New Ocean Kayak Trident - Test Paddle Impressions

I took a quick spin on a brand new Ocean Kayak Trident this afternoon. On first glance, OK's done everything they set out to do. This is a super-dry, stable, higher capacity P15.

The boat sports a lot of intriguing features, but first, how about that dry ride? The seat is high and - yes - dry. There was no water in the footwells either. This baby looks like it will carry a full fishing load, bait tank and all, without shipping water. No more storing bait at your feet (P15 drivers know what I'm talking about!).

The center hatch screams for attention. Called the Rod Pod (it's labeled in case you forget), it's long and wide enough to store beefy saltwater sticks and makes for easy access to the interior - all from the comfort of the cockpit. Winner!

Next up is the Sonar Shield, a covered recess for your fish finder - or more anything else you want to keep handy. Looks promising.

What else? Nice big oval hatch up front. It seems like a long shimmy to get to it, but no problem on this stable design. Besides, thanks to the Rod Pod (aka center hatch), it's redundant.

The tankwell is the same old segmented Prowler design we've come to love.

What about ease of rigging? It's way up there. The Trident offers multiple mounting points. There's a dashboard up front, the Rod Pod lid, and more flat deck space behind the seat. This is a fishing friendly design - more so than the original P15.

How does it paddle? Well, you'll just have to answer that question for yourself! As I see it, the Trident feels solid. It tracks well and doesn't weather-cock. Seemed quiet too, but conditions were mellow. More testing is required - get out there and see this interesting new design in person.

OK should be proud of this one.

Thanks for the report Paul! Looking forward to getting mine soon  Will do a couple of demo days for the local NCKA'ers. I was happy to hear from Jim S. that the Plano Dry boxe still fit on the tankwell slot - glad OK did not make any changes there!

Location: Aquatic Park in San Mateo and Stevens Creek in Cupertino - will post dates as soon as I have one in hand.

Thanks for the report.
A couple of questions.
Will the sonar shield area hold water or will it drain should a breaker come over the bow?
I am assuming the cockpit is dryer because the ride is higher. Does it seem to lose any of it's stability due to the high ride compared to the P15?
Are the foot wells wide enough to remain comfortable?
Are the length and weight the same as the P15?
Looking forward to more reports and someday the opportunity to check one out in person.

Will the Roleez cart fit in the front hatch?

Will the Roleez cart fit in the front hatch?

I don't know. If it fits in the P15 or Big Game hatch, it should fit in the Trident hatch. As far as I can tell, it's the same good hatch with a new closure system.

Will the sonar shield area hold water or will it drain should a breaker come over the bow?

This is something I'd love to learn myself. It appears to me that it will drain into the footwells.

I am assuming the cockpit is dryer because the ride is higher. Does it seem to lose any of it's stability due to the high ride compared to the P15?

The ride is unquestionably higher. You can see it in the first two photos. No, it did not compromise stability. If anything, the Trident may have more primary than the P15. I'm looking forward to hearing how other people experience it.

Eye-balling it, the Trident seems to have a longer wetted surface area than the P15.

Are the foot wells wide enough to remain comfortable?

My feet are size 13 wide. No problem with bare feet or something form fitting like booties. I did have to take my trail sandals off. The cockpit pan and footrests were comfortable.

Are the length and weight the same as the P15?

I didn't evaluate the weight. The P15 is 15-4 by 28-5. The OK provided data on the new Trident is 15-7 by 29. In the future I'll lay a tape on it.

Looks awesome! I'm gonna test paddle/fish Pole2's Trident this week.. Whoo!!

Z

Really interested in trying one of these out.
I have a question concerning the rod pod hatch.
I like to sit on my kayak as if it were a bench. Both legs hanging over one side of the kayak.
Is the top of this hatch sturdy enough for this?

Simple question PAL: Would you buy it?

I like to sit on my kayak as if it were a bench. Both legs hanging over one side of the kayak.
Is the top of this hatch sturdy enough for this?

Me too. This is one thing this kayak doesn't do well. The skinny center hatch will hold your weight, but it would be like sitting on a too-skinny bench. Not comfortable. You can sit side-saddle from the cockpit itself. It is slightly recessed, and your legs will rest on the seat strap and buckle. Not ideal, but do-able.

Simple question PAL: Would you buy it?

Not so simple! Do you realize the difficulty inherent in that question? It's not the one some might think (bowing down before the mighty OK).

And then there's the personal preference bit. Sexy is in the eye of the beholder. Some like 'em bodaciously curvy, others sleek and slender.

Do I think OK's launched a winner? Yes. Is the Trident an evolutionary step forward? Yes. Is it right for you? I can't say.

To me, the Trident should be popular among guys who prize stability but want a less than 30" beam. Who want a boat with the stride to chew up offshore swells but still carry all the goods (tankwell, tackle, emergency gear, and FISH).

I'm looking forward to getting a Trident. Only time will tell whether it will replace one of my go-to rides. I love the P15 for sketchy surf launches; the T160i for long-distance hauls; the Hobie Mirage yaks in lakes and bays; the T120 on snakey rivers; and the Hobie tandem for taking kids fishing. I have all of them but the last.

Thanks PAL and thanks for pointing out that some of our waters might require  different Kayaks for  my comfort zone. Scallen lent me his P15 which I have been paddling in the exact scenario you mentioned, sketchy launches. I adjusted to it rather fast. I now really enjoy it for  that purpose.
From the sounds of it this Kayak is a step up with the added features and all. Many on the board can't afford several Kayaks so if I put you on the spot my apology. Sounds to me this is a great fit for a performance Kayak in ocean waters.
Again thanks for your report. Frank

In case you are reading this thread, Mooch, your Sugar Mama is trying to take care of you! At Shared Adventures "Day on the Beach" on the 22nd in Santa Cruz, I asked the OK guru (they brought kayaks for safety boating for the event) where the heck your Trident is. Funny, he laughed just like Vince did!

They also told me to watch for their new pink boats, but I guess my grimace expressed my interest level. 

Janice aka "Big J"

Thanks Janice! Vince at Aquan is sick and tired of me checking in to see if my Trident is available  He say's he sees me more than he sees his own wife