Attn: Trident owners or test drivers

As an owner of 3 OK kayaks, I really appreciate their interest in customer feedback and the Trident is a testimony to the fact that they listen.

Who did OK listen to for the sonar shield?

Hey Potto -

I shouldn't be overcritical of the sonar shield yet since I just mounted the FF in my trident. My first impression was that it was designed for use with Hummingbird equipment and was less adaptable to other equipment and limited rigging options for other electronics, forward rod holders and deck compass.  However, because the center of the cockpit is raised due to the rod pod, the FF would sit fairly high if it weren't for the depressed compartment making it vulnerable in a beach roll over. The sonar shield does provide a nice protected compartment for the FF without having to detach the wires which is good because it keeps sand out of the connector. Since I get thrashed in the surf regularly, this is a good thing. I am not sure my GPS will function with the shield propped over the top but will be testing it soon. The bottom line is that I may come to love it. 

scott

I wouldn't want to spend much more than I did on my Hobie, but would definitely consider dropping the cash on a light, fast, stable kayak with good rod storage.  The rod pod on the Trident is great.

In general, it sure seems like kayak mfg are focusing in on the big and tall market.  Must be influenced by the growing obesity problem in the US... 

When you meet with OK, you should tell them to build one with pedals.  Thanks!

When you meet with OK, you should tell them to build one with pedals.  Thanks!

Why? So we can attract more sharks  Might as well put a "Bite Me" sticker on the bow 

When you meet with OK, you should tell them to build one with pedals.  Thanks!

Why? So we can attract more sharks  Might as well put a "Bite Me" sticker on the bow 

I knew you would take the bait.  How many AOTY points for snagging a Mooch?

PS - I'm fishing real close to you tomorrow...

I don't think we have come to the perfect combination of speed, length, storage size, and comfort yet. My Trident does offer more comfortable storage and tackle access. And it has great seating comfort and length. However, I have been on faster yaks with more legs space and leg comfortability. Still, the Trident is the closest thing I have seen to a "perfect fishing yak". Thats my opinion due to the conditions in Hawaii. I am sure this is not the same for everyone else. More than anything, I think speed is important in Hawaii. The strong running currents and trade winds are the greatest factor in picking out a kayak that can handle and make kayak fishing fun and not a chore.

Fishing usually isn't about boat performance - we spend more time fishing than paddling.  We also need increased stability, which trades directly against speed and weight in the kayak.  To me it doesn't make much sense to use super high-tech expensive materials to build boats that have a low performance shape anyway.

well, this is kind of a self-fullfilling prophecy. with all the closures, etc, some folks may paddle a little further than they used to, and in the end, paddle more and fish a little less.

if you sell barges to people that don't want to paddle, then yes, that is what will happen.

it is hard to both paddle and fish well, that much is true, but not impossible as blue kayak makes clear.

btw, I read rocket's comments as "make me a tarpon 160",  .

I have a scupper pro and did just get a tarpon 160 to try out.

as for how much I would pay for a kayak, that is a real good question. For something that was really perfect for me, I would pay a lot, but it seems when you market to the masses you get a compromise, you don't get the perfect fishing yak, so it's hard to justify paying top dollar for something that isn't quite what you want.

probably there is room for the custom-boat or semi-custom boat boutique market soon.

the prowler did seem to be a very successful boat, kind of seems like the trident might be a sideways move, not everybody with a prowler seems to want the trident but I'm not quite sure why.

John

not everybody with a prowler seems to want the trident but I'm not quite sure why.
John

A lot of kayakers have a kayak instead of a boat because of cost. I got rid of my boat after I got my kayak because it is so much more fun IMO.
I imagine for a lot of Prowler owners the few differences between their kayak and the Trident do not warrent the expence.
For me the two biggest differences are 1) rod storage, which I can do in my P-15, just not as easily as in the Trident; and 2) a drier ride. Since kayaking is a water sport I have no problems getting wet. I am dressed for it.
So the question comes down to this; am I willing to spend roughly $1000 for a little extra convenience? For me the answer is no.

probably there is room for the custom-boat or semi-custom boat boutique market soon.

You know I was thinking the same thing. Like a poll says above how much you'd pay for a composite yak etc. there seems to be a market. Yet these kind of markets depend heavily on how well the economy is doing since they are usually a lot more expensive than the rotomolded yak. But a custom yak.. ooooooh man. When I got my first custom surfboard I was in heaven. Can't imagine a custom yak.

Z

as for how much I would pay for a kayak, that is a real good question. For something that was really perfect for me, I would pay a lot, but it seems when you market to the masses you get a compromise, you don't get the perfect fishing yak, so it's hard to justify paying top dollar for something that isn't quite what you want.

Or maybe there is no path to a perfect fishing kayak.  You always seem to give up on one axis, and cost is one of those axis.  Perfection costs money ?!?

probably there is room for the custom-boat or semi-custom boat boutique market soon.

Not sure about this in the near future.  There may be room, but I don't think there is enough money to be made in doing so.  There will be a market for hard shell SOT kayaks.  I strongly believe this.  As the overall market expands there will be a ~$2K price level that is viable.

-Allen