My Tarpon 160 double hatch....my review so far....

For what its worth, RAMs are used by inshore striper fishermen back east. And the formerly ChuckE's lime green Scupper is going to be all RAMed out.

Scott

does it hold up a rod up even with a 1 pound ball on a sinker release

Sure it'll hold up... you can even reinforce the kayak with a bit of cutting board if you're worried (like me).  One of the problems with the Scotty holders is rod butt-section (handle) clearance... you'll have to have the rod almost parallel with the water in if your rods have long handles (like mine)... and that makes the  rod vulnerable.  You can put a Scotty extension underneath the holder, but then you run into all kinds of torque problems... not sure a cutting board reinforcement will help in that scenario.  This is one of the reasons I went with Ram tubes behind the seat.

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Kevin....I'm waiting for your input  regarding the ram tubes......

I am curious if this is replacing the P-15 or simply an alternative for different conditions and adventures?

I am curious if this is replacing the P-15 or simply an alternative for different conditions and adventures?

Definitely an alternative for different conditions and adventures 

The P-15 will still be my work horse Having a tankwell does have it's advantages - especialy when targetting rockfish. It's alway nice to have that space in the back to dump your catch on. The P-15 will be used when I don't have to do any BIG surf launches & landings.

The T-160 will be for chasing Salmon and Stripers. It will also see a lot of action when dealing with beaches like Bean Hollow, Linda Mar, Big Sur and possibly Elk. The T-160 will also shine on future kayak camping expeditions.

If I was to build my own yak - one of my "mooch-designed-kayaks"  = "MDK" would be a cross between a P-15 and a T-160 (and possible a marauder). I would make a yak that has no front hatch (who really actively uses one anyway). Instead, the bow will have an area to where you can store your fish and keep it secured with some sort of netting. This yak will have a rear hatch for storing rods and other bulky stuff. It will also have a raised center hatch for tackle storage 

Ah grasshopper, but one needs access to the internals of the foreward portion of the yak for rigging, FLOATATION!!!, transducer placement, etc... No? This is one drawback to the MacSki, though I do think other portions of that boat are great.

How about an insulated fish bag that sits on top of your front hatch?

Regards,
Scott

Kevin....I'm waiting for your input  regarding the ram tubes......

Sorry for the delay...  I didn't have good experience with RAM tubes for trolling for salmon.  I was using 2.5lb balls and the tube wouldn't hold.  It might be fine with lighter weights but I'm skeptical.  I switched mine out for the flush mount holder.

How about an insulated fish bag that sits on top of your front hatch?

Scott - I'm looking into that for my T-160. The West Marine catalog had one for about $60.00.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SiteSearchView?catalogId=10001&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&keyword=fish+cooler+bags&Ntt=fish+cooler+bags&N=0&storeId=10001&Ntk=All_2&ddkey=SiteSearch

Kevin....I'm waiting for your input  regarding the ram tubes......

Sorry for the delay...  I didn't have good experience with RAM tubes for trolling for salmon.  I was using 2.5lb balls and the tube wouldn't hold.  It might be fine with lighter weights but I'm skeptical.  I switched mine out for the flush mount holder.

thanks for the info bradah....

Ah grasshopper, but one needs access to the internals of the foreward portion of the yak for rigging, FLOATATION!!!, transducer placement, etc... No?

This is a good point...I'm debating whether or not to order a front hatch on my Marauder.I can mount the transducer,battery,etc through the large rectangular deck hatch.Without the front hatch the yak would be more watertight and lighter.Plus,I can't imagine messing with all those hatch closures on the water.The only time I might miss the front hatch is if I should ever want to go camping...but I almost never use the front hatch on my WS Ride now.I put fish on a game clip and toss them in the tankwell.What do you guys think front hatch or no?

IMO: I'd do without the front hatch (since you already have the hatch between your legs on the Marauder) and secure a game bag on the bow. Besides, you can always add the bow hatch, if you ever feel the need to.

The one thing I don't like about the "toggle" hatches is that they tend to leak a little. I had a Cobra Tourer that had that problem - but then again, it was a second hand yak and maybe it was installed without enough goop. IMO: the "buckle and strap" hatch are the best. It's too bad that Wilderness Systems replaced theirs with the "tupper wear" I hope Ocean Kayaks sticks to their buckled down hatches.

...just my 2 cents...

Mooch,

I see your West Marine URL, and raise you 10% off

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48146298&parent_category_rn=40002758&vcat=searchcat

Looks like it would be ok for rockies. Too small for Lingasaurs, Salmon, and Halibut. But I think that any decent sized fish would warrant  popping a hatch.

Scott

Mooch,

I see your West Marine URL, and raise you 10% off

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48146298&parent_category_rn=40002758&vcat=searchcat

Looks like it would be ok for rockies. Too small for Lingasaurs, Salmon, and Halibut. But I think that any decent sized fish would warrant  popping a hatch.

Scott

Nice! I did not know they had 'em there. I know the San Carlos store don't have them in stock - gotta order them online  But at least you don't have to pay for shipping costs if you have them shipped to any of the REI locations - and just pick 'em up when they arrive. 

And Wallins, Aquan, and a fly fishing store are nearby too. Leave your $$ at home, just to be safe.

Not to mention Marvin Gardens just up OCR in Belmont. Burgers. Yumm...

Scott

I just did a test of a RAM ball mounted tube, and with it cinched down good, the tube barely moved. I'm thinking with the mono, 9' soft rod, and a reasonable drag setting, I'll be fine should I get hit by a good fish.

Scott