Great Bass 2:
I bought the Eddyline Carribean to fish the central coast where some of the portages are long and my bad back was telling to get a lighter boat. :smt005 My rigging strategy was to keep the fixed hull weight to a minimum so the fish finder, compass and GPS are removable. I installed 2 scotty flush mounts behind the seat and a base for the deck compass but that was pretty much it. My plano box has 5 rod holders so can carry 5 rods easily and fish 4 simultaneously. For surf launch, the Fishfinder, GPS and compass are in the plano box, tackle in the day hatch and rods in the hull.
I have been salmon trolling in snot conditions in Monterey and a ghost hunt in Capitola and will say it is hard to believe it is a 12' kayak. Cruises easily at about 3.8 MPH and if you push it 4.5 MPH. Haven't had problems keeping up with my buddies. Really quick acceleration and tracks well without a rudder. Really paddles over kelp well with little friction. At 45 pounds, it feels crazy light. Pretty easy to shoulder carry with the awesome graphite handle. The construction and design are the best I have seen. The thermoform construction will not take a loaded impact like a rotomolded kayak but they are easy to repair. Because we launch through rock gardens frequently I am sure I will crack the hull at some point but not worried as long as it is on the way in. :smt005 Really a sweet little boat but probably not for someone over 6' tall. Check it out.
Scott
S.A.:
does it have two graphite mid-hull handles? I'd like that, easier to military press the boat into a car top cradle.
thx for writing and sharing the review scott
Great Bass 2:
Yep 2 graphite handles. They make paddles and use the shaft to make the handles.
PISCEAN:
I've been waiting to see pics of the new ride. I yearn for something lighter every time I have to muscle the tarpon back to the car.
Thanks for the pics Scott!
steveislost:
--- Quote from: PISCEAN on July 06, 2012, 12:08:45 PM ---I've been waiting to see pics of the new ride. I yearn for something lighter every time I have to muscle the tarpon back to the car.
Thanks for the pics Scott!
--- End quote ---
Same here. I love my Tarpon 140 (my first and only kayak), but the weight and the knuckle crushing handles are my only drawbacks. Light and efficient gets you on the water more and happier at the end of the day. Nice Kayak Scott.