Dagger Cayman

[okiediver72]

I may have an opportunity to get into a Dagger Cayman kayak. It's a sot and is 12.5' long. I'm looking for something mostly for fishing, and maybe dive/snorkel from. Anyone have any insights into this particular model?
Thanks,
Russ

[Fis_Hunter]

I found this post from a guy on another forum regarding the dragger Cayman

"This is my current boat and I can't say much bad about it. I'm 5'8", 200lbs and have always had a blast paddling this kayak. The older style plastic rudder channels are next to worthless, the newer aluminum channels are much better IMO, easier to clean & stronger too. The main gripe I have is the soft rubber hatch cover: in substantial surf a dirct hit will pop it into the hatch & dump gallons into your kayak. I always meant to make or scrounge a hard shell hatch but after 4 years I still haven't. That said, backup internal floatation would be a really good idea, especially in surf. I've set my boat up minimally with a milk crate (trim the rear corners to fit it in the tankwell) and a few addtional eyes for tethers & a compass. My Cayman has taken a beating in the last few years & hasn't given me any major problems.
-Sean"

[okiediver72]

OK, the Cayman deal fell through, which is a little bit of a bummer, but I've found possible different model. I'm looking really hard at a Pelican Castaway. It seems to be just about right for what I want, H&L fishing and possibly scuba/freediving in inland lakes. Anyone with any thoughts or experience with them?
Thanks,
Russ

[Fis_Hunter]

Looks like there are three models of the castaway 150 DXL, the 130 DXL and the 116 DXL. Both the 130 and the 116 will only hold a max of 350 LBS and they are heavy for a boat that size (57 lbs for an 11' boat seams like a lot) If you are a large dude or have a lot of gear you may go over your limit. If you are too close to the limit your kayak will not handle well. (If you scuba in Nor Cal your weight belt alone can be 36-40 lbs easy.) The 150 DXL is 15' long and can hold 400. (75 lbs for the 15' boat is heavy) If I had to pick one of the castaways it would be the 150 DXL.

If you compair the 150 with ocean Kayak's Prowler trident 15 they are very similar in size and length. The prowler will hold 100 lbs more weight and it is 15 lbs lighter and has a place to put your speargun and fishing rod. it does cost more.

This site has the specks.

http://www.pelicansport.com/index.php?language=en&category=kayaks&nauticalboat=castaway116dlx

Here is a link with the trident specks.
http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/angler_editions/prowler_trident_15_angler.html