Prowler Elite
May 30, 2007 7:24:40 GMT -1
Post by jdtourist on May 30, 2007 7:24:40 GMT -1
Prowler Elite 4.5 Angler
Stability:
This is my first Kayak, I had to rely on the recommendations of Paul at Hereford and Borders Kayaks. Now I'm getting used to it I realise how stable this kayak is.
Easy to lift:
It's as much as I want to lift, but it's a big kayak.
On and off the car: I can get it on and off my Previa (MPV) on my own, with care.
To and from the water:
I use a trolley when possible but my regular launch location involves steep concrete steps down to the beach. I can just get it down and back up again alone but it knackers me. I'm a big guy but I'm getting on a bit. It would be easy to sustain a back injury if you didn't watch how you lift in an awkward situation.
Fitting/build: excellent, no problems there
Nuts: Fine
Rivets: Fine
Bungee rope: Fine
The seat fixing and
Hatches: Fine
Rod holders: Fine, but am fitting a scotty type forward for trolling
Tackle box: Nice touch, I dropped mine and broke it.
How does it feel on the water
Tracking: Straight and true; lovely. Why you have a long boat.
Turning: Needs a little more effort because of the length.
Speed: A fast Kayak, very efficient. Slips along easily for a minimum of effort, put a little pressure on and it will whizz along.
Does it cut through the waves or ride over the top of them: Slices through waves, no problem.
Hull slap: Very little only when anchored at an awkward angle.
Seating
Is it dry or wet? It's wet.
Is it comfortable? Pretty good although I might get a seat with more back support. I expect one gets a bit numb after a couple of hours on any kayak.
I did want something where I could go down below and make a meal and a cuppa while fishing, but when I saw how much (and the maintainance!) I opted for a kayak and a wetsuit and y'know, I'm glad I did.
Cargo area or well: excellent, big enough and easy to reach. I haven't used the fore hatch yet apart from fitting a battery, but would only use it for stowage suitable for retrieval on shore. Plenty of space.
Fitted the FFR kit recently: easy enough but the bolt holding the tackle box bungee retainer doesn't clear the lip and has to be taken off.
I was recommended this or the 'Big Game' and after some thought, I chose the elite because I couldn't load or carry the big game alone and liked the sleek lines of the elite making it nicer to paddle.
I'm delighted with it and can't wait to get out again.
Stability:
This is my first Kayak, I had to rely on the recommendations of Paul at Hereford and Borders Kayaks. Now I'm getting used to it I realise how stable this kayak is.
Easy to lift:
It's as much as I want to lift, but it's a big kayak.
On and off the car: I can get it on and off my Previa (MPV) on my own, with care.
To and from the water:
I use a trolley when possible but my regular launch location involves steep concrete steps down to the beach. I can just get it down and back up again alone but it knackers me. I'm a big guy but I'm getting on a bit. It would be easy to sustain a back injury if you didn't watch how you lift in an awkward situation.
Fitting/build: excellent, no problems there
Nuts: Fine
Rivets: Fine
Bungee rope: Fine
The seat fixing and
Hatches: Fine
Rod holders: Fine, but am fitting a scotty type forward for trolling
Tackle box: Nice touch, I dropped mine and broke it.
How does it feel on the water
Tracking: Straight and true; lovely. Why you have a long boat.
Turning: Needs a little more effort because of the length.
Speed: A fast Kayak, very efficient. Slips along easily for a minimum of effort, put a little pressure on and it will whizz along.
Does it cut through the waves or ride over the top of them: Slices through waves, no problem.
Hull slap: Very little only when anchored at an awkward angle.
Seating
Is it dry or wet? It's wet.
Is it comfortable? Pretty good although I might get a seat with more back support. I expect one gets a bit numb after a couple of hours on any kayak.
I did want something where I could go down below and make a meal and a cuppa while fishing, but when I saw how much (and the maintainance!) I opted for a kayak and a wetsuit and y'know, I'm glad I did.
Cargo area or well: excellent, big enough and easy to reach. I haven't used the fore hatch yet apart from fitting a battery, but would only use it for stowage suitable for retrieval on shore. Plenty of space.
Fitted the FFR kit recently: easy enough but the bolt holding the tackle box bungee retainer doesn't clear the lip and has to be taken off.
I was recommended this or the 'Big Game' and after some thought, I chose the elite because I couldn't load or carry the big game alone and liked the sleek lines of the elite making it nicer to paddle.
I'm delighted with it and can't wait to get out again.