Best paddling boat for speed...for the money

Here is another option
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=52306.0

This boat is not for everyone, but it is the fastest of my fishing boats, including the T160.

Last year I had the opportunity to paddle the Kraken prototype and while I enjoyed the glide and the very smart layout, it was not as fast as the T160. The production models may be lighter and faster though.

Here are my fishing boats and you can compare the Disco vs the T140 and T160.
I hope this helps and good luck in your quest for speed.

Hmm....really interesting.  I wish they made a 16 footer.

It seems like this boat is kinda low volume.  Do you think this will handle a 200 lb guy and associated salt water fishing gear?  It seems to sit a bit low-which may be good (one reason why it's fast).

This is why I got my Tarpon 160! (and for less than I sold my X13 might I add )

Whether or not the Scupper Pro is microscopically faster, I can't stand how they're rigged. No center hatch, small tank well, foot molds, and the front hatch closes with clips and straps rather than the nice WS hatches. 160 has really nice hatches, a huge tank well, a NICE seat and these neat pockets under your knees.

No brainer for me!

+1 on Tarpon's speed... The older edition is even faster, but not as nice on the hatches.

I love my 09 Tarpon 140, but these boats are difficult for more heavy-set people.

This looks like an interesting kayak, just not sold here:

Barracuda Kayaks Pro Fish:


And the companies Website: 
http://www.barracudakayaks.com/products-2/sot-fish-pro/

Hard to beat a T-160 for the money. I'd like to hear what RacinRob says about paddling the T-160 vs paddling, not pedaling, the Hobie Adventure. Not that anyone buys a Hobie to paddle but I think the Adventure paddles pretty well & pretty soon there will be a lot of used ones available for sale. Still won't beat a T-160 on price though.

   What's the hurry ?   

I've never paddled an adventure. I would be willing to try though.

The production version of the thresher has been trimmed down in the nose. It will not be as fast as a Tarpon.

A rudder for a Wildy boat is about $200 or so. Look at Harmonygear.com for pricing.

I haven't paddled any of the options on your list and I am new to the kayak world do take my advice with a grain of salt.... With that said you should check out the Viking profish. It's the fastest boat I've paddled and set up well for fishing, not to mention the the price is very competitive. It's also very light and easily managed by one person.

here ya go!.... 

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/boa/4643607781.html

I would agree with Shop Rat. Speed for the $ Viking Pro Fish Reload is a super nice option. It's faster than my Necky Dolphin and more stable. Plus it can do this!

I would agree with Shop Rat. Speed for the $ Viking Pro Fish Reload is a super nice option. It's faster than my Necky Dolphin and more stable. Plus it can do this!

Dan, I hate to be the one to tell you but Viking is not showing you any love, no USA dealers listed.

I would agree with Shop Rat. Speed for the $ Viking Pro Fish Reload is a super nice option. It's faster than my Necky Dolphin and more stable. Plus it can do this!

Dan, I hate to be the one to tell you but Viking is not showing you any love, no USA dealers listed.

I just checked I see it on there. http://www.vikingkayaks.co.nz/stores?region=869

We are one of their newer dealers, but we brought in a fairly large stock. We are pretty stoked on the kayak so far. We have had it on the coast both paddling and fishing, we also had one of our guys take it on a 14 day kayaking trip across yellowstone lake. So far the reviews have been very positive. Classic lines, with modern features.

There are a few great boats out there that fit this nitch, but this one defiantly deserves a test paddle.

Retail on the Reload is $1299 $1499 with rudder. We have a demo of each for $950 no rudder and $1100 with rudder.

Clavey Paddle Shop in Petaluma just bought some of the few remaining Trident 15's from the factory. 850.00 + tax out the door. Yellow only. Ive paddled one of these for years and they are an awesome boat. Stable and laid out for the fisherman. You wont find a new boat of this size and quality anywhere for this price.

 I don't have any time in this boat but it has my interest and might be another boat that is light enough and quick enough for you. The Malibu Express
 I have owned the earlier evolution of this platform and enjoyed it. The 4.4 was quick but did not have a lot of momentum glide. It also wasn't meant for fishing and struggled to support any extra gear.
The Express has more volume but still has a sliver like shape. I may have to have one.
KFM has some info that might help too.
http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/325-in-the-news/1521-malibu-unveils-express.html

Fishing SOT Paddlefest
Why dont we ask club member to get together and share each others kayaks for a test?
As I read this speed money question I see some I would like to try? I didnt even know some of the models are even available.
I am looking for new fishing model and tired of driving all over to try something out
We could make a list of each kayak model currently available and ask members to sign up to bring there's to share.
Suggest a couple of each difrent models to test and folks rsvp for what they would like to try out???

Open to club members and there accompied friends.
Possible Half Moon Bay on a Saturday with good high tide?
I will put my Trident 13 up for who ever would like to try?

I have never known fast and cheap to go together??