Big difference in punching through a lip that is breaking vs a wall of white water that has already broken. Kind of deceptive in this video if people don’t know how to read the ocean.
@@IM-hx7jt noted 👍 not that big a surf day this day to get some proper slap you in your face waves to demonstrate how important paddle through those are too - I have a lot of other footage that demonstrates those scenarios - as you will know digging a forward stroke in and holding that blade in the water as the wave hits acts both as a brake and a brace. Depending on the wave you will eventually stop being dragged backwards and be in a better position the paddle forward vs the person who raises there hands at that moment and often ends upside down as a result
The Hobie Revo is one of the worst handling surf kayaks I have ever been in. It is almost impossible to keep it straight, it is extremely slow, and the hatches leak like crazy. Although you try to make this vid positive, you can see the kayak get turned sideways or backed up constantly, and this is pretty small surf. You also never show if it took on water. Those boats suck.
Great video - i'd love to see and touch one before buying but my local BCF doesn't have one set up. Have you tried it in the ocean with some wind slop, choppy waters, wakes from bigger boats. I typically fish protected waters inside breakwaters but even that can get a bit choppy and I've noticed from the jetty's that a lot of the power boat people aren't very respectful of no wake zones or other water users.
i have been in some schop in the estuary and stability is fine if thats a concern, that then cones down to your experience, trus the hull and rlax then you genearally wont have a drama - if your talking waves thay could splash water over the sides then make sure you have a bail of somesorts as there is no drain while on water and the bung is unbder the hull for draining it out at land- wind and inflatables are not a great combination due to the weight of the inflatable so plan your trips as best you can to avoid wind - ask BCF to pump one up for you - does not take that long to do
There are 2 x RIBPorts glued to the kayak standard and I added 2 more - there are some instructions on the RAILBLAZA RIBPort page on how to attach these and I strongly recommend glueing over using the 3m VHB tape provided with the RIBPort or QuikPort as that is only of use with flatter surfaces - anything with slight curvature needs to be glued using the Hypolon or PVC glue/repair kits availlable through Whitworths marine or RTM - not sure if BCF also sell these kits
Great review mate. I saw a clip where you had a passenger sitting up front. How did that go? I am wondering if it would work OK with a second seat in there for the occasional tandem paddle too? We'd be using all of the 200kg payload, but 2/3 of that would be on my seat up the back!
that'll work - got plenty of room in the cockpit for 2 - tbh i did not paddle far like that but seemed maneagable - even easier with the motor obviously
I bought the rail kit for my regular C Tug to carry my Old Town Top Water Kayak.The rails constantly fold in ,while trying to load the kayak. They snap in place,but don't stay there while loading the Kayak. Very Disappointed with them.
Hey mate love your videos. Looking to get my first offshore kayak and originally was interested in the reload (lots of good condition used late models for sale for under 1.5k). However recently learned about the profisha and really like the front hatch on the stealth for securing your gear when going through surf/ease of storing fish. Only issue is not many used models available, and looking at around 5k by the time you get a decent sounder, paddle etc. Do you think the stealth is really worh the 3.5k premium in this circumstance?
As with any inflatable the compromise to that weight saving is that wind is not so favourable particularly when only lightly loaded - it has a 7” fin which helps and the motor if you fit one will certainly offset the wind. Only time wind was a hindrance to me was when drifting not so much when paddling so I used a small sea anchor / parachute to slow me down. Hope that helps, no matter which craft you get there will be a compromise somewhere it’s just about choosing one that has compromises for the things that are less important to your needs
Hi Paddle Guy, thanks for the video. I was looking for my first fishing kayak and this was the one of the options. I prefer to fish in the sea, such in Mooloolaba or Noosa so what could be the best fishing kayak would you recommend? I think this one is good for me as I have a small car but I think this could be not ideal in the saltwater fishing.
There’s really no best just options and compromises. But as far as ocean going capable fishing Kayaks go then Viking, Hobie and Stealth are all options to consider. They all have their very owns pros and cons, you need to identify the features that would benefit you the most and make your choice that way.
i was looking at one in bcf today. stability was a concern- this video convinced me otherwise. Strength of the material is a concern- a thin sheet metal bash plate would be good. Whats the payload kg? The motor you had was what? what about a 5hp outboard?- is that too much? what motor options are available?
Yes stability is without question- durability, it’s an inflatable kayak so treat it like one and it will be fine, confuse it with a platic kayak and you will have problems. Pretty sure the motor bracket is only recommended for electric motors, I am using the Bixpy electric motor
Hi, Can the Viking 2+1 be set up with moulded storage pods and tackle holder compartments like the Viking 440 pro fisher single seat or like a Viking GT, Please ?
Off subject but do you have any suggestions for a nice kayak paddle for a Viking Espri? Would like something better than the standard Viking paddle. I note that Viking have their own carbon paddle but looks like it is only for sale across the ditch. Thanks.
anything is better than the standard viking paddle, find a local dealer who sells anything in glass blade/carbon blend shaft or go full carbon if your budget allows - I dont have a brand to suggest but a local retailer will have options for you - Glass blade or carbon either you will be winning compared to that shitter the Viking comes with - only use for that is as a spare paddle in the hatch IMHO
Hey mate great video thanks for sharing, I got recommended the same kayak at the shop , but I was wondering if you have tried / review the hurricane skimmer 116 or your thoughts . Thanks
thanks - never seen one but just googled images and looks like a nice ride and would be super light being vacuum-formed.. love to try one - Hurrican boats are pretty sweet so could only imagine its a nice ride
@@PaddleGuy1 also with the Viking espri I’m really interested in doing distance ( straight line stuff) would you recommend a kayak with a rudder or the espri will do just fine
Love my 525, I do use the rod ”sleeves” as it keeps the separated in the hatch, one thing is you HAVE to learn to be a minimalist with gear carried?! I’ve never been good at that and always carry an entire tackle shop with me? Working on it as I only ever need a couple trolling rigs and a couple soft plastics as that’s all I ever use or throw? Maybe a hard bait or two - yet still try carry it all. I know you’ve run some stealths! Remember your old vid on the 575? I think it was years ago?? Cheers man! Hope all has been good!
So, are you tempted to get one then? If so, how long before you add thigh braces. I've got some on my fisha 555, not tried rolling it yet as my local water is just hovering above freezing point and my drysuit leaked badly, just recently repaired. Ill let you know how i get on soon, should be easier than the reload though
From what I understand from feedback from other owners is straight out of the factory the hatch is dry with waves coming over etc but not so much if you get rolled in the surf, then it can take a bit on - I would be adding some extra protection in the way of a bigger rubber seal around the hatch rim and lid much like I do on the Viking central hatchs
