Kayak Question

[Michael DiNardo]

I am still seeking info on the proper kayak. What makes the Coosa a "river" kayak and a Ride 115 a better "lake" kayak. How do the OK PBG and Commander compare to the two previously mentioned. Is the Coosa the only one made to handle a river? I am really new to this kayak game and don't understand the differences.

Thanks,

Mike

[Michael DiNardo]

I have posted before under MAD, but after trying to reset my password for the 156th time, I just went under my Facebook account.

[TomB]

Hello Mike. A river yak is typically shorter for quicker turns vs a lake yak that is longer for wave stability. I have a 13 foot OK that suits my 225 lbs plus gear and my long legs. I don't use it in narrow swift rivers so quick turns in rapids is not an issue. 

A couple of tips: get a rudder if you ever plan to use it on lakes. The rudder helps hold your line in cross winds (not really used to turn the yak). If you will be mostly on rivers get a strong aluminum (not so expensive) paddle that will take abuse of rocky push offs. If you will be on lakes definitely get a lightweight but costly carbon paddle. I love my carbon paddle but treat it like a jewel.

Consider the yak length in terms of transportation and weight. My 13 foot with gear is darn heavy and I use strap on wheels for longer distance overland hauling. My F150 with a T type bed extender works great over the road.

I bought my yak from the sacobound website. Best web prices on the net but try your local yak retailer to see what they have too.

Hope that helps.

[Michael DiNardo]

TomB thank you for the info. Of the three I mentioned they are very comparable in lemgth, within nine inches. Only the OK PGB is longer at 12'9". Is there any difference in the hull design of the Coosa that makes it more difficult to use in lakes. Or is there any reason the Ride 115, Commander or OK PGB are more difficult in rivers. I really dig the seat in the Coosa. I have read where they don't track well. I can only get one and it will have to work in rivers and lakes. Weight is not really a concern, I want the best fishing rig.

Thanks,

Mike

[Darren.]

Coosa is indeed primarily intended for river fishing, the Wilderness System Ride can be used in both. You can find a lot on the Coosa in forums out there. Many say it simply doesn't track well on lakes, but does great on rivers. Hence Jackson making the Cuda, more for bigger waters.

I recently purchased my Native Ultimate 12 (55 lbs) after strongly considering the Ride, Coosa, Cuda, Commander, and a few other models. I settled on the 12 because I felt it was the most comfortable to stand in, sit in, and I wanted a hybrid kayak/canoe. I fish lakes primarily and am more than satisfied with the tracking, even in wind (w/o a rudder). I know of some who fish up to class 2 rapids in an Ultimate, so it can be done. The First Class seat is incredible. Every bit as good as the Cuda/Coosa's seat.

I didn't like the reverse hull "pontoons" of the Commander. Not comfortable to stand in. The Ultimate's hull convexes into the water, easier to stand in. The Ride is a nice boat. A bit heavier than my U12, though. Should have no problem standing in one as the many reviews show.

Custom rigging is pretty awesome in most yaks. But I felt the options were greater (for me) with the U12.

Consider carefully all that you want to do. I.e., stand and fish, run rapids, etc. That should help fine tune your decision.

If you can test these in water, great. Otherwise go to a dealer that will set them down for you to sit and stand in. While not the best option, it'll give you a good "feel" for the yak.

[flipin4bass]

I'm picking up another yak this spring and I'm torn between the Ride and the OK Trident. I got to test the Ride this past November and man, is it stable. The thought of being able to stand up and fish is attractive, however, I like the speed of the Trident also. I have a Trident 13 now and it gets me across large lakes in short order. If you think you'll spend a lot of time on larger lakes you'll need to consider how the yak will perform in high winds. I got caught in a 30+ mph sustained wind once in my Trident and although it a little scary, it plowed right through it with no ploblem. Get with J Francho for his advice, he has a lot of time in yaks and knows a lot about hull design.

[J Francho]

Commander 12 and 14 are flat water boats. Light current, maybe. Since they are a hybrid, they are not self bailing. Easy to stand in, and they have the captain's perch seating.

I own a OK PBG. It's not that long in terms of relative length. It's one the widest hulls available. It has the greatest capacity, and is easy for a big boy to not only stand, but do a dance while fishing. Downside, it's heavy, and tracks like a sheet of plywood. The rudder kit is a must have. Otherwise, it's a great big water boat. Not so ideal in current.

Ride 115 is a good compromise, stand, rivers, lakes, waves, all good.

Coosa. I was hot on this boat before it came - seemed too good to be true. It's a good boat, has some useful features. It's probably the most often seen boat for sale used. Not for me.

Now that I have a bass boat, my next kayak will be a Ride 115. That'll do everything I need when the bass boat can't.

[Michael DiNardo]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the helpful info. I'm 5'8" 265, so the OK PGB and Ride 115 are looking better and better. I do not plan to shoot any rapids. This is basically a lake and slower river noat. If it was not for fishing I would not be looking at a kayak. I have not seen a Ride 115 yet. I have seen the OK PGB and really liked the size(width). There are few kayak dealers in my area, so it is hard to compare in a shop or take a test spin. Plus with no experience I don't know if I would know the difference in how boats track.

Thanks again,

Mike

[TomB]

The OK PGB is about 5 inches wider than my Trident Angler so will be easier to stand up. But I absolutely love the rod pod and fish finder setup in my Trident.

Good luck whatever you choose. You'll have a blast.

[Michael DiNardo]

Being able to stand comfortably is a major factor in the kayak I choose.

Thanks,

Mike

[Michael DiNardo]

Has anyone heard of the OK Drifter Angler Edition? I checked on the OK website, but did not see it. It is 12'7" and 33 1/2" wide. It sound like a PBG, but the guy said it wasn't. It comes with a seat, but can't tell which one. He is asking $450, is this a good price? Is this a discontinued model? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike