The Kraken

[Zed]

just an opinion.
Too much rigging, too heavy, dont trust ram, dont like modular design on bait tank, neoprene doesnt "seal" anything.
Would like to see a stripped down version of the hull. Hobie exacerbated this "rigged to death" out of the box trend I dont follow.
Give me a kayak with a tested hull. Ill do the rest.

[kauaiboy04]

Originally Posted by Zed

just an opinion.
Too much rigging, too heavy, dont trust ram, dont like modular design on bait tank, neoprene doesnt "seal" anything.
Would like to see a stripped down version of the hull. Hobie exacerbated this "rigged to death" out of the box trend I dont follow.
Give me a kayak with a tested hull. Ill do the rest.

yea, definitely a higher amount of standard rigging, but it still allows for lots of personal customization too. i believe this is targeted to newer anglers who are looking into getting more out-of-the-box rigging options. i also didn't like the Ram ball type rod holders, but this one is the ram tough tubes with bulkhead/flat surface base. much more sturdy, and i haven't had any problems with them currently. i do wish it was lighter, though it is in the same weight class as every other kayak that size.

i'm glad that the big ocean type kayaks are getting a new push from these kayak suppliers. gives customers much more options to choose from.

[jbaker]

Originally Posted by Zed

neoprene doesnt "seal" anything.

I belive what they are referring to is a hatch like sea kayaks have been using for the last 20 years. It's a neoprene cover with a hard plastic cover over it. For a bow hatch designed to punch through waves it's the best type of seal/cover/lid out there. Not sure if this is what they are using but hope it is.
I know I can't wait to get mine.

[Zed]

Yeah got it.
It was an option on my Prowler and I stand behind what I said. Neoprene doesnt "seal" anything.

[wiredantz]

options, options , options.

[Jim Sammons LJKF]

Been on the road, thanks for getting this posted up on here.
I will address a couple questions and comments.

Zed I think you are wrong on the neoprene I have had this on kayaks in the past and it is dry as a bone. Not sure why you have had issues with this style of hatch. The worst part about the neoprene for me is it can be a PIMA to get on properly.

The forward track was honestly put there for all the GoPro Junkies out there. There is also gear track on the center hatch, directly behind the seat and along the rail at the rear, another spot for those Cameras.

Having tested the boat, for me at least, the reach to the tank is not bad at all, and if you do have issue, well then don't use the Plano and just slide the bait tank forward.

Someone mentioned being similar to a Tarpon 140, yeah not really, this thing paddles way better. At least the prototype did.

CaboJohn, Yes the seat looks like a lawn chair and honestly feels a bit like one, which if fine by me because I can sit in a lawn chair a lot longer than I can in most of the old school kayak seats. Though it is the "lawn Chair style" of seat it is much lower than others to keep the center of gravity down. The seat is also on a track so that you can adjust the trim of the kayak based on the load you are carrying. Full bait tank slide forward, full game bag in the hull slide back. I played with this feature in the prototype and it made a huge difference in how the boat paddled.

I spent over 20 years in an OK so there is certainly some influence there on the style of boat but this thing really does take it to the next level.

If you don't like the way it is rigged it is a pretty simple matter of rerigging it how you like. The market trend has been to have boats ready to fish out of the box.

At to the weight, as mentioned it is right in line with every other kayak in its range. And one hell of a lot lighter than 99% of the Hobies. Would I like it lighter, heck yes, who wouldn't but unless we go a different method of production this is where we end up.

The mold just arrived at the factory so we should have a production run of the Kraken very soon. It will be introduced at OR August 5th. I may have one before that, if not very soon after.
Once I have my boat I will set up a time with Brent at OEX to have it at his shop for anyone to see and try out.

I am super excited for this kayak to come out, of course it will not be the perfect kayak for everyone. But I am pretty happy to put my name on it.


If you are looking for a true paddlers fishing kayak, I think you should give this thing a try. The Kraken is putting the kayak back in kayak fishing.

[Iceman]

[Apex]

Anyone want to buy a cuda? Lol