Barracuda SOT

Barracuda ultra light pro fish. What a great yak – This light well designed fishing kayak is a treasure, on and off the water. 4.2 metres of get up and go on your shoulder after unloading the Parado or in the blue water catching fish. Nice to paddle, great sense of direction into wind and waves and stable. Very good drainage when the odd wave comes aboard. The latest version has only two drains in the cockpit.

Well designed working space with a more than adquate central storage system.

The rudder system has no peer. Simple tip toe control with well positioned foot braces

I will conceed that some moulded plastic steam rollers may have more storage space and other features that are not often used. Why paddle all that weight about? Ever seen a fat sprinter at the Olympics.

It is designed to be light and efficient so in use, those ideals should follow. Use the yak as designed and it will not fail you. The bow section has plenty of floatation and boyancy to cut through surf and angry water without losing momentum plus the dry ride that the design allows for. Plenty of stability from the hull shape which provides primary and tons of secondary boyancy.

A 15 kg snapper caught recently proved without doubt that there is more than enough support in the hull design from needless tipover incidents.

The location of flush rod holders in front and behind the paddler have been well planned by the manufacturer.

Front hatch is well placed, secure but could possibly be larger in diameter

Rear hatch is again well located and provides an ideal location for a battery or fish finding equipment and provision is made in the keel piece to locate any wiring that is required.

Balance of the boat is critical to obtain the best performance. Balancing the weight to retain an even keel set the forfoot in the water and raised the stern to prevent dragging. Very fast times have been enjoyed after learning the technic of the even keel posion. Remember we are all shaped differently by diameter or length. That is not the kayaks fault.

The NZ manufacturer insulated the rear storage area and we now have with the help of an insulated cover a neat, lighweight, tidy, efficient, cool storage space for those fish. A strengthened fore deck was also included to fit the PA sail when required.

What does it weigh 19.5 kg almost like an Australian greyhound.

I would recommend the Barracuda to a friend even the ememy. Simply the best!

fishing kayak good all rounder – 4.2m long 70cm wide 22kgs including rudder.Have owned this kayak for 15 months now & find it to be very practical for use in estuary offshore paddling not as fast as a glass surf ski but at the same time by no means sluggish on a good day I can cover 20Ks (not bad for a bloke in his 50s ) & in reasonable conditions in company am happy taking it 3 or 4 Ks 0ff shore the 3 internal bulk heads give me peace of mind. light enough for me to car top it single handed & good secondary stability the 2 front flush mount rod holders are in my opinion too close to the seat location