Well, this boat will likely become part of my fleet (hear that Santa?)
I can see myself owning one of these boats. I doubt I'd use it for a long haul, as that is something the Tarpon 16 does very well, but for those regular days of a few miles, it is hard to beat.
I'd been told by many that they have the finest seat out there. I'd have to agree. 60 seconds after sitting in it the first time, I was convinced. It is fairly adjustable and like sitting in a lounge chair. I found myself wishing it had some sort of head support attachment so I could lean back and take a nap.
After a little over an hour, I did not have that loud voice from my lower back warning me that I need to get out and stretch for 15 minutes. When in a kayak, that voice yells every hour like clockwork.
For all you 'regular' guys who can only chuckle when that lean 22 year old talks about how easy it is to stand in (insert kayak brand here), this boat is standable by a guy like me. DaveR took some pics, hopefully he will post them. I was reasonably comfortable and only had to exercise one Emergency Exit From Standing Position that resulted in a rather resounding plop into the seat. I'm sure that after a few more trips I'd be much steadier.
The paddling did take some getting used to after many years paddling kayaks. With the sides being a bit higher, you do have to adjust your arms to keep from hitting the sides. I also found that a higher angle stroke performed better.
One thing I'd like is a way to raise the seat at times. Maybe Native has something for this. When just drifting some mangroves fishing, it would be nice to be up about gunnel height.
Also, do they make a rudder for this boat?
