Old Town Predator or Ocean Kayak Trident 13

I think the predator is better on nice slow river with occasional rapids than the Trident 13 would be.

I think the Trident 13 is better on the ocean by far.  and faster.

Predator is more comfy.

Trident is faster and hull handles big chop and swells.

More ocean/bay fishing?  Trident.

More river/stream/lake?  Predator.

Both are GREAT boats!  And both will work for you in either scenario.

Bushy

Before I comment, know that I am a pro staffer for O.K./Old Town ;0)
I have many yaks, and use each for different types of water.
I have over a dozen days on the San Joaquin river with the Predator this year, and have the many more with the Trident-13. In my opinion, the predator is one of the best boats you can have for a river situation, but agree, if you are going to hit the salt, the T-13 would be a better all around yak. Also, you will find the T-13 much easier to load.
Hope this helps, feel free to call me with any questions or if you would like to demo my Predator, ( sorry, I sold the T-13). 
Eric / Yakhopper
(559)284-4299

      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     

   Pffffftttt,    Well I was going to just say " MUCH more stable AND FASTER than a Trident... but didn't wish to cause any bruises to some of you sensitive and loyal Pro-staff guys.     
       And you know,,,  " Stony"  was in a 16' Scupper Pro that time.     Like racing a VW bug against a Camaro.     
   
    Raptor against a Trident ?   Oh yeah,,,,  Bring it ON.     Two 13' kayaks  both similar weight,,,  I'll be bringing two to Albion.  Want to put some money on this one?   
    How about in the afternoon when the wind is up.   ...???
     

It would take a faster paddler than me to win that race, that's for sure........ I had a client beat me back to the harbor once, paddling BACKWARDS.  That's why I always try to put clients in the Trident 11.....(Only kidding, no I'm not)

Bushé

You guys are great
Love the input

Any other comments, I love the comments from NCKA

In the end demo both boats, try loading both in your vehicle by yourself, do a self rescue on both.  pick less than ideal conditions.  stability of a boat can sometime be over rated, versus level of skill.  If you have no skill a sheet of plywood feels very stable, if you have a lot of skill a kayak that has a hydrafoil is the uiltimate high (yes they are out there, but not for fishing). 

I still think if a raptor and a hobie had a love child it would be the ultimate fihsing kayak

Weight is something to consider. A lot easier to haul the 60 lb. Trident 13 anywhere than the 86 lb. Predator. In spite of the heavier weight the Predator has 50 lbs. less capacity and both factors contribute to it performance in the water compared to the lighter, more bouyant, and narrower Trident 13.

I also like the sonar shield designed into the Trident 13. Lots of examples of how easy this makes adding a fish finder to the boat.

The only plus for the Predator is the seat which may be critical if you have big hips and need the extra width.

I

I still think if a raptor and a hobie had a love child it would be the ultimate fihsing kayak