Wilderness ATAK

[Mike2841]

Does anyone on here have an atak. I'm planning on testing one soon but I want to hear from someone that owns one. What do you like, what don't you like. How bad is the weight for car topping?  Also if anyone has taken one out in salt/big water how does it handle. 

[flyfisher]

I have one and of the 5 boats i have owned, it is my favorite boat.  The stability is top notch and the flex pod was a huge factor in my purchase.  It is the easiest boat to stand in I have owned or tested.  The seat is nice as well.  Car topping is more about technique than strength and i have found that taking off the front hatch makes it balance more easily.  I am currently loading mine on top of a wrangler and i am about 5'11" to put things in perspective.  As far as big water goes, I have taken it out in mild ocean off the beach and it did ok.  Speed is also good and it does handle the wind nicely.

As far as what i don't like, it isn't super maneuverable but you can paddle it pretty easily at a 4mph clip.  The weight can be a factor as well.  One thing i have also noticed in my time owning the boat is that depending on where you have your seat located, it can make the boat track poorly while drifting.  Nothing crazy but it is noticeable. 

Overall, i wouldn't hesitate to get another one and if the rumor mill is correct in that a 12' version is in the works, i may get one of those too for river use.

[Mike2841]

Thanks for the reply. Can you elaborate more on your salt use. I plan to use this kayak inshore and off the beach, as well as freshwater. I'm also considering an ocean kayak trident or trident ultra, but the seat on the ATAK is a big selling point to me. Also what size paddle are you using , 240, 250?

[flyfisher]

i used it inshore quite a bit at the OBX but it was no different than a large lake really.  I also took it out in the ocean from the beach a few times but the water was very calm, maybe 2-4' swells at best.  I know Wildy makes a thresher too which is more designed for offshore applications.

I want to say my paddle is a 250 but i am not sure, it has been so long since i bought it but next time i pull out the paddle i will take a look.  Paddle length will vary though based on your paddle stroke and height anyways.  It is a wide boat so a longer paddle is generally needed.

[Dye99]

My ATAK is my main boat.

I fish at least twice a week and owned mine since march 2015. I really can't say enough about it.

Stable, easy to customize, and ultra comfortable. I just walked in from a 8 hour fishing day, and its no different than sitting on my couch.

After all the boats Ive owned I can honestly say its the best yak Ive come in contact with.

[boostr]

On 4/18/2016 at 8:54 PM, flyfisher said:

I have one and of the 5 boats i have owned, it is my favorite boat.  The stability is top notch and the flex pod was a huge factor in my purchase.  It is the easiest boat to stand in I have owned or tested.  The seat is nice as well.  Car topping is more about technique than strength and i have found that taking off the front hatch makes it balance more easily.  I am currently loading mine on top of a wrangler and i am about 5'11" to put things in perspective.  As far as big water goes, I have taken it out in mild ocean off the beach and it did ok.  Speed is also good and it does handle the wind nicely.

As far as what i don't like, it isn't super maneuverable but you can paddle it pretty easily at a 4mph clip.  The weight can be a factor as well.  One thing i have also noticed in my time owning the boat is that depending on where you have your seat located, it can make the boat track poorly while drifting.  Nothing crazy but it is noticeable. 

Overall, i wouldn't hesitate to get another one and if the rumor mill is correct in that a 12' version is in the works, i may get one of those too for river use.

You don't use your trailer anymore?

[flyfisher]

7 hours ago, boostr said:

You don't use your trailer anymore?

I did but it rusted out and the tongue broke.  I currently have 6 boxes that were delivered today which is my new trailer that i need to put together before the weekend   So i will be back to trailering it in no time and hopefully never have to cartop it again....

[boostr]

 

On 4/20/2016 at 8:20 PM, flyfisher said:

I did but it rusted out and the tongue broke.  I currently have 6 boxes that were delivered today which is my new trailer that i need to put together before the weekend   So i will be back to trailering it in no time and hopefully never have to cartop it again....

I just bought a used 12' Load-Rite galvanized PWC trailer. It just needs some minor adjustment.