Cobra Tandem Kayak?

[Clayton713]

I was thining about buying a Cobra Tandem sit on top with hatches. Does anyone have an opinion on whether these are good spearfishing kayaks?

[Sebastien]

Hey Clayton, tandem kayaks are nice specially Cobras, but the weight is pretty bad and due to their size they react very slow in the surf zone, unless you are sure to dive all the time with someone I wouldn't buy it, by the way are you still looking for a power boat?

[Holy Mackerel]

I believe the Tandem is the same size as the Fish N dive, but it does not have a tankwell. They may have a molded center seat so you can paddle it solo... I have a tandem like that, and I dislike paddling it from the center molded spot...

How big are you? Fish N Dives are considered "Big Man's" kayaks, ie ~ 6'3" + ~250lbs+

They are a big & slow, but super stable. One piece of advice I give for people looking for a kayak, is that overtime, you will learn stability, but never gain speed... They are nice kayaks though.

Chris

Here's is my buddy in his FnD in the surf... same hull as the tandem... user error, not kayak...

[Sebastien]

Did you think about a seat in the bottom because this brand make some incredible folding kayaks with a big open hatch and they fit in 2 bags
perfect if you live in a condo

http://www.nautiraid.com/nautiraid-b...kayaks-gb.html

[headshot]

Originally Posted by Holy Mackerel

overtime, you will learn stability, but never gain speed

I agree with Mackerel!

Tandem Kayaks are slow

[Clayton713]

Doods I know a tandem kayak is slow if 1 person is paddling it, but 2 guys in a tandem a generally gonna smoke 1 guy in a single. I am more interested in whether I can fit guns in the hatches and that sort of thing.

[agarcia]

This one doesn't look like it has center seating for solo paddling. I had an OK prowler and currently paddle an OK Malibu 2 (tandem). I no longer use my kayaks for long trips (1 mile tops) and I frequently have a guest paddler so the double suits me fine. Since its super wide and stable, getting in and out of the water and getting my gear on is pretty easy. Deck space (no tankwell) and internal access is an issue for me but IMO Cobra has way better layouts and internal storage access.



http://www.malibukayaks.com/popImg.a...iew_tandem.jpg


Edit: Okay you got your post in before me...The Malibu Kayaks Tandem looks like it has a decent internal access as well with a monster hatch in the back, might be better than the Cobra's

[seahunter]

Originally Posted by Holy Mackerel

I believe the Tandem is the same size as the Fish N dive, but it does not have a tankwell. They may have a molded center seat so you can paddle it solo... I have a tandem like that, and I dislike paddling it from the center molded spot...

How big are you? Fish N Dives are considered "Big Man's" kayaks, ie ~ 6'3" + ~250lbs+

IF you like the fish N dives check out the Muaraders. They are longer, faster, and have a second hatch. Not a tandem though.
http://www.gwkc.com/kayaks.htm#marauder

[Holy Mackerel]

Originally Posted by Clayton713

Doods I know a tandem kayak is slow if 1 person is paddling it, but 2 guys in a tandem a generally gonna smoke 1 guy in a single. I am more interested in whether I can fit guns in the hatches and that sort of thing.

The Cobra Tandem has PLENTY of storage space below for guns, and equipment. However, I think it would be a little awkward for two guys staging to dive.... I have a WS Tandem, similar to the Cobra, I doubt, I'd go out on that thing with two DOODS... I take my GF, about 5'3" 120, or my little nephew, but it would get tippy with two guys my size 6' 200lbs...

I dont paddle Cobra kayaks, but once owned a Cobra Triple for a period of time... If you want a true two MAN kayak, get a triple... look on craigslist or some of the kayak fishing sites, they come up from time to time. It has an enormous space between the back molded seat, and front molded seat for gear. Slow though.

Btw, I'll race you with another person in your cobra tandem against my 16ft Tarpon any day...

Chris

[Clayton713]

"Btw, I'll race you with another person in your cobra tandem against my 16ft Tarpon any day... "

I'll win paddling solo, while my buddy scuttles your tarpon from the deep...

[jonsjameson]

I have an ocean kayak Cabo that seats 2 and half people (16 feet) with a large storage area below. I like the two person kayak because if a friend wants to go diving we are not limited to a shore dive. I personally do not have a problem paddeling it by myself, but loading it on and off the truck and dragging it to the beach is a much different story.

Jonathan

[bluesquids]

I'd agree that a cobra trible would be a better platform for two guys. But, for that price you can get two used kayaks. Deals on used scupper pros or similar models in the $300-$500 range are hard to beat.

[jonsjameson]

Originally Posted by bluesquids

I'd agree that a cobra trible would be a better platform for two guys. But, for that price you can get two used kayaks. Deals on used scupper pros or similar models in the $300-$500 range are hard to beat.

i was very lucky and bought mine on craigslist for 350 with paddles, bait tank and pump

[Owasco]

I had a cobra surf-n-dive, and frankly, did not like it at all. It had very little secondary stability, which plays into dealing with rough seas. I sold mine after using it twice.
So, after selling the cobra, I bought a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140. this boat rocks. In my humble opinion, the Wilderness System 140 or 160 is the best saltwater sit-on-top boat out there. It has great primary and secondary stability as well as lots of storage space. Since it is very much like the traditional kayak design, it tracks well and can move quickly.

With that said, I would also mention that you should take a look at the hobies with the foot paddle system. I know guys that swear by them for several reasons: they track well, have lots of space and can haul ass in rougher water. I was off of Dana point in pretty rough crap when I decided to head in. While I was heading in, two guys in the hobies paddled past me (they were going out), against the wind, and directly into rough water as if they were on a pond out for sunday stroll. Pretty solid boat, it would seem.

I also like Prowlers. Very stable with a ton of storage space.

Also, this is the time to look for used boats. No reason to buy one new, they are too expensive and really, as a spearo, you only want to go from point A to point B then jump out to hunt. Anyways, there are tons of people out there who are looking to unload their used boats which are perfectly fine(ebay, craigslist).

This is a good site for picking up a used boat. In fact, I just checked it out and there are some prowlers with equipment for a relatively cheap price.

http://forum.kayak4fish.com/viewforu...6b470d9296f25c

In the end, just get a decent boat for as cheaply as possible and beat the crap out of it. If you need some rigging ideas and tips, shoot me a PM.

[Owasco]

Keep in mind if you get a tandem and go out alone, you will be paddling that big boat alone. not bad in calm water, but with some wind and waves (which is almost always the case), it can get heavy and unweildy, quickly.

I had a cobra surf-n-dive, and frankly, did not like it at all. It had very little secondary stability, which plays into dealing with rough seas. I sold mine after using it twice.
So, after selling the cobra, I bought a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140. this boat rocks. In my humble opinion, the Wilderness System 140 or 160 is the best saltwater sit-on-top boat out there. It has great primary and secondary stability as well as lots of storage space. Since it is very much like the traditional kayak design, it tracks well and can move quickly.

With that said, I would also mention that you should take a look at the hobie with the foot paddle system. I know guys that swear by them for several reasons: they track well, have lots of space and can haul ass in rougher water. I was off of Dana point in pretty rough crap when I decided to head in. While I was heading in, two guys in hobies paddled past me (they were going out), against the wind, and directly into rough water as if they were on a pond out for sunday stroll. Pretty solid boat, it would seem.

I also like Prowlers. Very stable with a ton of storage space.

Also, this is the time to look for used boats. No reason to buy one new, they are too expensive and really, as a spearo, you only want to go from point A to point B then jump out to hunt. Anyways, there are tons of people out there who are looking to unload their used boats which are perfectly fine(ebay, craigslist).

This is a good site for picking up a used boat. In fact, I just checked it out and there are some prowlers with equipment for a relatively cheap price.

http://forum.kayak4fish.com/viewforu...6b470d9296f25c

In the end, just get a decent boat for as cheaply as possible and beat the crap out of it. If you need some rigging ideas and tips, shoot me a PM (give a good anchor some thought).