.

If you know anything about this kayak or know of any links, please let me know.

Here are some pics:

Looks pretty cool! I would definitely remove the skeg.
How much did ya get it for? Looks pretty fast and seems to have a TON of storage.
I bet you are frothing at the mouth about pimping it.

Looks pretty cool! I would definitely remove the skeg.
How much did ya get it for? Looks pretty fast and seems to have a TON of storage.
I bet you are frothing at the mouth about pimping it.

It's a little too tippy for me without the training wheels, so until I get use to it, I might try making some lower profile skegs for it.  My wheels are definitely spinning on how to rig it.  It'll be fun sure.  Lots of fishing potential.  I can already picture that front tankwell filled with fish.  

Looks pretty cool Chucke! You are becoming a real collector. 

Nice Kayak and an excellent score. Chuck you better start thinking about a warehouse for all these yaks or at least start guiding. Groups of what 20 or so?

  That thing is Kool

my question is: How many kayaks do you currently own? I'm starting to think you can give Brian G (da guy from Lodi) a run for his money 

I've sent the pics and a query to some people I know at REI headquarters.  There are some old guard in the paddling department, so if anyone would know anything about this kayak, I'm hoping they do.  I'll let you know if I find anything out.

I want one!!!

-Allen

Got a tidbit of info for you, still poking around for more.  From a guy that has been a "master technician" forever at the Portland and Seattle REI stores.

-Allen

I do remember them as an REI labeled product that only lasted a couple seasons. The twin “bilge fins” were attached by two machine screws and could be removed if needed. I think the time frame is like 1988, though it might also be as late as 1992. I remember seeing them in the Portland store, seems they were reduced in price pretty quickly

Got a tidbit of info for you, still poking around for more.  From a guy that has been a "master technician" forever at the Portland and Seattle REI stores.

-Allen

I do remember them as an REI labeled product that only lasted a couple seasons. The twin “bilge fins” were attached by two machine screws and could be removed if needed. I think the time frame is like 1988, though it might also be as late as 1992. I remember seeing them in the Portland store, seems they were reduced in price pretty quickly

Cool... Thanks for the info.  This yak was ahead of it's time.  The interest in SOT's for kayak fishing really didn't get started till the mid to late 90's.  It was probably designed for divers.

I wish I knew who actually designed and manufactured it here in the U.S.  Current SOT makers could learn a few things from them.

The only real downside I've noticed is the short cockpit.  Although the rudder pedal distance is adjustable, it looks like it will only comfortably fit guys with inseams less than 32".

Chuck my first impression after seeing your new boat was it looked like a dive-yak design. Especially with that self bailing compartment. I think you need to get your fins ready. With that narrow beam do you think you could do a water entry?

WARNING: HI JACK THREAD

I decided to splurge and buy a dry suit.   

Which one did you get? Considering getting one in the future. I know Doug / Marmite and Scott have 'em too....

Threadjack continues ... as a moderator you can use the split function.  (hint!).

I went into the Kayak Academy with every intention of getting a Kokotat Tropos (entry level at entry level prices).  I walked out with a Kokotat Goretex that set me back a few pennies.     The Goretex just felt better and definitely breathed a lot better.  I worry about overheating as I'm usually on the warm side.  Now I worry about poking holes in this thing.  I'll wear some paddling shorts over it to provide a layer of protection against errant hooks and spikes in my lap.



The Kayak Academy, http://www.kayakacademy.com/, really know their stuff.  Too bad for you they are up in WA.  They had some custom sizes on hand including an XL with a couple inches off the inseam that fit me just perfect.  The normal XL was a bit on the long side.  Also trimmed up the seals just right for my neck.

-Allen

 threadjack still continues......

Now I worry about poking holes in this thing.

I worry about that too. I got the waterproof / breathable pants with the ankle seals...it worked great till I got an undesired lap dance from a vermilion