New SOT

Hello all, just over from Norcal underwater hunters. Have done a search on this site but not much info on the Hurricane sot kayaks. I am looking for a a kayak that would work for me for fishing off my home coast here in Crescent City, I am 5-8, 160 lbs, 67 diving years young?? and still dive for abs and fish for rockfish, steelhead and salmon. I used to ww kayak our rivers when I was younger but finally said nuff of that. Have looked at most of the websites and specs and really like the weight of the Hurricanes, BUT real world use says, Hey Guys!! what is your take and experience with these boats. And, what other boats would you think my work good for me.
Thanks in advance and looking to meeting you all this year when we get down to Mendo and South.
Steve

Welcome!

I've never heard of the Hurricane kayaks, but looked them up online and they look sweet! 

http://hurricaneaquasports.com/kayaks/phoenix130.html

Have you found a dealer out here to demo one? That would be best...try it out before pulling the trigger.

I'm no expert on yak construction, but if you like the lightweight you also may consider checking out the eddyline yaks, I've never paddled one but I have heard good things from multliple members on here:

http://www.eddyline.com/kayak-models/caribbean-14

Best of luck and look forward to seeing you on the water!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

They are not new.   They've been around for maybe more than 5 years. They used to have a 160 that I thought was kind of cool.  This year they are coming out with their Skimmer line, more sleek than the Phoenixes.

There are so many kayaks lines back east that get a lot of playtime, that we barely ever see out here.  Hurricane, Elie, Native, Freedom Hawk.  I just came across a somewhat new manufacturer that is starting off concentrating on the East and Gulf Coasts ... Kaku Kayaks.  Shoot, even Cobra, and to some extent Malibu, have faded in popularity on the west coast, but still maintain a good presence elsewhere.

-Allen

I'm not familiar with the Hurricane models either. I looked at them and they look ok. Which model were you looking at? I know a few guys use the Eddylines and like them. Here is a kayak that most people don't know about.
http://www.wildernesssystems.com/product/index/products/recreational/recreational_tarpon/tarpon_120ultralite_recreational/
This kayak has good capacity, weight, and great stability. Only comes in a 12' though.
I still recommend as Jim does to test out a few of these and see which one fits you best.

The only thing I see on the Skimmer line is that they do not have much drainage, scuppers. I think for diving that could be a bad thing. They are also narrow for a short kayak. Maybe fast, but with dive gear could be a bit tippy.

The only thing I see on the Skimmer line is that they do not have much drainage, scuppers. I think for diving that could be a bad thing. They are also narrow for a short kayak. Maybe fast, but with dive gear could be a bit tippy.

That looks like one in the middle.



-Allen

The only thing I see on the Skimmer line is that they do not have much drainage, scuppers. I think for diving that could be a bad thing. They are also narrow for a short kayak. Maybe fast, but with dive gear could be a bit tippy.

That looks like one in the middle.

-Allen

Just one Allen. That's what I meant.

The only thing I see on the Skimmer line is that they do not have much drainage, scuppers. I think for diving that could be a bad thing. They are also narrow for a short kayak. Maybe fast, but with dive gear could be a bit tippy.

That looks like one in the middle.

-Allen

Just one Allen. That's what I meant.

Gotcha Rob.  I'd worry less about the divers and more about surf launches.

-Allen

The only thing I see on the Skimmer line is that they do not have much drainage, scuppers. I think for diving that could be a bad thing. They are also narrow for a short kayak. Maybe fast, but with dive gear could be a bit tippy.

That looks like one in the middle.

-Allen

Just one Allen. That's what I meant.

Gotcha Rob.  I'd worry less about the divers and more about surf launches.

-Allen

I thought that too, but did not say that.

The only thing I see on the Skimmer line is that they do not have much drainage, scuppers. I think for diving that could be a bad thing. They are also narrow for a short kayak. Maybe fast, but with dive gear could be a bit tippy.

That looks like one in the middle.

-Allen

Just one Allen. That's what I meant.

Gotcha Rob.  I'd worry less about the divers and more about surf launches.

-Allen

I thought that too, but did not say that.

The lines sure look pretty on that Skimmer though, don't they.  I'd love to get some saddle time in on one.

-Allen

Thanks for the input fellas, Northwest Outdoor Store in Medford is my closest dealer and the folks there seem pretty straight up. Maybe they would let me demo some of their inventory  I know they will probably have some demo work this spring over there on the lakes or river. I agree, the 28" beam and lack of big scuppers could make for a heavy boat trying to get through the surf and tippy. Was thinking more along the lines of the 13' or 14 ' but will make a trip over there and look and talk and see what can be worked out for a paddle demo. Will keep you all updated on my reception over there
Big Jim, I think you are on our dive site as well as here, good to hear from you.
Steve 

I have a lot of experience with Hurricane Kayaks (for a west coaster), especially the Pheonix.  I don't know anything about the new line but they look like trylon (sp) clamshells, not poly rotomolds.
These are quality boats with good design.  I found them to be seaworthy, and fishable.  My fishing buddy (English) Nick has run one for about 4 years and even though he is in an Abaco now, he is keeping the Pheonix in his fleet. 

IMO, the Hurricanes I've used were better for anglers with traditional paddling histories were lightweight, better suited for anglers on the lower half of the kayak angler weight range, performed fine in and out of the surf.  It's been a while but my assessment was favorable overall with one significant consideration for anglers...
Trylon (the plastic) is different from polyethylene, clamshell construction is different from rotomolding.  IMO, these boats should be treated like a fiberglass kayak.  Nick has already had to repair his from what we consider "normal" use of a poly kayak (by gorillas).  An advantage to this material is that it is more easily repairable than poly boats.
When it comes to unfamiliar models, try before you buy whenever you can. 

Big Jim, I think you are on our dive site as well as here, good to hear from you.
Steve

Hey Steve, yep I'm over there too. 

I hope you get to demo one of those Hurricanes, and please do let us know how it paddles.

I have a bad back and sometimes I tweak it loading and unloading my T15, so in an ideal world I woud have a lighter yak as well. 

Let me know if you ever want to get together and dive.

 

Sincerely,

Jim