Kayak line looking for a CA dealer... RTM Kayaks (France)

My buddy Nate is looking for a yak and I am helping him.  Ran across rave reviews for RTM boats, mostly from folks in FL.

Rotomod did the molds for the early OK's and is cranking out boats in Europe.  However, they have had a hard time finding a good dealer here as home (tried 3 times, not sure why it didn't work out, as there are happy dealers on the east coast).  The US rep for them is based in WA.

We know OK (US) discontinued the venerable Scupper Pro (to the horror of many SP fans worldwide - errr, okay in the US, like me) but RTM produces them new and even slightly improved.   They have deckline included, carry handles, standard deck fitting mounts molded in(!), no scupper holes in seat (most folks plug 'em), and the angler comes with 2 flush-mount rod-holders w/caps.  Not to mention, they retail for US$679 (base) and $699 (angler) - called the Tempo/Tempo Angler, I believe the front hatch is included.  Does it look familiar?  It's basically the same mold - OK never fully bought it out, 56 lbs, 15' long, 26" beam.  The front of the console lacks a compass mount platform, and the tankwell is smaller and streamlined (I have my TW storage system clipped and mounted anyway).



The other most popular model - the Disco - comes in an angler version.  It's built for even more speed, has venturi style self-draining scuppers (drain while under way), and the design is like no other SOT.  These are in high demand for a plastic SOT, 49 lbs, 14' length, 26" beam.  But the front hatch seems too small to fit a big halibut into - you'd bungee it on top to land.  Otherwise, sweet....  Retails for only $549, angler version $579, wow... but the hatch is $40 extra. 

reviewed by the infamous (on the East Coast) Capt Jimbo...  Supposed to be very fast...
http://www.ftlauderdaleyakfishingclub.org/RTM/rtmdisco.html



Other yaks:  http://www.rtmkayaks.com

Gotta get them shipped from FL now if you want one - expect around $160 shipping.  But no tax....

Email dealer inquiries to [email protected]

I want another Pro/Tempo!

RTM may be a good source for a new and improved Scupper Pro in the mainland US. However the rest of the world, and apparently Hawaii as well, can get brand new OK Scuppers Pros direct from OK in NZ/Australia:

http://www.oceankayak.co.nz/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=9&Itemid=33
http://www.oceankayak.co.nz/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=10&Itemid=34

Now I'd be happy to have a fresh Scupper Twin hatch. I'm really liking the way the Scupper Classic is laid out, but I'm thinking it's just a teensy bit small for me.

Scott

Scott, not surprised you replied first!   I know you like the 2-hatcher classic - I just like me a tankwell...  But shipping from overseas is an issue....

What I'd really like is to open a store to sell RTM boats!  Who's in? 
Someone with more than $276 in the bank now, I hope.... 

Tried to get them to send me a free boat to show off at HMB derby for publicity.  I don't think they will go for it...

Anyone wanna be an RTM dealer?  Anyone, anyone? 

If you are interested Go Bananas on Oahu ships the two hatch version from NZ to Hawaii he says he has shiped them to CA for other guys.  He has worked with the NZ company and had them make the modifications that were done just before they stoped makeing them in the states.  He also said he could get the 4.5s if any one is interested.
Ed

I have looked into them, but dealing with stuff shipped from overseas is a major hassle...BTDT.

Sean - ha, I gave Molly @ RTM the link to your site and told her to check you out... Oh well!
I thought it may have been you who ot Macski into the HMB mix...

They need a western US distribution center, like in Las Vegas or Socal or something.  I don't think they have one.

Ed, mahalo, good to know!  I asked Bob @ twogoodkayaks in HI and he said shipping from him to mainland was about $160 also.   I think we have a new version of a P15 coming out that should somewhat reflect the Elite 4.5...  Mooch would know more about this.

Craig

Thanks Craig.

that disco is a direct rip off of the t160, craig, what's up with you, are you abusing expresso or somethin? 

Craig,

How much do you know about what it would take to open a store and sell these yaks?  I am interested as I recently cashed out some stock options and need to invest before I spend the money on lours and other small items and gagets I do not need.  Would we need a physical store or maybe just a storage area for boats and internet site?  What kind of investment would it take.

The thought of running a kayak business sounds very attactive.  You have captured my imagination.  Not the least of which those boats look nice and I am looking for something new to replace my 12+ year old Scupper with multiple patches etc.

Etienne

John yes, the lines look similar to the shape of the T160, but the boat is 20 lbs lighter, 2 feet shorter (which mean it will be substantially faster), not to mention about $500 cheaper.

Etienne, I agree - I think there's a big market for these, as the price point is low, and the quality is supposed to be quite high.  I am sure eventually a storefront would be needed, but for starters perhaps a storage/webpage setup might work.  The manufacturer usually has requirements about that, as it's their brand and any marketing/distribution support on the line.   I don't have any capital, or I'd already be working on what you suggested (of course I'd be interested in participating in any other way).

I am currently building a relationship with the Rep (she is in Germany now, so hours are off) and will let her know that you would like information.  I believe I will be able to get a boat out here - we are discussing it - not saure if it will be in time for HMB. 

As soon as I learn more, I will let you know.

Thanks!

Craig

craig,  why do you respond to me like your my equal???  your still a newbie in my book.  really now?  what the f do you know about any kayak except the scupper?  do not talk differences between tarpon 160's and whatever that thing is.   your gonna get someone killed with your newbie advice so be f'in careful.  and yes, i quit smoking cig's so beware my moodiness.  jtf..

 

Jtf, c'mon you know I've always maintained that you're the man...  I ain't arguing that!   

Never said I paddled anything else, nor that it would be as stable as T160, nor a fine boat for newbies... I'm just spitting back out what I've read from other folk who have paddled both and can make a direct comparison...  I gave up the link to one of those...   

..and I'm no scientist either, but I'd have to think that 20 lbs and 2 feet less of waterline should make a measurable difference in speed.  Not sure how that observation's gonna get anyone killed...

At least give me props for not encouraging the first time surfers not to go learn launching at BH       I'll leave that sort of thing to the experts to say...

Congrats on quitting cigs! 

Dammit, I wanna give you one now...  grrr...

Shorter boat=slower boat

allen

Allen, thanks and I am certainly not in the position to disagree with you either, about anything I can think of.

I was just echoing what this bloke said:

"Factor #1: Long enough

Here in SE Florida most of our fishing opportunities are typically within a mile or so of launch. There are a few places where a couple miles (one way) is in order. And of course you can (and should) fish near your launch area and to and from your target. The point: you don't need a touring yak. My feelings: about 14 ft.

Why? You don't need the speed, distance or wetted surface of a 16+ ft. touring length. At the moderate speeds most all of use employ a shorter yak will accelerate faster, paddle easier and often faster."

http://www.ftlauderdaleyakfishingclub.org/reviews.html
 
EDIT
due to subsequent comments in thread - a quote from the same guy who said the above:

"Remember speed is determined by waterline length, so the Tarpon 160 is faster than a Scambler XT. "

So yes, in absolute terms, of course, Allen is right - sorry if what I posted initially seemed to contradict that.

Here is the context, "Yak Design 101," which I should have posted:

http://ftlauderdaleyakfishingclub.org/yakdesign101.html