OK Prowler Elite 4.5??

I was cruising the net and ran into the AU Ocean Kayak website and found a kayak I thought may or may not exist in the USA. The call it the Prowler Elite 4.5. http://oceankayak.com.au





It looks pretty much the same as the Prowler 15 angler version but the US site doesn't show much detail like the AU site does. Some really great features like the inserts and transducer well. Also has a cool link to some gear from Stephen Tapp http://www.stephentapp.com. Stringers, anchors, etc. Also love their insulated cover for the rear tankwell to keep the fish from too much exposure.
Not bad Snappers either!


Wouldn't mind taking this badboy for a spin! 
Z

yeah, we had a post about this some months ago.  You are right, it is not available in the US.  We're looking forward to the 2007 Prowler model which is due to come out for (or during) summer.

I do not know any details, but I think a few of the feature sof the 4.5 as well as other suggestions we anglers have made to OK will be included on the new Prowler 15.

Allen

yeah, we had a post about this some months ago.  You are right, it is not available in the US.  We're looking forward to the 2007 Prowler model which is due to come out for (or during) summer.

I do not know any details, but I think a few of the feature sof the 4.5 as well as other suggestions we anglers have made to OK will be included on the new Prowler 15.

Allen

Would be awesome! Can't wait. I like how it's aimed more seriously at the Kayak angler with real features and not just a regular kayak in green with a rodholder or two.
Z

I do not know any details, but I think a few of the feature sof the 4.5 as well as other suggestions we anglers have made to OK will be included on the new Prowler 15.

Allen
 

I'm looking forward to seeing this "improved prowler"

I'm keeping my fingers crossed 

Looks like a closer fix to what I'm looking for in a ocean kayak.
 

We're looking forward to the 2007 Prowler model which is due to come out for (or during) summer.

I do not know any details, but I think a few of the feature sof the 4.5 as well as other suggestions we anglers have made to OK will be included on the new Prowler 15.

Allen

I do not know any details, but I think a few of the feature sof the 4.5 as well as other suggestions we anglers have made to OK will be included on the new Prowler 15.

PolePole, you got any insider info?? Or are you sworn to secrecy? 
Z

Nope.  I'm in the dark as well.  scallen know more that me ...

-Allen

OK as a corporation plays it pretty close to the vest with design info.  LOng ago they requested suggestions from the pro fishing staff, and also accepted a bunch of info/suggestions from us at NCKA when the Prowler design was a topic.

At this point, we are all just "waiting to see" what the new prowler 15 is going to be.

Even Mike Mowrey, who Polepole and I 'work' for doesn't have early peek-a-boo privileges.

Allen

OK as a corporation plays it pretty close to the vest with design info.  LOng ago they requested suggestions from the pro fishing staff, and also accepted a bunch of info/suggestions from us at NCKA when the Prowler design was a topic.

At this point, we are all just "waiting to see" what the new prowler 15 is going to be.

Even Mike Mowrey, who Polepole and I 'work' for doesn't have early peek-a-boo privileges.

Allen

Oh yeah... we'll see  .  I love my P15... but I still would like OK to design a rectangular center hatch like the Cobra Marauder (but not quite as wide).  OK's designers missed that opportunity on the Big Game.  Also, that wet foot well and moat around the front hatch is still annoying.

I still consider the Prowler 15 to be one best all-around fishing kayaks.  I just want to see it get even better.

Oh yeah... we'll see  .  I love my P15... but I still would like OK to design a rectangular center hatch like the Cobra Marauder (but not quite as wide).  OK's designers missed that opportunity on the Big Game.  Also, that wet foot well and moat around the front hatch is still annoying.

Huh?  My Big Game has the rectangular center hatch.  And dry footwells.

-Allen

Yeah, I have a feeling  some of the design aspects from the big game will make it to the new Prowler 15.  As Polepole mentioned, the rec hatch and the draining footwells would be a good start.

I know it adds some weight, but I dig the battery shelf built in to the Big Game.  I'm sure they will add the enlarged scupper in front to take  a flush transducer.  The console cover I can take or leave, though it's nice to have it as an option.

Big game also has better drainage in the tankwell.  They would be nuts not to include that in a new design for the 15.


Allen

Yeah, I have a feeling  some of the design aspects from the big game..

I've been looking at kayaks and when I first saw the Big Game my impression was "that looks like a slightly heavier Pro-Explorer". How would you distinguish the two?

I'm in the market for a new yak this year, would you agree that I should probably wait till new models come out as there looks to be some significant improvements?

Oh yeah... we'll see  .  I love my P15... but I still would like OK to design a rectangular center hatch like the Cobra Marauder (but not quite as wide).  OK's designers missed that opportunity on the Big Game.  Also, that wet foot well and moat around the front hatch is still annoying.

Huh?  My Big Game has the rectangular center hatch.  And dry footwells.

-Allen

Allen... I took a closer look and the long oblong cover in the cockpit is merely a storage tray cover and doesn't provide thru-access into the hull.  That's where I personally would want access to store rods, etc.

Yours must have the optional square hatch near the crotch area.  It still looks like a tight spot to get long butted rods into.

Can you store all of your rods throught that small square hatch?

I guess it's better than no cockpit hatch at all.



If OK ever designs a new P15 with long rectangular cockpit hatch, I'm sure the Mooch and I will be trading up.

Also love their insulated cover for the rear tankwell to keep the fish from too much exposure.

That's a cool idea.  At one time, I thought of doing something like that to my P15 tankwell.  Without too much trouble, I'm sure we can rig up something similar for our existing stateside P15's.

Can you store all of your rods throught that small square hatch?

Hmm ... I'll have to try it and let you know.  I can't remember ever storing rods when I paddle the BG.   

-Allen