The quickest kayak?

Cobra Eliminator? Or whatever that slick old Cobra was called.
I also recall some Heritage brand kayak that was considered fast.

But it seems odd that (more than) half of these kayaks are no longer in production. It's almost like the MFGs have become disillusioned by supposed market demands...and the idea that consumers don't want fast kayaks. Kayak speed is an important factor. Maybe it needs to be proven to them...that there's a niche market for speedster SOTs. Best evidence available is the increasing popularity of Stealth brand, and other surfski's in general (but are they even listening; seems like some of these MFGs couldn't identify the pulse of this market even if their company's success depended on it).

That is why we keep the Tarpon line and I am sure why OK keeps there Tridents/prowler. 16' all the way baby!!!
Not everyone is looking for a fishing kayak. They just want to paddle, but on an SOT, not the SIS touring kayaks.

But it seems odd that (more than) half of these kayaks are no longer in production. It's almost like the MFGs have become disillusioned by supposed market demands...and the idea that consumers don't want fast kayaks. Kayak speed is an important factor. Maybe it needs to be proven to them...that there's a niche market for speedster SOTs. Best evidence available is the increasing popularity of Stealth brand, and other surfski's in general (but are they even listening; seems like some of these MFGs couldn't identify the pulse of this market even if their company's success depended on it).

I suspect that the manufacturers are pretty keyed into the pulse of the market, and have figured out that most recreational sea kayakers and kayak anglers don't have much kayaking experience and are more concerned about stability and the ability to stand up while fishing than they are about speed.  Consequently, the majority of sit-inside kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks are kind of wide and slow.

What I can't figure out is all the kayaks which are being produced with really high seats, which look really unstable.  I have 31 years of whitewater kayaking experience, and when I'm in a kayak, I want my butt to be as close to the keel as possible.  There are apparently a lot of kayak buyers out there who are more concerned about the comfort of a high lawn-chair style seat than they are about the risk that the high lawn-chair style seat may dump them in the water if they encounter any significant waves.

There are apparently a lot of kayak buyers out there who are more concerned about the comfort of a high lawn-chair style seat than they are about the risk that the high lawn-chair style seat may dump them in the water if they encounter any significant waves.

^^^trendy

Dude, you need a girlfriend......

Rich, have you not seen any of the pictures Terry posts?  He has a high quality harem going. 

In all seriousness, I'm pretty sure Terry is in a long term relationship although I don't keep close tabs on him.

I have a choice, between racing vintage kayaks or cuddlin with a lady, I'm goin duck hunting

I never did understand that

 Where were all these boat suggestions when the pre-race thread was active?
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=70061.0

As mentioned in that thread, I wanted to focus on those 12'-16' root-molded "fishing" SOTs.
I needed to set some parameters to help me keep this project clean and simple.
It will be easy to expand "the race" after I find out which is the fastest of these boats.

Is there a reason why you're not considering the ocean kayak sprinter?

The OK Sprinter is 17' and was never marketed as a fishing boat. If you have experience fishing out of this boat, some pictures would be great. I like to see boats from other disciplines used for fishing.

Cobra Eliminator? Or whatever that slick old Cobra was called.
I also recall some Heritage brand kayak that was considered fast.

But it seems odd that (more than) half of these kayaks are no longer in production. It's almost like the MFGs have become disillusioned by supposed market demands...and the idea that consumers don't want fast kayaks. Kayak speed is an important factor. Maybe it needs to be proven to them...that there's a niche market for speedster SOTs. Best evidence available is the increasing popularity of Stealth brand, and other surfski's in general (but are they even listening; seems like some of these MFGs couldn't identify the pulse of this market even if their company's success depended on it).

 I wanted to have a fast Cobra product on the list but it was the Expedition that I thought was the most similar in class. Unfortunately it is a 18 footer.
I look at the Eliminator (16'6") as a ski, but you're right PK, there are boats that have a lot of strong ski qualities that are showing a presence now in kayak fishing. Its pretty exciting.

 I noticed that someone chose the Malibu Express. It really shouldn't be over looked.
Especially in a sprint like this.
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=70157.msg793459#msg793459

Things look grim but Ill keep searching.

I am kind of surprised that nobody chose the WS Freedom 15.
It reminds me of a longer Disco.

But it seems odd that (more than) half of these kayaks are no longer in production. It's almost like the MFGs have become disillusioned by supposed market demands...and the idea that consumers don't want fast kayaks. Kayak speed is an important factor. Maybe it needs to be proven to them...that there's a niche market for speedster SOTs. Best evidence available is the increasing popularity of Stealth brand, and other surfski's in general (but are they even listening; seems like some of these MFGs couldn't identify the pulse of this market even if their company's success depended on it).

I suspect that the manufacturers are pretty keyed into the pulse of the market, and have figured out that most recreational sea kayakers and kayak anglers don't have much kayaking experience and are more concerned about stability and the ability to stand up while fishing than they are about speed.  Consequently, the majority of sit-inside kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks are kind of wide and slow.

What I can't figure out is all the kayaks which are being produced with really high seats, which look really unstable.  I have 31 years of whitewater kayaking experience, and when I'm in a kayak, I want my butt to be as close to the keel as possible.  There are apparently a lot of kayak buyers out there who are more concerned about the comfort of a high lawn-chair style seat than they are about the risk that the high lawn-chair style seat may dump them in the water if they encounter any significant waves.

Have you tried using one of the lawn chairs in the elevated position?

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=60375.msg678853#msg678853

Sure, its a higher COG, but the fishing/casting benefits are undeniable and its fun.
Getting dumped into the water has never been that big of a deal for me. I just get back on.

Cool topic.  I want to paddle these boats and will try to come to Blue Lakes for some heats if you need a paddle fanatic.   

 Thats sounds great Eric. Maybe a day on Blue Lakes and a day of fishing Clear Lake?
You have place a to stay.  If BrianG is interested in a road trip with the Freedom 15, it could turn into a productive weekend.

Where am I going?  .

I'm overweight and out of shape and an old tear in my right erector spinae has ended my fast and nimble days and kayaking in general.

 Sorry to hear that you're not able to swing away right now Brian.
It's possible that we might be getting older. Im trying to recover from an injury too and its taking longer than I had hoped. Im still able to do light training but there is still pain. 

 Still hoping to catch up with you when I head down for a Stanislaus run.
Do you have a picture of the Freedom15?







 

Thats sounds great Eric. Maybe a day on Blue Lakes and a day of fishing Clear Lake?
You have place a to stay.

Thanks, Terry.  I've been considering incorporating a race into the GS weekend...

I know you guys are planning to restrict your speed tests to paddle kayaks.  But there are a lot of kayak anglers who use pedal kayaks, myself included.  I'm wondering, and I'm sure that others are wondering, how the widely used pedal kayaks would stack up against the speedy paddle kayaks you are planning to test.  For example, how fast is a Hobie Outback, which is a wide tubby kayak better known for being stable than for being fast, compared to a fast paddle kayak? I encourage you to include a couple of pedal kayaks in your tests.  I'm sure you'd get plenty of volunteers who are wiling to show up and put the "pedal to the metal" (or pedal to the plastic) to find out how their pedal kayak stacks up against fast paddle kayaks.

Tried to quote, but too difficult on my phone.
But speaking of the Sprinter...here's one for sale: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/boa/5442548434.html

The Expedition and the Eliminator .