The 8 week kayak company

features I would like to see, since you have the 48" to work with, would be built in tackle boxes in the sides. Also, a rod cradle for out of the way, secure storage while not fishing.

Personally, I am not interested in a drift boat, so I thinking of a salt water boat.  Basically, thinking of modifications off a base OK T13A (my only real experience).

Drop-in MirageDrive option.  The space could be found by ditching the sonar shield.  

(Question: Can MirageDrive equipped Hobies use a rudder?  If not, how does one turn while pedaling?)

I can't speak to hull contour because I don't know anything about it.  However, a couple well-placed molded lengthwise stiffeners of some length might prevent oil canning and could be incorporated into the hull contour (if beneficial).

A forward bulkhead might need to be pierced to accommodate a FF/GPS power system.

Ditto on others' ideas:
More stout hatch covers than the OK rod pod and forward hatch lids - hinged on one side (reversible)?  

Replaceable skeg protector.
Higher end seat.
Rear hatch behind live well.  

Would a dimpled hull surface (like a golf ball) cut down drag?  Would such dimpling survive for long?  

My proposal for a 48" boat is for a row/driftboat only.  I can't see paddling it kayak style.

-Allen

I'd sure like to try out a SOT personal sized Pram/Driftbot!  That would be fun!

Also, with an oar set-up you'd be able to more effectively pull plugs and diver/bait combos thru slots.

My imagination is failing me at the moment, so for the time being, I'm leaving this design stuff up to you guys.

I do have some comments that might add to the discussion, though.

I really like the retractable skeg on my Native Ultimate 12. The only drawback is that it is deployed by sliding a sheathed cable, and one has to be careful to not let mud or other debris get jammed into the skeg slot when launching or dragging the boat. Trying to force the cable to slide when the skeg slot is jammed can result in a sudden discharge of verbal expletives by the operator.  DAMHIKT

Flat-bottomed and rockered like a driftboat, I'd think a yak would need some kind of pop-down skeg in the stern for paddling upstream, or on windy flatwater.

Demonick, I think that dimpled surface stuff only works to reduce friction at higher speeds than we are moving at when paddling our yaks.

I didn't notice dimpling making any actual difference in speed when I used to surf.

My proposal for a 48" boat is for a row/driftboat only.  I can't see paddling it kayak style.

-Allen

I'd sure like to try out a SOT personal sized Pram/Driftbot!  That would be fun!

Also, with an oar set-up you'd be able to more effectively pull plugs and diver/bait combos thru slots.

If designed correctly, I would buy one in a heartbeat.  A pram hull design, maybe 10-12 ft, with real oars/oar locks etc, with sit on top characteristics (scuppers, molded footwells, dry hatches, tankwell etc).  How perfect would a cartop, single person, SOT pram be!

Tweaks to hatches, skegs, etc.  ... to me those are all "features".  Anyone can incorporate them.

I viewed the rod pod as a big deal.  It gave an access method never before available on a SOT.  So it leaks.  Fixing the hatch cover should be relatively easy without a complete kayak re-design.

My point is that I don't view this stuff as innovation in watercraft design.  Then again, I'm not a watercraft designer, so what do I know.

I think the personalized driftboat is innovative, and I'm contemplating pursuing it with my crack team of advisers here at NWKA.

In terms of SOT kayaks, I view a movement towards hard shell materials at a reasonable cost as a big deal.  You won't get there with an 8 week kayak company.

-Allen

If leaning towards the drift yak, I'd highly suggest a purpose made platform to attach an anchor pulley system to.

 

How about a super narrow SOT (like a surfski) with an ama?

Or maybe an ama system that has "suspension" built in?  The idea is to NOT use a fixed position arm, rather use one with a bit of play that allows you to still edge effectively in a SIK, but give you the secondary support of an ama in case you need it.

I'm sitting here in Kauai and have been watching surfskis and outrigger canoes today.   

-Allen

say hello to rocket, boogie-d and the rest of the crew out there for us before ya leave, meijo...

say hello to rocket, boogie-d and the rest of the crew out there for us before ya leave, meijo...

Wrong island.  As far as I can tell, there is not much going on in the way of kayak fishing on Kauai.

-Allen

The wide SOT pram idea is sounding really fun.  This would be an addition to my fleet for sure.
-Scott

say hello to rocket, boogie-d and the rest of the crew out there for us before ya leave, meijo...

Wrong island.  As far as I can tell, there is not much going on in the way of kayak fishing on Kauai.

-Allen

well, you could do it when you pass back through,,, and yeah, i know about Kauai. co-workers and former army buddies from there..mostly it's all a massive private ranch except for a tiny lil corner of it, if memory serves .

say hello to rocket, boogie-d and the rest of the crew out there for us before ya leave, meijo...

Wrong island.  As far as I can tell, there is not much going on in the way of kayak fishing on Kauai.

-Allen

You must just be on the wrong side of the island.  The girlfriends dad used to be the sheriff on Kauai (also an on again off again commercial fisherman) and did a lot of fishing out of his SOTs there.  The guys got some good stories about night time hand lining (and scars to prove it) that pucker my crash test dummy @ss. 

Kauai SOT crew from Aqua Hunters.

http://forum.aquahunters.com/index.php?topic=1603.0