New to So Cal, Newb Yak Fisherman looking for 1st SlayRide

[Freespool]

Originally Posted by JD

If you're at all average in size you may want to consider a trident (prowler) or a tarpon 150 or 160. Hobies seem pretty cool too, but I don't know much about them other than they seem expensive to me.

My $0.02

Just out of curiosity, why a tarpon 150 or 160 over a 140? Just for speed with the extra length?

[Holy Mackerel]

The longer paddle kayaks are going to have more glide, but your decision may be based on storage. Are you in an apt, or house with a garage?

I am about your size, but plus 20lbs.

Again, not saying Xfactor, or FnD would not be a great fishing platform.

At your size, I'd look at:

prowler 13,15 or trident

malibu Pro explorer, X-13, stealth 14

tarpon 120, 140 or 160

cobra marauder, navigator, tourer

maybe Josh, Nate, will b., Rooster, Steveooo can recommend a Hobie, I havent peddled any.

[Anthony179]

Saw this on Craiglist.



Cobra Marauder - Fully Loaded Fishing Kayak - $800 (Ontario, California)

---

Reply to:sale-h7hfb-1183062074@craigslist.org ^{[Errors when replying to ads?]}
Date: 2009-05-21, 8:54PM PDT



This is a Cobra Marauder Kayak (With the original "Mariner" name on the side before Cobra was forced to change it). The kayak is 14'6" long, weighs a mere 55 lbs and has a 425lb Capacity.

Included are the large forward "A"-Hatch, the Large center rectangular hatch, the center round hatch with accessory bucket and the stern round accessory hatch. 8, that's right, 8 Flush Mount Rod holders are installed, and the kayak comes with a BRAND NEW Cobra 2-piece Power Flex Paddle, as well as a Brand New Cobra High Back Seat.

Also included is an Eagle Fish Easy-2 Fish Finder with the transducer wired and installed inside of the hull for shoot through hull reading.

The only thing else you need for a fun fishing trip is a 12V 7ah battery to run the fish finder, your fishing tackle, and water.

The Marauder is one of the most stable and quickest fishing kayaks available and is equipped with everything you need to fish either fresh OR Salt Water.

• Location: Ontario, California
• it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

PostingID: 1183062074

---

[Freespool]

Thanks Anthony. Looks like a pretty good option but 2 hours just to look at it is something I'll avoid for now. I'm in SD. I plan to take a few test paddles this weekend at OEX and scour SD craigslist and this site.

[-scallywag-]

Joe,

the yaks chris mentioned are all awsome for you size (im the same size as you), having paddled most of the touring yaks i must say my favorite is the tarpon 14.....but then again if your looking at spending that much (1000+) i would really look into the hobies (revo or outback) although they cost almost double what you would pay for a used yak, if you fish ALOT offshore there is no beating a hobie, you can haul alot more junk around, travel much further, faster and stay out longer.....plus who can resist eating lunch, drinking a cold beverage while trolling a mac and tieing up another pole....all while your buddys are just trying to keep up

[-scallywag-]

the bad part about hobies is trying to land a big yellow or WSB with lunch on your lap, tackle box open poles laying around...all while your buddies laugh at you

[Freespool]

I'm down to 2 kayaks, a Cobra Marauder and a Tarpon 160i so any input on one vs. the other is welcome. Both are good deals on used yaks. I'm fairly certain I'm going with the Marauder but I'm having a hard time passing on the Tarpon deal. It's $750 with everything needed except a bait tank. It even includes a nice fish finder and the thing has hardly been used. Seems like a really good deal. The Marauder is $700 and in great shape. It includes everything minus a bait tank and fish finder. I like the fact that the Marauder is a bit lighter and shorter so easier to load/unload on the roof of the car. It also seems a bit more stable and easier to turn.

Again, thanks for all the information you guys have shared.