Angler 140 Shakespeare Kayak @ Costco?

Anybody know of any reviews?  Was just surfing the Costco website and saw this kayak.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Productgroup.aspx?Prodid=11325288&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|111|41614|60732&N=4025182&Mo=4&pos=5&No=4&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=60732&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC11005-Cat41614&topnav=

Ethan

I don't know anything about this particular boat, but for the $1,000 price tag you could get an OK Prowler 15 or WS Tarpon 140 fully outfitted for fishing and know for a fact that you are getting a proven boat with great customer service and warranty. Rather than taking a chance on a Costco boat (that they aren't going to let you test paddle, and that has no bow hatch or any other hatch visible in the pics), I'd go with a proven manufacturer from a local dealer that is going to let you paddle it around before you ever spend a dime. 

What Jay said. You don't want to skimp on the most important piece of gear.

Z

Yeah, that's NOT a deal.
For a boat like that it is Waayyy overpriced.

Anybody who's anybody will agree with what the last three said.

If you can, go up to Outback Adventures in Larkspur tomorrow for their "Demo Days" - a good way to try out several different kayaks. You might need to register ahead of time (like now!).
http://www.outbackadventures.com/sales_service/sales/demo_days.htm

e
I dont recognize the shakespeare as a kayak brand name but I think the logo is the one that Emotion used to use. Try searching emotion kayaks and you might find more info and reviews.
I think Alfredo had 1 in the family.
Im not usually one to comment on boats Ive never paddled but it looks abit barge like.
Could be great to stand in and the strorage looks bomber but you wont get anywhere fast.
I looked thru my kayak porn and found a boat with the same logo.
go to the demo day and paddle everything you can.
good luck

Thanks all!  I'll have to hit a different demo day as I don't have time in the schedule this weekend.

E

OK, the boat might be a little pricey, but you can't argue with their return policy! gotta think its lifetime, no questions asked, like the other non-computer related goods.  But, can you imagine the look on the clerk's face if you wheeled this thing up to the customer service counter asked for a refund?     

AbKing rocks the old-school Costco kayak every now and then. Not this one though.
(And I have to admit this one looks pretty cool)

I dont recognize the shakespeare as a kayak brand name but I think the logo is the one that Emotion used to use.

Nice find spidey. So rod manf. Shakespeare sees the potential of the kayak fishing market and buys Emotion kayaks.. http://www.shakespearekayaks.com/

Z

When does the "UGLY YAK" come out 

I dont recognize the shakespeare as a kayak brand name but I think the logo is the one that Emotion used to use.

Nice find spidey. So rod manf. Shakespeare sees the potential of the kayak fishing market and buys Emotion kayaks.. http://www.shakespearekayaks.com/

Z

Might just be a license agreement between the two. Then throw in the Costco market & it's probably a win for all of 'em.

Yeah, I started out in a 9' Mainstream yak from Costco, but it was $300 including a seat that's still my best seat, a paddle that's still my backup paddle, and the weight capacity was around 400#.  This thing is over-priced for sure, and the weight capacity is a little light:

Weight Capacity: 325-375 lbs*

*Weight capacities depend on water conditions

I don't know how big you are, E, but a 14' boat should carry more weight than that.  Me, my dive gear, some fishing gear, my safety stuff, some drinks...  I'm over 325 too fast.  If you're getting a 14' boat I'd think it would have at least a 450 - 500# capacity.

Good luck - like all said, paddle the different models.   

Might just be a license agreement between the two. Then throw in the Costco market & it's probably a win for all of 'em.

Exactly. They were at ICAST last year, showing off relabeled boats. I have some experience with Emotion's products, not this one in particular which looks like it might be the Grand Slam: http://www.emotionkayaks.com/HTML/Kayaks/GrandSlam.html. Ric Burnley, an east coast kayak angler whose judgment I respect because he fishes big water, gave it a good review last year. These are not your average discount big box products, but first-quality specialty items.

That said, I am a big fan of supporting the local paddle shop, especially those that speak kayak fishing.