OK Trident 4.7

I did a search not much on this yak. Anyone paddling this ride? If so can you give an honest opinion I'm 6'3" 240 and will be in cold Alaska waters. Any and all info will help.
Thanks in advance
G

The 4.7 is my primary ride.  I'm 6'3 and 220-225 pounds.  This kayak would be great on Alaska coastal waters.  A rudder is a necessity for this kayak IMO.

-Allen

I have paddled the Ultra 4.7 since it came over from NZ. I fish off shore in Hawaii and frankly think
it is the best designed Yak for this purpose. It is fast, dry, stable, and hauls a big load. You can't go
wrong with this Yak for open ocean use.

                                              Good Luck and Aloha

Thats good news for me.. now my big issue is getting one to Alaska anyone have any ideas?
Voodoo and Polepole do mind if I pester you witha few more questions?
1. Do you have the rod pod is it easy to install?
2. I was under the assumtion it came with a rudder, does it?
3. Any tricks or treats I need or need to know?
Thanks I appricate the input

Ah yes, you are correct.  It comes standard with a rudder.

I don't have the rod tube installed.  I've actually been thinking about cutting the whole center tank out.

Other than that, nothing much to be aware of.  It worked great out of the box.  Oh, the transducer scupper doesn't fit the long skinny transducer used in some Humminbird DI units.

-Allen

Thanks Allen idk what comes with the  raymarine dragonfly but im looking at that. But not to get ahead of myself 1 toy at a time

I think Howard may have a 4.7 in Ketchikan for sale.

Please.........think long and hard before cutting the center out!!!! I considered it and then realized you
get nothing but liability to take water into the hull, it is sealed for a reason. Firstly, there are scuppers
located in the center both in front and behind the hatch so you can't lode a big fish in it. Second, the hatch
is not totally water tight and takes small amounts with big waves and wash down along with any blood of scale.
It is very easy to clean out and dry with a sponge or towel. As for the rod tube, it will not take long rods and
you would need to empty the gear to get them in and out. If you intend to bust out in big surf that requires
complete stowage, you are a better man than I doing it in AK. Yes, the rudder comes with it and the factory
design is much better than the after market parts.
As for fish storage, I use the large Surf to Summit bag in the tank well. Big fish will stick out a bit but
the fish here are bigger typically than what you are after. I bet a 30lb halibut will fit, If you are inclined to
keep the 50-100 just deck load them and go home.

Please.........think long and hard before cutting the center out!!!! I considered it and then realized you
get nothing but liability to take water into the hull, it is sealed for a reason. Firstly, there are scuppers
located in the center both in front and behind the hatch so you can't lode a big fish in it. Second, the hatch
is not totally water tight and takes small amounts with big waves and wash down along with any blood of scale.
It is very easy to clean out and dry with a sponge or towel. As for the rod tube, it will not take long rods and
you would need to empty the gear to get them in and out. If you intend to bust out in big surf that requires
complete stowage, you are a better man than I doing it in AK. Yes, the rudder comes with it and the factory
design is much better than the after market parts.
As for fish storage, I use the large Surf to Summit bag in the tank well. Big fish will stick out a bit but
the fish here are bigger typically than what you are after. I bet a 30lb halibut will fit, If you are inclined to
keep the 50-100 just deck load them and go home.

I've used my 4.7 pretty hard since I got it in 2010.  I've had relatively little water get in it, as in no more than about a cup.  I think the seal is pretty good on it.  It's better than the first generation rod pods on the Tridents.

The reason to cut it out for me is to let me conveniently store rods inside the hull.  I don't think the rod tube cuts it, for the reasons you stated.

In the cool west coast (air and water) you usually don't need anything more than a wet burlap sack to keep fish fresh all day.

But yeah, I have been thinking long and hard about it.  Haven't done it in the almost 4 years I've had this kayak, so I guess the need hasn't been that bad.     Which is kind of funny, since whenever I'm out on a Trident, I use the center hatch for rods and always think to myself that I need to cut out the center on my Ultra.  Maybe I'm just too lazy.   

-Allen

Voodoo don't worry about me cutting my yak. Unlike Allen I don't guess I know I'm to lazy..so what's to long a rod for the pod? Just curious.  By the way who is Howard? I would like to bend his ear a bit?

Howard is the owner of Ketchikan Kayak Company ... http://ketchikankayakco.com/

-Allen

Hey guys another question while I'm thinking of it what size paddle do you use? Or what size would you recommend?

Thats good news for me.. now my big issue is getting one to Alaska anyone have any ideas?

Make sure you double check but for kicks and grins I tried Austin canoe and kayak and went all the way to the checkout. They claim free shipping than as always I discovered the typically nasty note for us Alaskans that say shipping to Alaska and Hawaii is extra. Then I read further and it says $14.95 ...as in a nickel under fifteen dollars.

I recall pricing my Hobie outback out of there and they said no, it really is just $14.95 extra BUT Hobie had some ridiculous drop ship charge that made it just as easy for me to order out of Alaska Raft and Kayak for a similar price and Mark would cover the warranty so I ordered through him.

I know others have gone a different route but I'd check with ACK.  You just cringe about the thought of getting a damaged kayak and no matter how good the customer service, the pain of having to deal with that.  I've had good luck on all my accessories from ACK. Great and quick service.
...

I use a Werner Cyprus with the bent shaft. Yes, a bit pricy but worth every penny. Light as a feather
and the bent handle is a must if you have any shoulder, elbow, or wrist issues. I am on the water
3-4 days a week and it has reduced my upper body arthritic problems by 80% (the warm weather
doesn't hurt either). Werner has a great web site and it will help out a lot. They say to call if you have questions
and they mean it. I talked to one of their paddle pro's (Danny Mongo) who gave me a huge amount
of info about paddling and paddles. The only thing he was wrong about was how much the bent handle
would help.........he way under estimated.

On shipping a kayak to AK, I found Kayak Shed had better rates than Mark could provide at Alaska Raft & Kayak -- by more than $100. I've bought through both. This last time was in 2012, but shows there's wide variance out there so it's worth comparison shopping.