Shad:
@bogueYaker - I considered getting a Swell Scupper 14 but eventually ruled it out due to the 64lb weight. Given your report I am glad I did not get one, but I recently read that Swell eliminated the foam layer for the Iowa models to reduce weight. Hopefully the structural integrity is the same.
While searching for kayaks I stumbled across a Craigslist ad in Bellingham, and it turned out to be Tim Niemier offloading some prototypes. Cool guy. He gave me a tour of sit-on-top kayak history, and I ended up buying two fiberglass "Scuppro" kayaks that I believe he developed after splitting with Swell. They're basically a Scupper 14 built out of fiberglass. The fiberglass definitely is more fragile than plastic (I've done a couple of repairs already), but it's also lighter (45lbs'ish) and likely a bit faster. I just added a yet-to-be-tested under stern rudder to the Scuppro to help with tracking in the wind.
I also picked up a scratch-n-dent Stealth Fisha 500 that reportedly came out of Jim Marsh's shop before he stopped distributing Stealth. I almost prefer the fit and comfort of the Scupper Pro and Scuppro kayaks over the Stealth, but I've only taken it out twice. The Stealth is heavier but has a more solid build. It doesn't have the excessive water-in-the-footwell problem of the new Scupper, which is a plus.
As you can tell, I have a kayak problem. Ever searching for the perfect light/narrow fishing kayak for the Puget Sound area. My next one will likely be a fiberglass surfski retrofitted for fishing (Epic V5/V6'ish). Or possibly a cedar strip built surfski https://www.thomassondesign.com/katalog/mina-kajaker/splash.
YakHunter:
I think many of us on the forum have a "kayak problem"......... ;)
bogueYaker:
--- Quote from: shad on February 13, 2024, 09:00:42 AM ---@bogueYaker....
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Dude that's funny as hell, I responded to Tim's CL post in August 2022 looking to buy that fiberglass Scupper. I'm glad you got it first -- sounds like you're really putting it to good use! I've been tempted to 'splash' my S14 hull -- the fact that it'd be my first fiberglass project and the technically immoral aspect of it are what's holding me back. The second point is mostly mitigated by the fact that I feel like I was duped into buying a boat that I wouldn't have bought if I knew its true weight.
Post a build thread if you decide to go the cedar strip route. For a couple years now I've been dreaming of a long-ish narrow-ish fiberglass peddle driven boat. Something that's easy to handle both on and off the water. You know, the opposite of the plastic peddle driven john boats that currently flood the market.
Also, get out to Makah Bay and kill some groundfish. And post pics :)
--- Quote from: YakHunter on February 14, 2024, 06:38:33 AM ---I think many of us on the forum have a "kayak problem"......... ;)
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+1 lol
Squidder_K:
I recall seeing Tim's boat as well and honestly thought about it, but I had just purchased my stealth and could not justify it. I shad I suffer from the light weight speed demon when it come to fishing yaks. I watch Dan from Headwater's video's and he was the guy who turned a few of on to Stealths a decade or so ago. I think them going to having the 480 & 350 Fisha's has been a good segway for people to get into a Stealth. In some ways I wish the 480 was out when I bought mine, as the rocks and barnacles and concrete launches are no friend to the hulls. I watch they guys in South Africa just drag their boats across the beach to launch and think I wish I could do that!
Shad:
I paddled an Epic V8 for a year, and it is fishable if you have good balance. Blows any of the pedal drives away performance-wise.
I've seen a few old Ocean Kayak Sprinters listed for sale recently. If I had the space I'd pick one up and test paddle it before adding a Yakattack MightyMount XL in the footwell divider for a fish finder and trolling rod holder. Two rod holders behind the seat. Probably lighter and faster than a Stealth with similar performance to an Epic V7/V8. The storage hatches and footwell divider are what make the Sprinter interesting for a fishing kayak conversion if it's reasonably stable.
There is one that appears to be in excellent condition on FB Marketplace...if anyone is feeling adventurous.