Long distance fishing Kayak?

Blue - I've never paddled a 160. It looks pretty fast except for the weight. My Nomad is made by Victor Vitog of San Jose. When I was looking for one ~10 years ago he was still making them. I don't know now. I can look on the inside of my boat for his info if you like. You're welcome to try mine anytime.
I would put up with the instability of the expedition (it's about the same with my Nomad); it's the lack of maneuverability I didn't like. But I like to land in the rocks sometimes, go through tight places quick, etc. I was looking at the ex's yesterday at HMB and they look really sweet! But for me it would be for those long distance fishing days. If I ever see someone selling a used one cheap I might scoop it up.

I checked back posts for a pic but the pics don't stay up indefinitely. Maybe Smithsonian has one    Seriously, I think there are faster more stable plastic boats (Cobra Tourer, OK Scupper Pro, probably your 160). Mine's good for running down to the corner store, but I bring it way out 'cause it's what I own. However, one reason I want to replace it is that I don't trust it 2-3 miles offshore (leaks, flimsy hatches). If you want mine I'll sell it cheap and throw in a free can of bondo...

This topic has gone on at length other places.  The few boats that always emerge as legitimate options are these...

http://www.sedakayak.com/sea_kayaks/revenge.htm

or these...

http://www.kayak.co.za/kaskazi/models.htm

I have no personal  experience with either, but here's what I know.  Sedas are ok, but made in Mexico and sometimes the quality is reported as mixed, some excellent, some not.  The Kaskazi boats are reportedly gorgeous and beautifully made, but very hard to get.  Delivery form down under is a slow and expensive process.  I have considered importing them, but to date I have been unable to find sufficient demand to do so.  You need to order a lot of boats to keep shipping reasonable.  They look like they would be fantastic.  The fish box on the Dorado looks really cool.  Good luck on your search, you definitely push the envelope and could use an excellent boat.

Lots of Kaz chatter here...

http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/948607442/m/6981086861/p/1

6k for a fishing kayak... whoa.

Those are not US $.  They are around 1800 delivered...a good deal really.

The Dorado does look cool but at 61 pounds it doesn't addres that bothersome other issue that I hope a composite boat will address.   I guess it is all the extra built in features that bring the weight up?
If it weighed 20 #'s less, it would be worth the price to me.
Pat

Heck, I'd pay that price if they could make ME weigh 20# less.

I like the Revenge 'cause it comes in purple!  
I think that if we're to the point where we're talking about how to eskimo roll through breakers, we're beyond kayak fishing. On the other hand, it's probably exactly what we should all learn...

OK, I'm gonna wade into this thread w/ a vote for the Adventure. With lines like a Tarpon 160 and the Mirage Pedal Drive - this would be my goto long range yak. Add to this the sail kit, dagger board and soon to be released extended flippers and you too will be able to keep up w/ bluekayak.
Of course, this all comes at a price = approx $1800 for the basic adventure, but again, that's just how our sport will progress. Soon carbon fibre models will start to appear and our plastic yaks will be like model T's of yesteryear.
As for the eskimo roll, that's probably done better w/ SIK's. The lower center of gravity and "clean" deck allows the paddler to right themselves. A crate full of rods would cause to much drag in order to roll effectively.

http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/ri_fishing_kayak_view.asp?Fishing_Kayaks=22

it's hobie.

does look pretty cool.  if your knees are good that is. which mine are, but pedalling that thing for 11 hours might change that.

well, tell that the the bicyclists with strained knees.

If you look at that link above there is  a 'comparison' link.

The tarpon 160i looks pretty good there. prowler gets slightly higher marks for rough water but much worse for internal storage.

They also have an 'actual' weight section. I always wondered why the prowler 13 only weighs a couple lbs less than the 15, as listed on the ocean kayak page, but there they have it closer to 8 which makes more sense.

what is this you were saying about WS screwing up the hatch layout of the 160 recently?

My knees are toast from years of eastern skiing moguls and jumping and backpacking. Stopped doing the recumbent bike and weights in May and switched to swimming - much better now. Kept me from almost scheduled osteotomy surgery this fall. I probably should get the surgery, then I'll be a new man, but being a contractor of course there's no time.

Speaking of old knees...

I used to be a pedicab driver in SF for maybe 5 years. After pedaling 300 -375 lbs loads up to Chinatown and back I had legs as hard as OAK.
I got wise then opened my own tour company.
Couple years later, it wasn't until I hiked up to Half Dome did I realize my knees were shot. My legs were strong but knees were weak, especially on the descent. I had to fashion crutches out of fallen branches to get down and it took a very, very long time.

This prelude is just so you understand that the Hobie isn't that hard on your knees. It's short paddle stroke and resistance to water is VERY easy. It's like biking on level ground and seems to be therapuetic. The movement is like taking small steps on a "recumbent" stair stepper, but the propulsion is equivalent to full out paddling.

bluekayak, rather than reinvent the wheel, check out the hobie thread at kayakfishingstuff.com, i'm sure you'll be duly impressed. I wish I would still be around to paddle in our new adventures together, but alas I'll be in Vegas.