Posted by jas on July 22, 2002 at 06:15:33:
In Reply to: Re: BobH, we need a valid email address when you post posted by Bobh on July 22, 2002 at 00:14:55:
Sounds like a great trip. Wow, big fish! How was the visability? Did you think about us and snap a few underwater seabass pics for the photo section, lol. Have you ever tried the throw away water proof cameras? I'm curious how they shoot 20-40ft down.
The ride is much dryer on the Pro then the Scupper. Though I would just plug the seat scuppers w/ plugs. The Pro Explorer didn't need plugs to stay dry. Though make sure if you did go Explorer, that you get a high back seat for it. The Scupper isn't as critical in regards to the lowback/highback seat.
It sounds like you can handle the Scupper fine. Though it won't pass too many "tip" tests, it still can work w/ rougher waters and under "fishing battle conditions". Did you try turning around or climbing up to the front hatch? Those were difficult for me until I gained comfort and confidence.
Enjoy! Are you getting the latest version of the Pro Explorer w/ the large front hatch? I see where you mentioned stowing the gear, so I assume so. You probably already noticed that their site is still reflecting the version w/ out the new modifications. Sounds like you got the newest version, if not, come by the "rigged kayaks" section for a few photos I took of mine.
BTw, Ritchie makes the best compasses for kayaks I've seen. They have a "dash" or "flushmount" compass that I put in the footwell area. At the end of the foot rests there is a small area you can mount one.
I have one on my Scupper as well, but I had to mount it in relation to the arch of my foot. On the Scupper, my feet rest up against the last foot rest. With the compass placed mounted there, I don't even feel it even though my foot rests flat there. I just move my foot to view the compass.
*****I purchased mine from a store in Reseda called Anchor Marine for about $35. With those early am fog banks, it really helps. Also has a compass light you can rig to a 12 volt if you wanted to.
jas
: Thanks for the reply! Just got back from my first boat dive in Catalina....absolutely beautiful. Got to within a foot of a sea bass whos head was in front of mine and whose tail ended well beyond my fins. Had to have been 3 to 400 lbs. Biggest fish I have ever dived around!!!
: I have tried both the scupper pro and the explorer pro and liked each. Your descriptions of how they handle is same way I ended up feeling.
: I am leaning towards explorer because its more comfortable and dry. Also will allow me to mount gear easily and get to anything I put under the hatch. Not quite as fast but a whole lot of other advantages.
: I also tried the cobra fish and dive and the cobra navigator. The fish and dive was stable but very slow and the leg wells (?) where your feet and legs go just didnt feel right. It just felt too big overall unless I needed to carry two tanks, large dogs, extra people etc. The navigator was faster but not very stable. I was doing the "rock the boat" test and managed to dump it and then dumped it again getting back in.
: The scupper really was a pleasure to paddle and actually felt stable. Didnt encounter any waves so dont know what that would be like. I think sitting in the water might have a lot to do with it Since I was wet the entire time I was in it. The explorer also paddled easily, but didnt seem as fast. Did turn a lot easier.