New guy, deciding on my first yak

Howdy,

I've been a lurker here for about a week now, as I came across this group while researching my upcoming fishing kayak purchase. I briefly look for something to use for Cascades lakes for fly fishing back in 2006, but didn't make the move. Looks like lots of new and better designs have come out since. I'm also interested in fishing in rivers, and the ocean. My shortlist of yaks has been narrowed down to either a Trident 13 or an X-factor. I was told by dude at a local shop that at 205ish lbs I was too heavy for a T-13 and would have lots of water in the foot wells. I'm interested in hearing actual experience from anyone with a T-13 in a similar weight to mine. Both boats look to have lots of storage options, and this group has already been a great resource in my research.

Mean Joe
Portland, OR

Welcome to NWKA MJ. I don't have any experience with the yaks on your shortlist but there are a few here that will share there experiences i'm sure.

Enjoy the journey...

Morning, Joe,
I think the guy you talked to, [ sales rep??] got his facts mixed up a bit...the T13 is rated for 425lbs+ load out [see the Ocean Kayak website link to the left??] trust me we have folks here as large or larger than you are who use the T13 just fine..

know we have a few X- factor owners and former owners here, hoping they chime in, but honestly i don't think you would go wrong with either boat, since they are both darn good rides. the X factor has been out a long time and has a established rep as a dependable boat. the T13 is fairly new, but coming on strong as just as good a boat as any before it.

we have members here who've paddled smaller boats such as the OK Scramblers and Capers , and at least two have wilderness 12 footers, in the conditions you're contemplating.. and done just fine, even taking them into the salt thru mild to moderate surf..

have fun with whichever you choose, maybe see you on the water some day
[WR]

I know guys that weight ~250 that paddle T13s and stay dry.  Who ever the dude at the local shop is, he's way off.

220# and dry in my T13.

-Allen

I think if getting a little water on you is a concern kayak fishing might not be the way to go.  However if having a blast while fishing and getting some exercise sounds good then a little water is no big deal.


Oh and I'm 250 and the water is at the top of the scupper holes and comes in when I lean over, but it runs back out when you lean back

This real user advice confirms my earlier impression about the T-13, after what reviews I had read before I was told I needed a T-15 for my weight.

As far as fear of a little water. I've used rental SOT kayaks to whitewater the lower White Salmon River, and own/use a sit-in for water kayak. I get plenty wet with that activity, and haven't melted, so no worries about a little water. As for the fish, there already wet, so they won't mind either.

What are scupper plugs used for?  Obviously they are used to plug the scupper holes, but why?  Anyone use them?

Demonick,, i use them in my smaller yak because there's 2 " of water in the foot wells if i don't.

I think you'll notice a big difference between the T-13 and the X-Factor.
I have an X-factor and love it for the most part. The only beef I have is that the bottom is not smooth like all the OK models(I still don't know what the hell Malibu is thinking because I believe they still haven't addressed that). It has a 600# weight capacity, tons of storage options, and a keel design with grooves that provide incredible stability and tracking. I've taken the lady out on it as the rear tank well has plenty of room to act as a seat. The guy I used to work for in a kayak shop down in SoCal took his wife and kid out on it at the same time to paddle around in the bays. It's slower than a T-13 for sure, but that's the trade off. I feel very comfortable on mine out on the salt, as INSAYN has described me as a "monkey on a log out there".
I think if I were to sell it and get a new yak, I'd probably get a T-13 though. They just seem like great boats.
So I guess what I'm trying to say is on one hand, you have great stability and weight capacity but a little bit of a slower of a boat. On the other hand, you have a faster, more maneuverable boat that's a little less stable.
I'm sure everybody else will tell you the same thing: test paddle as much as you can if you have the option!

For storage, stability & price, you could also test the Cobra Fish n' Dive.   

Trigger pulled, My Trident-13 is on the way. Thanks to all for advice, and personal comments.

Mean Joe
Portland, OR

I know that wasn't me saying you are to big for the t-13....seeing as ours have yet to arrive, couldn't have been my shop. I have a t-15 that seems like it would hold a thousand pounds.

Joe, did you order the T13 Angler?

I know that wasn't me saying you are to big for the t-13....seeing as ours have yet to arrive, couldn't have been my shop. I have a t-15 that seems like it would hold a thousand pounds.

I didn't think it was you at all.  Besides, last I knew you didn't carry Malibu Kayaks to recommend an X-Factor.  Come to think of it I can't think of a shop in the area that does.