Viking profish review

So I was talked into taking a demo Viking profish from Dan at headwaters after checking it out on the floor. This is one well thought out yak!  All kinds of add ons that the other brands don't include.

 The demo I took out had four flush mounts, one on each side in front and two behind the seat. It also had two Railblaza rod holders in the front of the center pod ( these are similar to Scotty with a few cool features). It has a very nice center pod that completely removes with a sealed compartment for your fish finder leading to a spot for your transducer so it doesn't have to shoot thru your hull. There is an easy to access front hatch that is angled back a little for better access on the water. It also has a chill pod on the back which was my favorite feature, stuff it with ice and it's a perfect spot for a ton of 'paddling fuel', or your day catch.

Once we got the boat on the water I kicked my brother out for a few minutes to get a feel of how it paddles. Now I'm pretty new to the kayak world so keep that in mind but to me it feels like a good intermediate level kayak as far as stability. Don't get me wrong it is plenty stabile but I paddle a cuda 14 and I could stand on one side and not flip!  Anyway getting up to speed this yak moves! Very little effort to keep going all I could think of is the miles I could put in it trollin for salmon!  It seemed to track well also, and cut through the water nicely.  Once we got out of the water it was obvious how light this kayak is especially compared to the cuda at 74lbs. Don't have a weight for the Viking but its light and has really nice handles front rear and hard handles on the sides. Overall my brother and I really enjoyed this yak, and if you're in the market for one (aren't we all?) this one's definitely worth a look!! 

Forgot to mention it also has three small bait live wells with quarter turn lids( two behind the seat and one between your legs. There is also a nice built in wood cutting board on the center pod.

Looks like a pretty cool yak.  What's the price point?

Looks like a pretty cool yak.  What's the price point?

$1,349.00 for the reload
http://www.austinkayak.com/products/14867/Viking-Kayaks-Profish-Reload-Kayak.html

$1,179.00 for the 400 lite
http://www.austinkayak.com/products/14865/Viking-Kayaks-Profish-400-Lite-Kayak.html

$269 for the rudder isn't bad

Don't know what headwaters has them priced but it seemed competitive with that.

Thanks for the review. ACK lists the Profish Reload at 64 lbs. Pretty impressive for 440 lb capacity.

How choppy was the water when you took it out (looks glassy in that pic)? The ACK description states: "The design of the bow provides plenty of lift so it doesn't bog down in rough coastal conditions"

I'd love to try one of these out soon.

That was inside the harbor. It was a little choppy in the afternoon but actually a really nice day.

Here is a pic of the condition later

Our prices are same as Austin Canoe and Kayaks. Our container is set to arrive today or tomorrow. Both the Profish Reload and 400 are available for demo. I'm pretty stoked to have it in the quiver. Its kinds like a Scupper pro and a T-15 made a baby. The deck layout is very cool, and the tackle pod is legit.

i'd love to learn more about how well the rudder works. it seems to only barely enter the water, making for safer landings.

i'd love to learn more about how well the rudder works. it seems to only barely enter the water, making for safer landings.

Also makes going over Kelp 100% easier.

Ok so updating this thread.... I couldn't get this kayak off my mind! So I bought it!  I have had this out a couple times now and it really grew on me. I now leave the cuda at home or bring it for my buddy and I fish from the Viking!  Surf launch is freaking AWSOME it jumps right over the waves and gets up to speed in a hurry. I also took this out to dive and the low profile made it really easy to get in and out of from the water.  The center pod hatch was easily accessed from the water as well. Now the madness continues gettin it rigged the way I want!

If I hadn't seen the thresher 155 I would own one of the reloads... I might still get one just 'cause they are very cool. Paddles well and like my thresher, the removable electronics pod IS really great! Go see Dan!!!

I am kinda into this kayak... A Scupper Pro and. t15 had a baby?, sounds great... I need to paddle one.
-Amos

I am kinda into this kayak... A Scupper Pro and. t15 had a baby?, sounds great... I need to paddle one.
-Amos

I have one in my garage. If I can swing Anchor Bay I'll bring it up for you to paddle.