Brand new baby... VIDEO UP

[Prof. Salt]

Jim Martin, the owner of Santa Cruz kayaks recently offered to let me try out a new Raptor to see if it will work for my type of fishing. I am intrigued by the design, and I knew it could potentially solve some problems my Malibu has offshore, but I would need to put one through the paces to find out. Well, a lovely yellow Raptor arrived yesterday afternoon, and I spent some time adjusting my seat to fit the new clip-in locations and figuring out how the crate would fit and the overall feel.

Today, despite the scattered thunderstorms in the area, I found a window of clear weather and paddled the Raptor around the marina at the bay front. Winds were gusting 18 to 25. Because of the split rear design, it has a different feel in the chop than any kayak I have ever paddled, but it doesn't feel unstable... In fact it is VERY stable. I'm not sure how the Raptor does quartering into the wind, as we often have to do offshore. More tests are coming. Surprisingly, it is faster than my Malibu... I might finally be able to keep up with everyone else!

So far I am impressed with this boat. I never thought that such a short (13 ft) boat would suit my needs, but then again I have never paddled anything designed like the Raptor.

[yokoman]

cant wait for the video

[earthshipman]

Faster than your Malibu? Sounds like the Raptor may have a good combination of speed and stability. I am hoping to come to Corpus next weekend, maybe I can escort you on another trial run.

[Gallonegro]

cant wait for the video

x2

[upnorthtex]

Glen, glad you're getting a tryout with the Raptor, hell even I might be able to paddle one. I will be hitting the santa cruz water
In the AM looking for a halibut. Hope that boat works good and I'm looking forward to your surf launch and recovery report. Art

[Tombo]

How much does this kayak weigh? I noticed next to the rear flush rod holders a small black object. Could it be a lash point for rod leashes?

[Prof. Salt]

How much does this kayak weigh? I noticed next to the rear flush rod holders a small black object. Could it be a lash point for rod leashes?

There is one inboard and one outboard of the bungees to lash your paddle and a rod or gaff, but its a bungee clip, not a leash connection. Stated weight is 60 lbs.

[Jeffrey]

It looks like you could mount a trolling motor or small outboard on the back of the tank well. Is it made for that?

[fishnv]

Looks cool...I'm wondering how the v tail will effect re-entry in surf?

[Prof. Salt]

It looks like you could mount a trolling motor or small outboard on the back of the tank well. Is it made for that?

A rudder could be mounted, but I don't think it has the strength to hold a motor on the plastic... But it might.

Looks cool...I'm wondering how the v tail will effect re-entry in surf?

The company owner takes the fast way in. He catches a wave and surfs by leaning the boat to steer. He claims that he's never turtled this way... I will try it in the close Texas surf and find out how it handles our conditions.

[christian]

Cool! I love mine too. Congrats.

[MrTexasFreedom]

I've been fascinated by this design since the first reference I came across the Raptor. Glad it's checking out positive so far. Looks worthy of a Prof. Salt endorsement.

--mtf

[Wolfman57]

New design. It ain't a sink. I will be interested in the review

Can you report on the stern waves hitting the back while anchored up. That is a lot of surface area for waves to hit

Also u hear the story behind the different seat??

WM

[Prof. Salt]

New design. It ain't a sink. I will be interested in the review

Can you report on the stern waves hitting the back while anchored up. That is a lot of surface area for waves to hit

Also u hear the story behind the different seat??

WM

I hope to take it to the beach Tuesday and will try more scenarios, especially surf handling. Do you usually anchor from the stern? If I remember to take an anchor I'll give it a shot.

They are working on a new seat that looks similar to a "normal" folding boat seat, but it wasn't quite ready to install on a kayak for me. The seat area is the widest I have seen on any kayak, and I would imagine that lots of possibilities exist. When I sit down, there is a four inch space on either side of me, so there is ample space for a pretty comfortable seat.

The paddle holders run on the outer edges of the boat but there are secondary slots inboard that also have bungees to secure whatever is stored there. If you put a rod in them, the reel could ride in the seating cutout beside you and avoid most of the water contact. My gaff fits there very nicely!

[SharkBait >*)\\\><(]

looks good to me, should be fun to get towed around in it

[Prof. Salt]

Video was not clearly able to show a few features:

The slot and bungee system to secure paddle.



Lots of storage room in the well. Rig hook and gaff are handy but secure. I am lashing to the included straps to secure my crate in place.

[Wolfman57]

Sounds good. Most of the time I anchor from the stern. 80%


Free casting distance to the front.

At the rigs I switch up at times.

[upnorthtex]

Just talked to Jim and he and I will launch at Santa Cruz and I'll be trying a Raptor with the new seat. Look for some black rockfish and Ling cod. Looking forward to a paddle, maybe the PA will leave me. Waiting for you surf video. Art

[Prof. Salt]

Good luck with the West Coast fish, Art. A man after my own heart, you just don't quit!

Tuesday afternoon looks like a weather window for me to try offshore, so I hope to have a second video soon after.

[Baitman]

Good luck with the West Coast fish, Art. A man after my own heart, you just don't quit!
.

I hope I'm still paddling when I reach that age ! I'm really looking forward to hooking up with ya Art.


Wow Prof.Salt, Loved that video ! So far so good, as I wasn't sure how this would go. Glad I had this opportunity to send you a demo.
I gotta warn you about that center hatch though. Despite the gasket, it still gets water in it. I've taken some pretty big waves to the chest that have filled the cockpit completely. That much water always finds a way to seep in. Sometimes only an ounce, other times a good pint... so anything you stow there, plan accordingly. Recently I tried cutting that compartment out completely as shown in this photo. This doesn't compromise the structural integrity any and does allow more room for storage and access into the hull.
The rear access hatches will accept those insert type bags for stowing keys / wallet, etc,.

I should have more info on the new seat this week. We're just waiting on the thermo-former to run a few parts for further testing.

Good luck Tuesday, hope you have some good surf to play in. Looking forward to the next report.
Jim

[Wolfman57]

Baitman. I have yet to see a functional hatch that is completely water tight. They were beating that drum on the cobra brand and I had to call bogus. Some water is understandable especially with the choppy 1-3 foot waves here.

Sounds like some changes were made with the SOT. The desgn is definately different. Still curious on the stern and how it takes waves when anchored up there.

WM

[Baitman]

Baitman. I have yet to see a functional hatch that is completely water tight. They were beating that drum on the cobra brand and I had to call bogus. Some water is understandable especially with the choppy 1-3 foot waves here.

Sounds like some changes were made with the SOT. The desgn is definately different. Still curious on the stern and how it takes waves when anchored up there.

WM

Sorry, I just can't answer that one, I never anchor. Tie up to Kelp sometimes to keep from drifting. It paddles backwards real easy, I don't think anchoring will be a problem at all. But since I have no experience in your waters, I'll have to leave that question floating.

[Cudadude]

Really excited to see the new demo hit the south Texas salt, and looking forward to the BTB video.
I was excited when Jim told me he was sending a Raptor down to PS to try out. He will be pleased with what the Raptor will offer as well as anyone that really takes the time like he is doing to truly give it a test.
Most people will look at the raptor and say now that's a cool craft but it doesn't look like its my type of craft, but the truth is they really don't understand the thought that went into the design of this craft. it was built for salt water, and to me those are extreme conditions IMO because I have only fish fresh water.
Prof.Salt hope I didn't high jack your post, I just wanted to share my passion for this SC Raptor.

[forager]

Thanks for posting up, I'm also very anxious to see how it will handle in the Gulf. From what I've read so far, it's looks like it potentially has the speed of a longer kayak without sacrificing too much stability, which is exactly what ive been looking for in a BTB kayak. If it has the Prof. Salt approval I may have to consider this yak for a future boat.

[Wolfman57]

Baitman. I have yet to see a functional hatch that is completely water tight. They were beating that drum on the cobra brand and I had to call bogus. Some water is understandable especially with the choppy 1-3 foot waves here.

Sounds like some changes were made with the SOT. The desgn is definately different. Still curious on the stern and how it takes waves when anchored up there.

WM

Sorry, I just can't answer that one, I never anchor. Tie up to Kelp sometimes to keep from drifting. It paddles backwards real easy, I don't think anchoring will be a problem at all. But since I have no experience in your waters, I'll have to leave that question floating.

Hopefully we will hear back soon. PS lets kick those tires.