Range

I plan on getting a new kayak next month a Prowler Trident 15.  I currently have a malabu II two which is a stable dive platform but does not seem like it is made for distance. How much of a diffrence will I see when I attempt to paddle over a distance with the Trident 15.  About how far do most travel in your yak to fish or dive?   

It will make a huge difference.  On average I usually cover around 3 miles or so in a typical day.

It will be like night and day.

You go farther, easier.

Like Sean, my go-outs are usually arund 3-4 miles . 

It's that last mile that counts, though, when you are booking for home and the weather is coming up that makes the extra speeed so nice.

Allen

Thats what I was hoping, The malabu II was a lot better then swimming or pushing a tube but it still felt very slow with one person in it. 

Another question I could get the yak two weeks early if I don't want a rudder.  Do you find that a rudder is worth the price and an extra two weeks wait?

My first yak didn't have a rudder. My current one does. And I wouldn't go w/o again. Makes long paddles much nicer and when drifting you can angle the boat w/o using the paddle.

Let's not forget that "range" is also measured on how good of a paddler you are (proper paddling technique and fitness level)

* IMO: a nice light paddle with a touring blade will help = distance wise.

Just my 2 cents....

The "need" for a rudder varies significantly between different hulls, I like the T-15 much more with a rudder.

BIG paddling difference between the Malibu 2 and T15. You're gonna love it. I started out w/a Malibu 2 in the ocean--sometimes solo and other times tandem. And upgrading to a better, faster kayak was like a revelation at first.

go rudder, but learn to paddle her without it first...a few outings so you know how the boat handles.

The only rudder I have is on my Hobie. It is a necessity there.
None of my other kayaks have had rudders. There was only one time in the past 10 years where I really wish I had one and I still came out OK.
The best way to answer that question is to go out, paddle both, and decide for yourself.

longest paddle distance wise in the t15 for me was 12 miles.  I was not going real fast.  I am old and fat but fairly strong so I think most folks should be able to do this range.  typical trips for me are about 4-6 miles.  I would recommend a rudder for the t15 especially if the tank well is empty. 

I agrtee yes for the T 15 rudder

rudder is good

it's good for things like getting a faster turn behind nasty break keeping direction in a blow trolling weight etc

avg day on my old dive yak was 4-6 miles
avg day trolling salmon on the tarpon is 20-30 miles

like e2g I too am old and fat

rudder is good

it's good for things like getting a faster turn behind nasty break keeping direction in a blow trolling weight etc

avg day on my old dive yak was 4-6 miles
avg day trolling salmon on the tarpon is 20-30 miles

like e2g I too am old and fat

uh huh.  If you weren't old and fat you'd be trolling 60 miles?

Blu Kayak is a monster