OK U4.3 vs P13T Angler?

Probably been asked before but I can't find it. So, how do i justify the cost difference given the 20% discount I can get on the P13TA currently through REI. Is the U4.3 that much ($800) better? Seems like I could seriously mod the P13TA for that kinda money... Maybe I should be asking what the U4.3 has that I can't duplicate on the P13TA for $800 (or less)???

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Probably been asked before but I can't find it. So, how do i justify the cost difference given the 20% discount I can get on the P13TA currently through REI. Is the U4.3 that much ($800) better? Seems like I could seriously mod the P13TA for that kinda money... Maybe I should be asking what the U4.3 has that I can't duplicate on the P13TA for $800 (or less)???

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

I would double check to see if the 20% off works on kayaks. Also maybe some of the dealers here can get you a similar deal while  keeping your money with a local shop.

I will try to post a review of the poss upgrades on the U-4.3 and the T-13
so you will have a ref on the two. There was a lot if thought put into the Ultra and it really shows. 
Fishing tomorrow, so will try to get it done on Monday.

I believe vwool is correct that REI 20% discount may exclude kayaks. As he suggested, it may be better to go to your local kayak shop to see if they'd be willing to work with you. I was able to get mine w/ Ultra rudder for $1400

I've got both the T13 and the Ultra4.3. However, I haven't personally taken the Ultra out otw because I'm currently doing some mods on it and will have some posts on it soon.

It may be hard to justify paying $800(more/less) for the Ultra, especially when you can fork a few hundred more for a Hobie Revo. I was initially planning to purchase a Hobie Revo to compliment my T13, knowing that having your hands free while yak fishing is ideal. However when the Ultra 4.3 was introduced, the Revo had to wait. What can I say...... I'm a paddler at heart!!

There are quite a few changes between the T13 and the Ultra4.3, both significant as well as minor details.

• Size/Weight: Although the Ultra is 7" longer at 14'1" vs the T13 13'6", the Ultra feels significantly LIGHTER than the T13. I believe the main reason for that is the built-in molded handles, as it makes it easier to carry this kayak. Although I've had my T13 for just a yr and half, I've already had the annoyance to replace both handles due to it ripping. The other reason for the Ultra's easy-to-carry/lighter weight feel is the placement of the handles. The T13 handles are not placed well where the balance of the weight when carrying is uneven, and shifted more toward the rear.
• Rudder: The Ultra rudder is different from the Trident rudder, as shown in pics below
  Trident's rudder
  
  Ultra's rudder
  
  I love the new sleek design of the Ultra rudder, especially since I'm always paddling and tying up in kelp beds. The Ultra rudder does not have the extra bottom portion like the Trident rudder which at times can get caught up with the fishing line and kelp. Basically.....the less obstructions/tangles in the water, the better for the fisherman and the Ultra rudder reduces some of this. ONE NOTE: I was told by the OK dealer that the Ultra 4.3 rudder may be difficult to get in the states since this rudder was made for NZ. The only place that I know so far that offers the Ultra 4.3 rudder is Austin Kayaks.
• Design: The design of the Ultra was created with the intention of surf launches /landings. The bow of the Ultra is more sharper/thinner/narrower than that of the Trident, as well as having the Ultra's nose shaped a lil more upward. The hull design also allows the yak to catch speed/accelerate quickly with just a few strokes. All of these features help allow the yak cut through the surf, punch out of the water, and get your ass out quicker from the surf zone. Once I have this yak all setup, I'm going to do some tests at some local surfbreaks.
• Mod Pod: I do love the Ultra's rotating mod pod a lot, in that I can install my FF on it and rotate/store whenever not in use. It's got quite a few placements to install/screw accessories to the mod pod, but I don't feel comfortable of its strength to hold rod holders onto it, especially if doing ocean trolling.
  fhf
• Transducer scupper: Ultra has a separate transducer scupper made to fit various transducers whereas the Trident uses it's foot scupper to run only one allowable transducer, the XTH 9 20 P thru-hull transducer. This limits the types of FF to install on the Trident, whereas I'm able to install an array of FF like the Humminbird 597 HD DI (btw, thanks Dean! ) The other disadvantage of having a transducer running through the foot well is the slow drainage of water there. I get a lil nervous when I have to punch through the surf and have had the entire area completely filled with water, as I'm scooping frantically the excessive water lol
• Other details: Ultra's foot well allows you to store anything from a drinking bottle, fishing accessories/lures, as well as litter; click seal hatch that easily opens/closes and locks; as well as others that I don't have time to list now

I bought the Ultra knowing that most of my fishing is done from the ocean as well as most of them being surf launches from some exposed surf/rocky areas. Having a kayak that was made specifically for this type of fishing is why I chose this over the Revo. So if you're a serious ocean angler with plans to do lotsa surf launches, ya may wanna consider the Ultra. If not, the Trident is still an awesome yak! And with $800(more/less), ya definitely can do some pimpin stuff!! 

I'll post mods on my Ultra 4.3 in the near future.

I have a 4.7 and a T13. A few minor changes to the 4.7 and you essentially have a 4.3 (hatch, length, rudder not standard, etc..).

I think they are both outstanding kayaks that get the job done. Right now I am digging the 4.7 because it is my new toy. However if I did not get an awesome deal on it I would not have bought it.

To answer your question for the justification of an additional $800 for the 4.3. I honestly do not have one.

I am real curious about the 4.3. My biggest concern is the add on rod tube seems small compared to the T13 hull access.

Any feedback on this?

I've am real curious about the 4.3. My biggest concern is the add on rod tube seems small compared to the T13 hull access.

Any feedback on this?

I have a 4.7 and I find it somewhat hard to get the rods in and out of the rod tube.  I'm not sure that it bothers me that much as I would only stow them when going through the surf.  There are 3 things to weigh in my mind: cost, the rod stowing, and paddling.  You have a handle on the cost, stowing is a little tougher and the space is more limited,  but I the 4.3 will probably paddle better than a T13.

I've am real curious about the 4.3. My biggest concern is the add on rod tube seems small compared to the T13 hull access.

Any feedback on this?

I have a 4.7 and I find it somewhat hard to get the rods in and out of the rod tube.  I'm not sure that it bothers me that much as I would only stow them when going through the surf.  There are 3 things to weigh in my mind: cost, the rod stowing, and paddling.  You have a handle on the cost, stowing is a little tougher and the space is more limited,  but I the 4.3 will probably paddle better than a T13.

I have stowed 4 rigged rods and reels on my T13 for surf launches and re-entries.  I love this feature.  I've been dying to demo a 4.3 and as far as I know only MBK offers this.  Kinda tough for me cause its a 90 mile drive from Fremont.
I've test paddled a friends 4.7 and don't need a boat that long.  Maybe the 4.3 will be available at Paddle Fest.

I am real curious about the 4.3. My biggest concern is the add on rod tube seems small compared to the T13 hull access.

Any feedback on this?

Mel, you are correct in that the Ultra 4.3 rod tube is much smaller compared to the T13 hull access. There are several things to be aware of with this rod tube:

• You can fit only 3 rods max (w/o reels) or 2 rods (w/ reels) into the rod tube.
• The longest rod ALLOWABLE to be stored is 6'9". If you've got a 6'10" rod, you won't be able to get your rod in.
• The rods have to be stored inside tip first, which makes it a lil difficult/awkward to store when the reel is still on the rod. Also, some rods with longer rod handles (such as jigging rods) may not fit because the rod handle will not bend (like the rod itself) to maneuver into the tube.
• Unlike the Ultra 4.7, the rod tube does not come standard on the Ultra 4.3. It's also a REAL pain in the ass to install the rod tube, which left me with many cuts/scratches on my arm

I believe that Craig said he considered cutting out the Ultra 4.7's center compartment so that it can be more accessible/open like its predecessors. If anyone has done this yet, I would love to see how that turned out. I'm not thrilled at drilling/cutting holes

• Unlike the Ultra 4.7, the rod tube does not come standard on the Ultra 4.3. It's also a REAL pain in the ass to install the rod tube, which left me with many cuts/scratches on my arm

Bought mine in January and I had to pay another $80 I think for the rod tube.  I had to install it myself.  Maybe it depends on who you buy it from.

Daniel / Morgan - I appreciate your feedback.

Thank you all for your input. Looking like it's the T13 for me. Now, who to buy from? I tried Yakhopper but he couldn't get it in yellow or sunrise and I gotta have high vis... I'm in the north bay (Santa Rosa), any ideas? I'd prefer a kayak fishing shop rather than a paddling shop. And of course a good deal would be nice.

Thank you all for your input. Looking like it's the T13 for me. Now, who to buy from? I tried Yakhopper but he couldn't get it in yellow or sunrise and I gotta have high vis... I'm in the north bay (Santa Rosa), any ideas? I'd prefer a kayak fishing shop rather than a paddling shop. And of course a good deal would be nice.

Eric (yakhopper) couldn't get a T13 in yellow or sunrise???? odd. Maybe its because inventory should be switching over soon to make room for the new models, if it has not already happened.