One interesting Kayak concept..

[Andreujc]

Check it out...

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tru ... ish-paddle" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[eweberdc]

You know, that is pretty cool. I wonder if it's a beast to paddle?

[BlueTony]

I am loving the innovation year after year of this growing fishing segment.

[Zebco]

Bet there is a market for it!

[FishingSETX]

Pretty cool design concept. Wonder if it'll make it to production?

[LC_BTB]

Looks pretty good to me. Wish it would come out I'd look into one for sure.

[ShadyAngler]

Certainly a pretty cool design! I am shocked it comes in at 75lbs.

[YakAggie]

Looks cool!

[billy bobba]

You know, that is pretty cool. I wonder if it's a beast to paddle?

Most certainly yes.
The point many manufacturers seem to miss is that the most notable plus of an outrigger design is that it will allow the main hull to be of a more efficient design while the whole rig will still be stable.
It seems that manufacturers and buyers of this type of "transformer" kayak ( -- and most fishing yaks in general) have forgotten that you have to paddle these boats !
When I am faced with a 20 knot - 5 mile - upwind paddle, I am thinking "longer, lighter, narrower" not - short , heavy and wide.

[1texasaggie]

I wonder if it's a beast to paddle?

Based on design appearances, likely not. I've certainly paddled a lot worse. You have to consider most anglers genuinely interested in standing stability will not be deterred that the TrueRec lacks touring kayak speed.

In the end, the funding issue will doom this project. I cannot envision 100 "backers" risking $1,500 each, sight unseen, on an unproven design concept. Simply put, there are just not that many new features here for kayakers (again, for those interested in design stability) to get overly excited.

Here is my analysis:

IMHO, the integral outrigger concept never took off for Freedom Hawk. It would certainly be a bonus for most anglers, but not the motivating factor for buying this kayak (or "pledging" 1,500 bucks to an unknown start- up company). It's easy to stand in a stable kayak, but unless you have short legs, it's not so easy to sit back down again...and I don't see a plan for this on the TrueRec. Then add a little wind or chop, and you're about to go for a swim.

The cockpit layout and hull shape closely resembles Diablo's design, so stability should be solid and paddling fairly easy. The one thing that's always held me back from buying a Diablo is the lack of useable hatches. However, I really like the TrueRec hatch design and layout (close and easily accessible).

Another bonus would be the inclusion of a transom motor mount. However, until someone figures out how to affordably rig a 5hp outboard for stick steer, tiller handle is not a practical option.

Finally, I really dislike the TrueRec style of seating. After about 3- hours in this style of seat, my back is killing me. If they could incorporate a Native Watercraft, Diablo, Jackson, NuCanoe, Hobie, etc. style of seat, it would be one step closer to perfection.