New "kayaks"?? from Ocean Kayak

I just got word that Ocean Kayak has put out press releases on their new models for later this year.

Links to the press releases can be found here..
http://www.oceankayak.com/news/

In short, two new models..

Ocean Kayak Torque
Think Trident 13 with a built in Minn Kota

From the press release...

Ferndale, WA (June 18, 2009) Ocean Kayak, a renowned leader in paddlesports industry for over
35 years, is pleased to introduce the new Torque fishing kayak. Crafted around the successful
Prowler Trident Angler kayak platform, the new Torque seamlessly blends all the features anglers
need on the water and includes a Minn Kota Maximizer trolling motor with infinite variable speed
control and reverse.
The Torque’s motor system is engineered for convenience and provides anglers with a true hands-free
trolling option. Unlike the competition, the Torque motor has variable speed control, which operates
along a spectrum rather than a fixed dial system to help anglers find their perfect trolling speed.
The drive system provides up to 33 pounds of thrust that is controlled through a drive speed control
knob in the cockpit and an extra large rudder that provides superior handling and control. For added
utility the drop-in motor, mounted through the tank well, is easily accessible and can be assembled and
disassembled without tools.
“An exceptional fishing kayak, the Torque is incredibly well integrated and offers all the features today’s
kayak angler has come to expect from Ocean Kayak,” said Sara Knies, Senior Brand Manager for Johnson
Outdoors Paddlesports. “Unlike anything else on the market today, the Torque accommodates a plug and
play motor that provides our consumers unparalleled convenience and performance.”
A stable, 13’ 10” kayak, the Torque offers a dry ride, foot pegs for all day comfort and good tracking
both while paddling and under power. The Torque also includes a removable skeg for improved
tracking when the motor is not in use. Other key features include a large bow hatch, areas to mount
fishing accessories, transducer compatible scupper hole, paddle keeper and a comfortable seat back.
Available in two colors, yellow and sand, the new Torque will hit specialty stores later this
summer. SRP: $ 1,999 US.

and the Ocean Kayak Nalu
It's a rotomolded SUP/SOT hybrid.. but where do I put the rod holders?

From the press release...

Ferndale, WA (June 18, 2009) Ocean Kayak, a pioneer in paddlesports industry for over 35
years, today introduced the Nalu, the brand’s first-ever paddleboard. A hybrid paddleboard that
can be paddled from both standing and seated positions the Nalu offers versatility, performance
and fun at an affordable price.
One of the industries only rotomolded polyethylene paddleboards the Ocean Kayak Nalu is
durable, stable and excels in mild surf. Extremely user friendly, the Nalu features dedicated
areas for sitting and/or standing and is the first paddleboard on the market that will accommodate
a backrest.
“We feel the Nalu hits a sweet spot in the paddleboard market by offering peak performance at a
price that breaks down barriers of entry into the sport,” said Sara Knies, Senior Brand Manager
for Johnson Outdoors. “The added versatility of paddling while standing or seated is a great
benefit to the consumer as well and a great selling point for our dealers,” concludes Knies.
Eleven feet long and thirty-one inches wide, the Nalu includes molded-in fins for outstanding
tracking, two self-draining scuppers, a storage bungee, ergonomic carry handles and can be
complimented with the new Carlisle Taboo hybrid paddle. This unique paddle allows the user to
convert the paddle from a stand up paddle to a 230cm kayak paddle depending on whether
they’re paddling the Nalu from a standing or seated position.
The Nalu will be available this summer at authorized Ocean Kayak dealers throughout the
United States and Canada.

Here's an image of the Nalu

Did I hear a "pheeeew" from you B? Interesting new models for OK. I especially like the SUP hybrid idea. It's a little short and the outline a little shortboard-ish but should paddle well for lightweight people. So are we going to be seeing you do some SUP fishing anytime soon? Would be awesome for bassin'.

It's a rotomolded SUP/SOT hybrid.. but where do I put the rod holders?

You could bungee down a tackle box that's got rod holders mounted to it.

Z

Pedal power I was ready to hear about, but trolling motor??? Ewwwwww

the definition of kayak continues to broaden....

Here are some photos of the torque..

didnt realize native water craft was that big a trend setter. they've had a minn kota powered model for 2 years..they call theirs the Volt Option..

at least they didnt try putting that outrageously expensive Torqeedo drive on the thing..

almost want to ask if OK has lost their collective minds....

the definition of kayak continues to broaden....

no, blur would be the right term.

Here's another Nalu shot..

ok, how big is, and where does the battery(ies) sit in the Torque?

actually, i like the appearance. nice cleaner lines than i expected.  it probably has it;s place, but i get a lot of needed excercise by paddling.. and at $2K per copy, i can buy a nice trailer and carry my standard SOTs and gear on it instead

didnt realize native water craft was that big a trend setter. they've had a minn kota powered model for 2 years..they call theirs the Volt Option..

Actually people have been putting trolling motors on kayaks for a long time. Back in the day most kayak manufacturers sold a bracket that would attach to the kayak that fit the motor.

at least they didnt try putting that outrageously expensive Torqeedo drive on the thing..
almost want to ask if OK has lost their collective minds....[/size][/font][/color]

We'll have to see motor specs to see if there's a reason for the price. It doesn't say if batteries are included. And nothing wrong w/ a little innovation. Let's not forget a real "kayak" is a SIK. Our SOT's are innovations themselves.

Z

I'm sure it'll sell well, especially in the warmer climates.  I do wonder how the battery and extra weight affect the ability to right a kayak that has flipped.

I'm not going to lie, if I had my own cabin on a nice bass lake, that Torque be the first thing on my dock!!
SWEET!!!

I gotta say i was disappointed in the announcement of a trolling motor over a pedal system.   But as far as looks that thing isn't bad at all kind of sexy even.

I'd love to see a pedal driven power source for the motor.  Then you would never have to worry about running out of juice.  I can't tell by the pics, but does the motor swing up out of the water at all?

I wouldn't be too concerned about running out of juice. No juice = back to basics!