Looking to test drive kayaks

I have the WAF and the cash for a new boat  and now that the rockfish season is closing I may actually find the time to do the required research before I buy.  I have tested a Prowler 15 but found that the seat made my but go numb.  I really like the seat on my old Scrambler and its light weight but I want a bit more of a boat.  I would prefer if I did not need to do a double seat or other accommodation but am open to all options.  I am looking for a Cobra Marauder and Malibu X-Factor to test in the Monterey area.  I also plan to try a T160 and T140 which I can rent from MBK but I like what I have heard about the Marauder and would like to try one in the salt.  I expect that I will find the X-Factor to big and heavy but am willing to give it a try anyway.  I think my first criteria is comfort then weight then storage, speed and size in that order mainly.  Suggestions welcome.  Let me know if you have a boat I can try or one for sale.

Thanks in advance.

Sackyak - I went through the similar process of choosing a right kayak for myself. The thread below contains a lot of good info that is offered by our experienced NCKA fellows. So you may find something relevant to your need. Although I end up with P15 and am happy with it, you should use your own criteria for the selection. Have good searching ...

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,8927.0.html

I would test the OK Prowler Trident, the seat is raised a bit, so it may fit different than the normal P15 for you.

I have tested a Prowler 15 but found that the seat made my but go numb. 

Hmmmm...It seems to me that it isn't the kayak but the seat you have on the kayak that makes your butt go numb. Granted, some kayak seat designs are better than others, but I am a firm believer that the seat you put on the kayak plays a HUGE roll on how comfortable you are while on your kayak. Just my .02

I have tested a Prowler 15 but found that the seat made my but go numb. 

Hmmmm...It seems to me that it isn't the kayak but the seat you have on the kayak that makes your butt go numb. Granted, some kayak seat designs are better than others, but I am a firm believer that the seat you put on the kayak plays a HUGE roll on how comfortable you are while on your kayak. Just my .02

Interesting comment.  I actually used the same seat I use on my Scrambler when I tested the P-15 so that was consistent.  I believe that the Scrambler seat is more dished out while the Prowler seat is flatter and wider.  I know that others have found comfort using gel seats etc. I just want to take the time now that I have it to make a good and final decision on a boat, even if it means going out of my way to find the boats to test and/or buy.  If none of the tests prove successful, I will be looking at new seat options next.

You're welcome to test drive my T160i but its not a double hatch so accessibility is not as convenient.  I've had to goop on a foam pad in the seat well to keep my butt from going numb.  Attaching a seat / back support will cover up the 6" crotch hatch.  This is where I store my cell, camera and gps so access is important.  The weight is 65 lbs per the factory specs.  I feel speed is relative to the strength of the paddler but when I test drove the yaks at Paddlefest, the Tarpon 160 just felt much better/faster.  I've crawled all over my yak in the open water so it feels stable enough or I've gotten used to it.  I haven't gone for a sturgeon sleigh ride but have fought and pulled lings out of the kelp and hauled up rigid crab box traps without coming close to tipping.  Send me a PM to make arrangements to meet if you're interested in test driving it.

I've got a marauder you can paddle.  With any luck I'll be down in your area sometime in the next week or two to do some diving.

I've got a marauder you can paddle.  With any luck I'll be down in your area sometime in the next week or two to do some diving.

Angel,

That would be great.  Drop me a PM or add to this post.  I work from home most of the time so I should be able to work out some time.  Just let me know when.  I have two Scramblers and a Malibu II if you want another boat to use while I am trying yours.  I really want to make a careful choice before I buy and appreciate your offer.

Etienne

Etienne -

You are welcome to test drive my Trident. It rides alot different than the P15. May be down after the holidays to do some dab fishing.

Scott

Scott, I do want to give the Trident a try.  Let me know when you want to go dabbing.  I need to haul out my crab traps as I have yet to deploy them this season.

Matt, I am not sure when I will next get up to Mendocino, I used to have a friend that lived very near there, wonder if he is still around?  If I find my self in your neighborhood, I may take you up on that offer.  In the mean time let me know if you find yourself in Monterey, we have some fairly good fishing around here too.

Let me know when you guys go out to do some dabbing.

That sounds good..  Maybe I can try both in one day.  Anyone up for an "on the water transfer?"  It could be a great photo op for the third    .

Hey Etienne -

Any time after New Years when the conditions are OK. PM me and Angel when you think it is good. Crabs would be good too. I do have my own hoop net. It would be fun to do musical yaks on Monterey Bay. 

Scott

I have a tarpon 160i, you could try it out on the Monterey 'freeze your tail' dab trip.  I put water in the boat but then again, I'm heavy, your results should be much different.

having seen you paddle and fish, I would be surprised if you opted for the x factor, seems like stability is not an issue at all for you so lots of extra boat for no reason.

About the sore butt, you have overlooked the possibility that what you really need is just a fatter butt 

Eugene

Etienne,
I finaly finished installing the FF, rod holders, etc on my T140. You can paddle it next time we go out. Or you can borrow it if you go out before I do.
PK