Kaskazi Kayaks...aka the Dorado

Well its not 100% by any means, but I am getting a lot closer to closing the loop with importing Kaskazi boats.  See more here...http://www.ftlauderdaleyakfishingclub.org/superyaks2/dorado/dorado.html Not for the rookie or the budget minded, but simply awesome for the experienced fisherman looking for the ultimate paddling experience.

Anyways, I need to order approx. 20 at a time to make it a go, so if you know anyone looking for something different, please let me know. Let the discussion (heckling) begin.

How much for one?   

-Allen

Allen:

It is currently TBA.  Still have not ironed out receiving and duty cost, but in the neighborhood of $1800.  Less if possible, but its not fixed yet.   Considering other glass SOTs cost between 1500 and 3200, its definitely in the zone, especially with the amazing quality and features of these boats.

Ohhh... that's one sexy boat... anyone want to buy a used Marauder?    (  just kidding)

If you're the only one on the West coast that is importing them, I think you'll definitely be able to move them. 

Erik

Beautiful looking boat. I cannot imagine a glass boat for myself. I am the unintentional abuse king! My yak slips out of my hand and lands HARD on driveway. I have had it battered into rocks when I fell coming out of the surf, I have dropped my anchor on it. It would all have added up to some serious CHA-CHING if it wasn't plastic.
Maybe when I become a more mature responsible adult I might try glass.
I think Erik is right about you being the only dealer on the West Coast Sean. Could prove to be a very good move.

Now that is one sweet yak!

But where do you mount the fishfinder? 

Okay, I am lusting............

Here are the questions......

SIXTY POUNDS?????....for glass?

Why the rudder?  Too little hull?

No images of folks working about the boat.  If I am going to use a huge crate like that, how stable will the boat be?

Note to all, at least glass can be repaired.

Has anyone paddled this boat?  The only picture of someone paddling it shows no rods in the rod holders.......do you bump them?

I see how they mount the FF.  With that big hatch up front I guess you put the puck aft?

If the weight is wrong, I would love to paddle this boat.

Pat

What is so special about this kayak and fiberglass kayaks?

Its like driving down Sunset Blvd in west Hollywood with a cadillac suv...

but in all reality we are mostly ghetto fisherman..
3k for a yak? Do they have 30 year payments?

Sean they are beautiful but unless I am on the LOW end of the financial totem pole too costly...
Your Cobra Maurader costs way less and is a good boat right?

I'll try my best to answer everones questions

What is so special about this kayak and fiberglass kayaks?

Glass boats are generally lighter, faster and more rigid than plastic equivilants.  They usually have a nicer finish as well. What really makes this boat "special" is the design of the hull.  This boat is 16 feet long and 24.5 inches wide.  Thats longer and narrower tha a Scupper pro...combine that with superior matrerials and a more efficient design and it adds up to this yak being a real race horse.  The sustained speeds I could do in a boat like this is essentially about 1.5 to 2x the speed of the average SOT we normally use.  While things like the Cobra Expedition get close to those specs, they don't have the utility or seaworthiness of this boat.  The fish hatch is a huge bonus.  There is enough room for guys up to 6-3 and 225 or so.

Like everything there are downside.  Glass takes more care, and is more fragile, but is also more repairable.  This boat remains dead stable despite the specs by having an ULTRA low seat...in other words your ass will be wet a lot.  Again, this isn't for everbody, or the masses, but I am just trying to offer quality niche products to folks that ask for them.

Glass is faster but not enough for the pricetag it gets nowadays

$1800 is high for the fisherman market, but is still mid to low end for what "real" kayakers normally fork out.  While it is a lot of cash, I saw lots of MTBs in that range on my recent bike shopping trip. 

Your Cobra Maurader costs way less and is a good boat right?

About 1/2!!  I love my Maurader and I don't really see the two markets overlapping.  Camrys are excellent cars, but some people still buy the Lexus.

If I am going to use a huge crate like that, how stable will the boat be?

The crate is actually kinda small, but it looks big in the pics

SIXTY POUNDS?????....for glass?

At least they're honest!  I wish it was as light as some other composite SOTs.  The new Current Design Kestrel is available in a hybrid lay up that comes in at honest 38 pounds, but there is essentially no utility. 

Any-who, just putting it out there to see if there is any interest here...I have received good interest from other places.  If your are interested there is a LOT more info and discussion here...http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/4126086261/m/2781085071

Sean,  You thinking about importing any other of their yaks?

Guys,  $1800 is the mid to low end for more traditional kayaks.  I'm thinking I could sell these in the Seattle market where they've not been introduced to SOT in general, let alone kayak fishing!!!

-Allen

Yes.  They have a lot of great yaks to offer.  Its all a matter of getting it out there and clearing customs post 911...they do look a lot like missle casings!

Want it lighter...its just money...

Sean, is South Africa closer than Australia?
Seriously,when I get my Tourer I am so not going to miss patching my fiberglass Nomad. The problem is that once you start wearing holes and patching, it's hard to get the patch to stay in well. When I drag my boat for even a short distance across gravel or sand, it can dislodge the patch. That may be lack of skill in doing the patch, but I use cloth and layer it up time after time. I have to add that my boat is old too, probably 70's, so a bit fragile I guess.
For someone who takes care of their toys (not me), the Kaz could be real nice, though my vote is for the Pelican. The Dorado looks uncomfortable with that big box between your legs. Definitely harder for diving from, I would think.
Like Blue, I could submit photos of the bondo bottom of my boat.
But maybe when I paddle plastic for awhile I'll have a different perspective on the "action" of fiberglass vs. plastic.
Anyway, good luck selling them; I'd love to try one.