Old Town Predator or Ocean Kayak Trident 13

Hi Everyone

I'm still looking to buy my first kayak and I have it narrowed down to the Old Town Predator and the Ocean Kayak Trident 13

Looking for feedback from anyone and everyone.

Thanks in advance

My experience is that they are two very different kayaks.

The Predator is more stable, but bigger and much heavier. Slower.

Trident 13 would be faster, less stable (sort of.. it's not that simple though), faster.

The seat in Predator is probably leaps ahead. Lots of people sleep in them on overnight trips. Probably not as easily doable on a Trident 13.

Probably only way to decide is to paddle both of them. Personally I'd like to have both for whatever mood I'm in.

       
       I like that they're made in USA

                      What is it you like about them? 

T13 if you plan on hitting the ocean, predator for the lakes. Try them out first.

Not sure what the problem is with P13 in the ocean. I've had no issues at all so far...

I want to be able to do the Russian River and the Ocean

I want to be able to do the Russian River and the Ocean

demo them 1st. you need to feel comfortable. T13 is popular Ocean Kayak and can go fresh water too of course.
I saw Predators in ocean too so you need to try first and see what is more comfortable for you

I want to be able to do the Russian River and the Ocean

The predator is a nice boat and defiantly seaworthy, but I believe perhaps a bit "sluggish" for the fast pace of river kayaking. Defiantly much more comfortable though and heavy.

      Rivers  Oceans,,,   Take a demo on a Santa Cruz Kayaks Raptor,   Stability of a  Predator with the speed of a Trident.

      Rivers  Oceans,,,   Take a demo on a Santa Cruz Kayaks Raptor,   Stability of a  Predator with the speed of a Trident.

For disclosure, Baitman is designer, builder and owner of Santa Cruz Kayaks.  A number of NCKA's really like his boats.



But, "Speed of a Trident?"

Are we going to make you race against Stone Cold Craig Davis again?


Bushy     

      Rivers  Oceans,,,   Take a demo on a Santa Cruz Kayaks Raptor,   Stability of a  Predator with the speed of a Trident.

For disclosure, Baitman is designer, builder and owner of Santa Cruz Kayaks.  A number of NCKA's really like his boats.



But, "Speed of a Trident?"

Are we going to make you race against Stone Cold Craig Davis again?


Bushy     

Craig can paddle backwards to make it closer this time.

Russian River barely has any current  only some parts do, but that's because the river is narrow.

The Trident will be more versatile than the Predator and probably a better river boat. Have you checked out the Predator MX yet...I've heard good things about it's performance in moving water.

And I think the Raptor is probably just as fast as a T13 on open water....I've actually paddled both yaks, so this is not just speculation; it's an informed opinion!   

Russian River barely has any current  only some parts do, but that's because the river is narrow.

True in the summertime.  Not necessarily true in the winter.  And also depends on the section.

-Allen

I  have  the  ocean kayak prowler big game 2 as well as the trident 13. The big game 2 is similar to the Predator in my opinion.  The prowler 2 is noticeably SLOWER than the trident 13. That being said you need to decide what is more important , fishing comfort and stability or performance and maneuverability. I do not stand in my kayak so I choose performance and ease of paddling instead. The prowler big game 2 is more comfortable to sit in and fish but way more fatiguing to paddle any distance or battling wind and current.  All around I give the nod to the trident 13. Hope this helps you out.