Thoreau goes yakfishin... in a Necky Spike

[Socrates_thinks]

Now I don't need to tell most of ya what I think of the Scupper Pro, a great design and top performer for all around yakfishin here in SE Florida. And many of you know the high marks I give to the Necky's - true thorougbred sea kayaks - sleek, fast, maneuvreable and spartan.

I've always wanted a 2nd yak - shorter and equipped for high performance minimalist yakfishin, and after serious testing and consideration that yak turned out to be:

The Necky Spike.

Twelve four, low profile, tankwell. Small forward hatch, center hatch with bag. And with a design that can yak circles around any other SOT. Found one used, with rudder for a great price and decided it was time to put up or shut up. And bought it. Near Orlando of all places. But it was a good yak with great mojo.

Brought it back via Melbourne and Sebastian and put in for that first nervewrackin ride. With my fishin cooler, rod and gear I was gonna experience real yakfishin conditions. The result:

The Spike is awesome. My fishin cooler/rodholder fit in fine. It's light, smooth and reaches hull speed in a jiffy. Easy to keep on track, and easy paddlin. Spins on a dime. Nice glide. Built for the surf and lean turns, but whisper quiet on smooth water. Felt comfortable after just 15 minutes. Since it's a bit wider had to alter my stroke a tad.

Now... I know you want to know how it compares to my trusty ProTW. Some first impressions:

1. The Spike is the best performin yak I've ever been in, period. Fast (for a 12-1/2 footer), smooth, quiet and agile. Seems to handles wind easier. But definitely spartan.

2. The Pro is more substantial, has tons more storage and is clearly faster. The speed advantage is noticeable. It's more boat and you know it.

So which yak will I take fishin? Well, the Spike for awhile. I want to really wring it out and see how it feels in a wide variety of conditions. The jury is out.

I have some concerns about the speed limitations of a shorter yak, felt I was able to max out too easily. But I also know the Spike is deceptively fast for it's length, and I had no measure of comparision. Need to also check wind, drift and other in-use factors.

Next time out will be with Chef Mike, with whom I've fished often and which can provide a better measure.

More later...

Best,
Soc

aka Capn Jimbo aka Jim aka Hey you!



http://ftlauderdaleyakfishingclub.org/beach_0003.jpg

"Don't get any better 'n this!"

<center>Asked by a cute waitress: "What's that big yellow thing on top of your car?"
Me:"Compensation!"

Ft. Lauderdale Yakfishin Club! (http://ftlauderdaleyakfishingclub.org/)</center>

[This message was edited by Socrates_thinks on October 19, 2003 at 07:31 AM.]

[Socrates_thinks]

Now I don't need to tell most of ya what I think of the Scupper Pro, a great design and top performer for all around yakfishin here in SE Florida. And many of you know the high marks I give to the Necky's - true thorougbred sea kayaks - sleek, fast, maneuvreable and spartan.

I've always wanted a 2nd yak - shorter and equipped for high performance minimalist yakfishin, and after serious testing and consideration that yak turned out to be:

The Necky Spike.

Twelve four, low profile, tankwell. Small forward hatch, center hatch with bag. And with a design that can yak circles around any other SOT. Found one used, with rudder for a great price and decided it was time to put up or shut up. And bought it. Near Orlando of all places. But it was a good yak with great mojo.

Brought it back via Melbourne and Sebastian and put in for that first nervewrackin ride. With my fishin cooler, rod and gear I was gonna experience real yakfishin conditions. The result:

The Spike is awesome. My fishin cooler/rodholder fit in fine. It's light, smooth and reaches hull speed in a jiffy. Easy to keep on track, and easy paddlin. Spins on a dime. Nice glide. Built for the surf and lean turns, but whisper quiet on smooth water. Felt comfortable after just 15 minutes. Since it's a bit wider had to alter my stroke a tad.

Now... I know you want to know how it compares to my trusty ProTW. Some first impressions:

1. The Spike is the best performin yak I've ever been in, period. Fast (for a 12-1/2 footer), smooth, quiet and agile. Seems to handles wind easier. But definitely spartan.

2. The Pro is more substantial, has tons more storage and is clearly faster. The speed advantage is noticeable. It's more boat and you know it.

So which yak will I take fishin? Well, the Spike for awhile. I want to really wring it out and see how it feels in a wide variety of conditions. The jury is out.

I have some concerns about the speed limitations of a shorter yak, felt I was able to max out too easily. But I also know the Spike is deceptively fast for it's length, and I had no measure of comparision. Need to also check wind, drift and other in-use factors.

Next time out will be with Chef Mike, with whom I've fished often and which can provide a better measure.

More later...

Best,
Soc

aka Capn Jimbo aka Jim aka Hey you!



http://ftlauderdaleyakfishingclub.org/beach_0003.jpg

"Don't get any better 'n this!"

<center>Asked by a cute waitress: "What's that big yellow thing on top of your car?"
Me:"Compensation!"

Ft. Lauderdale Yakfishin Club! (http://ftlauderdaleyakfishingclub.org/)</center>

[This message was edited by Socrates_thinks on October 19, 2003 at 07:31 AM.]

[vivian]

I just sold by old Scupper Pro and have been looking at the Spike for my next boat. One of my paddling buddies owns one and it is truly a fast, maneuvarable and very light kayak. It is a joy to car top compared to the Pro. And much faster!
She has a rudder on hers but I don't like the Necky rudder setup much. The rudder get's in the way of the using the rear toggle for carry. The lines to life the rudder up also get in the way when putting a cooler in the tankwell area.

I also looked at the Prowler but I am getting too old to be lifting so much weight on to my van's roof rack. Simplicity is the way to go for day trip fishing.

[swampratoutfitters]

Since a lot of people complain about the weight of their yak, why not paddle a Compass? It only weighs 18 lbs and is open for a lot of fishing gear. I'm just curious, as I never see anyone mention this boat. I am not mentioning this because I am the rep for this manufacturer here in Florida, but because I want the feedback. By the way, we are coming out with a 16ft boat that should weigh approx 30 lbs and have a capacity of 450 lbs. Just wondering.

Frank

[Socrates_thinks]

Nothing personal but I've never seen your "Compass" even mentioned among the 100+ makes and models of yaks currently available.

Weight is not really relevant unless it exceeds 60 lb., and is just one of many factors considered in yakfishin here in SE Florida.

If you are sincerely interested write me privately and let's set up a demo and review. Please also provide a link to the manufacturer.

Vivan, thanks for your post. Certainly agree bout rudders in general, and cartoppin a shorter yak is definitely easier. The Pro is noticeably faster. The Prowler weighs in at a reasonable 58 lb., not much more than the Pro (55 lb.) or the Spike (52 lb.). Interestingly most of the yaks in the Spike's 12-1/2 ft. range weigh in between 50-55 lb.

Although all are moderate in weight, there are significant differences in design and performance.

Best,
Soc

aka Capn Jimbo aka Jim aka Hey you!



http://ftlauderdaleyakfishingclub.org/beach_0003.jpg

"Don't get any better 'n this!"

<center>Asked by a cute waitress: "What's that big yellow thing on top of your car?"
Me:"Compensation!"

Ft. Lauderdale Yakfishin Club! (http://ftlauderdaleyakfishingclub.org/)</center>

[This message was edited by Socrates_thinks on October 19, 2003 at 07:33 AM.]

[chefmik]

Jim.....congratulations on the new ride. looking forward to see if you can keep up with me!!! http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[GeorgeM]

Capt. Jim:

Congrats on your new Spike.

I have paddled a Dolphin and liked it but found the cockpit and foot rests sort of confining (I am about 6'-1", 205 lbs). My legs had to be too bent to fit and I kept hitting my knees with the paddle. I am not sure if this is due to the kayak or my poor paddling technique.
The Dolphin is on my final list for my first kayak (Tarpon 140, SPTW, Dolphin). I plan to fish and do day touring about 50%/50%.
Is the cockpit of the Spike very similar? Do you think a rudder is necessary?
BTW, as a newbie I have enjoyed reading all of your postings and have learned a lot from them.

George M.

[Socrates_thinks]

Thanks George, it's knowing that this info may be useful to others that makes it worthwhile. I do understand your concern.

Not having seen you paddle, it's a bit hard to comment, but I'm gonna guess your knees may be at too acute an angle. Try stretching your legs almost flat, then bring em up one notch, see how that feels.

IMO rudders are not necessary on any of these yaks. Tracking is 80% paddling, 20% design. Rudders require constant adjustment, can inhibit control, are snag inducing (wait til the first time a cuda takes a run around and under your yak). OTOH some tourers (esp. longer yaks of 16 ft. or more) find a rudder useful.

My recommendation: buy a yak without one. Few yakfishers use em. And learn to paddle, spend a few months with your machine. You can always add a rudder kit later. I don't think you will.

As far as your short list, you sound like a candidate for the Pro. The Spike is VERY similar to the Dolphin, but definitely more agile, and very much at home in the ocean.

I have to recommend the ProTW for you. At 26 inches and 14'9" it is your fastest boat, and has TONS of storage, huge hatch, for touring. The Pro was originally designed as a lite tourer, and later became the yak of choice for serious yakfishin. It is quite seaworthy, has good rocker, turns well, bulletproof rigid design.

It also has the longest cockpit of the OK's, and should accomodate your long legs. I love my Pro will never sell it, just too good a yak.

You might also consider the Prowler though, as it is a bit roomier, even faster and quieter and is now the yak to beat for yakfishin. Think Tarpon 16 meets Scupper Pro.

I think the Dolphin and Spike are both confining for you, and though I haven't tested the 140, it's gonna be heavy, slower, and noiser. More a fishin yak than a touring yak.

I dearly love my new Spike, had it out in 3 ft ocean waves and surf today...an amazing boat. Even had some fun surfin it in. But it is NOT a tourer.

Best,
Soc

aka Capn Jimbo aka Jim aka Hey you!



http://ftlauderdaleyakfishingclub.org/beach_0003.jpg

"Don't get any better 'n this!"

<center>Asked by a cute waitress: "What's that big yellow thing on top of your car?"
Me:"Compensation!"

<font color=red>Ft. Lauderdale Yakfishin Club!</font> (http://ftlauderdaleyakfishingclub.org/)</center>

[This message was edited by Socrates_thinks on October 20, 2003 at 09:07 AM.]

[Scupper Pro Frank]

and in truth it didn't seem to be NEARLY the yak you're paddling & describing!

Rick Bartoli -Grayhawk from Key Largo who attended the Yak-In in his home-built Pygmy Artic Tern wooden kit SINK -started out in a Spike, still has it last I heard. Sally & I and some friends from KY went down for a Key Largo paddle with Rick, and he loaned his Spike to Dagney, while Larry (at my insistence, over the advice from the Florida Bay Outfitters shop to go with one of the S-Pro TWs) rented a Tarpon 160.

I paddled both -found the T160's stock in-the-notch seat terribly uncomfortable when Larry & I switched for a spell. On the other hand, when he got in my infamous lime green Pro, he IMMEDIATELY said 'WOW-this is SOOOO much more comfortable than that 'other boat' I've been paddling'...

We ARE wise men, are we not...?

More to the point of this thread -I also got a chance to paddle around and about in Rick's Spike when Dagney hung it up for the day. It was, as you've noted, responsive and maneuverable. But at the same time, I found it -surprisingly! -somewhat imprecise and a bit sluggish! I felt like it didn’t track particularly well, even when I used Sally’s shorter, larger power-face paddle in a more vertical stroke, and I was left feeling somehow, somewhat dissatisfied. I don’t think it’s the boat for me...

But on the other hand, I’m happy for YOU, Cap’n, in that you’ve got a fun boat to play around it. Have LOTS of fun as you test out your new toy -and BTW 1) did you get ANYwhere near as good a deal on it as you did with your Pro?; 2) what color is it?; 3) When will you post a pic of you and your ‘new’ funyakfisher as you

Paddle on!

-Frank in Miami

[Socrates_thinks]

Well, finally got the new/used Spike out with Chef Mike in his new Prowler for a great standard of comparison. Keep in mind the Prowler is faster yet than the ProTW. My earlier concern was that I was able to max out the Spike much too easily. I feared also that the hull speed would be too slow for effective yakfishin. Bottom line:

The Spike is plenty fast. Now I sure wouldn't take it for a 10 mile tour, but for yakfishin it's just fine. Mike and I were in conditions that really demand top performance.

In a large open area, surrounded by acres of bait, many many feeding tarpon and hundreds of large jacks. Bait busts everywhere. Lots of turning, chasing, sprinting and fighting some serious 7 to 9 pound jacks towing us around.

On the way over I found the Spike could easily keep up with a brisk let's-get-there pace with little effort. No comparison at hull speed, but just fine. The Spike is whisper quiet, no hull slap to speak of. In a sprint I could easily hit hull speed and max out, get to the busts fast enough. And when you consider turning time, the Spike was off and running before the Prowler was half way around.

Frank, I'd suggest you may have an issue with paddlin technique, esp. since we both drive Pro's (and I'm definitely keepin mine). I discovered that I was so used to the paddle placement close to the Pro's 26 inch beam, that a similar close placement (simply from habit) on the wider Spike caused a slightly angled stroke to clear the beam and, yup, cause yaw (turn).

When I finally figured out that you have to reach "out" further on the placement, so as to draw parallel to the yak, problem solved.

I actually find the Spike easier to keep on track due to it's skeglike stern, yet it still manages to be easier to turn due to it's shorter length, rocker and hull design. Nice. And better in the wind too.

Bottom line: the Spike's lighter, shorter, more seaworthy design all pay off in superior performance. The Pro still has the edge in storage, heft, more accessible tankwell and top speed. A real toss up.

I'm beginning to view the Spike, Pro and Prowler in a continuum of fine fishin machines, with the Drifter available for the really big guys.

But the jury is still out...

Best,
Soc

aka Capn Jimbo aka Jim aka Hey you!



http://ftlauderdaleyakfishingclub.org/beach_0003.jpg

"Don't get any better 'n this!"

<center>Asked by a cute waitress: "What's that big yellow thing on top of your car?"
Me:"Compensation!"

<font color=red>Ft. Lauderdale Yakfishin Club!</font> (http://ftlauderdaleyakfishingclub.org/)</center>

[This message was edited by Socrates_thinks on October 22, 2003 at 07:08 AM.]