Sweetwater Fishing Forums
Special Interest => Kayak & Canoe Chat => Topic started by: Sweetwater on March 06, 2012, 10:06:01 PM
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I managed to get a sneaky peak at a couple of sample of the new Ocea Kayak Tetra SOT yaks today. Got a look at a Tetra 10' recreation version in lime & a Tetra 12' Angler.
Both look like a pretty good yak sitting on the ground.
I picked both up & without reading the official blurb, I guessed the 10 footer felt about 21kg & the 12' Angler felt around 23. Both were balanced to lift over head, solid handles were comfortable.
I got to sit on them both & they were quite comfortable having adjustable foot rests & a very well padded seat. On the seat, this is a new style for Ocean Kayak. This is a fixed seat in that it is mounted in the kayak, but is quite flexible & adjustable like existing OK seats. For stowing there is a bungee on the back of the seat that clips onto a saddle on the centre hatch/dash area. I asked a 6'4" bloke to hop in & stretch out & he still had a few inches of adjustment left.
What I like the look of:
- Adjustable foot rests
- Well padded seat (looks pretty comfy)
- Angler version has centre pod/hatch access to centre of kayak. The seal around the hatch lid looks pretty good & should make a water tight seal if the lid is strapped down. The recreation version doesn't have the centre hatch/pod but comes with drink holder etc, although this dashboard (for want of a better term) can be cut out & a pod/hatch fitted easily.
- The hatch/pod (someone please give me the best term to use) has several Scotty / Cannon bases moulded into it giving several options for rod holders etc.
- Front hatch is much closer to the cockpit than previous OK sit on tops, the quick seal hatch is a huge improvement on the old style double strap arrangement with neoprene underneath. the neo seals are very good for keeping water out, but painful to use.
- Are Rudder Ready. Inserts are already in the yak accomodate a rudder, this with the adjustable foot rests being standard issue will make fitting a rudder a fairly easy affair. I perosnally don't think there's alot of call for a rudder on a 10 or 12' SOT, but some like / want it. I guess its a personal choice & it's good that OK have recognised that & given the option.
- Replacable wear pad on read of skeg
Anhow, here's the official blurb from the OK USA website.
http://www.oceankayak.com/uploadedFiles/Website_Library_Assets/Files/Sell_Sheets/OK_Tetra_Series_Sell_Sheet.pdf (http://www.oceankayak.com/uploadedFiles/Website_Library_Assets/Files/Sell_Sheets/OK_Tetra_Series_Sell_Sheet.pdf)
The Tetra is unlike any other Ocean Kayak we have introduced to the market. Sleek and sporty, this low profile craft has clean lines and glides through the water with ease. Equipped with the unique Comfort Hybrid seat back the Tetra is ready to ride the minute you hit the water. Available in the 10 or 12 lengths this kayak is perfect for day trips, kayak angling or a casual paddle after work.
Features
Comfort Hybrid seat back
Quick Seal bow hatch
Adjustable foot braces
Large tank well with bungee
Molded-in cup holder
Paddle keeper
Side mounted carrying handles
Drain plug
OPTIONS
Rudder system
Angler Edition which includes two flush mounted rod holders, molded-in angler graphics and the Mod Pod II center console hatch
TETRA 10 SPECS
LENGTH 10 8 | 3.25 m
WIDTH 29.5 | 74.9 cm
WEIGHT 51 lbs | 23.2 kg
MAX CAPACITY 225-275 lbs | 102.1-124.7 kg
TETRA 12 SPECS
LENGTH 12 1" | 3.68 m
WIDTH 28 | 71.1 cm
WEIGHT 55 lbs | 25 kg
MAX CAPACITY 300-350 lbs | 136.1-158.8 kg
COMFORT HYBRID SEAT BACK
Easily adjusts so you can find the most comfortable position for
your water adventure
The seat back is attached to the kayak so it wont slide while in use
Comfortable seat back height for additional lumbar support
Bungee on the back of the seat back allows you to stow your gear
Removing the seat back (if necessary) is easy
I'm hoping to get a test paddle of these in the next couple of weeks, will see if I can break them.
Until then, here's a few piccys.
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A few more pictures.
The tan colored kayak is the Angler 12'
The lime colored model is the 10' recreation version (no mod pod added)
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Not seriously going to release a yak in Australia called Tetra are they?
Tetra Pak (oceana funnily enough) has been associated with food packaging for donkeys years in Oz, gunna be all sorts of jokes about them producing food packaging for Great whites now ! :))
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They look the goods
be interested to see them in the flesh.
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Gee they look like a speed machine, that bow will allow it to cut through the water effortlessly. I like the centre hatch, just perfect to store all your gear, if you get the pricing right you OK could be on a winner. Certainly a well thought out, perfectly finished kayak :youbeauty
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Love the look of the lines and certainly a top looking layout.Very appealing with that central hatch option on the angler version.
OK are definately onto a winner here with this new design.
:youbeauty
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Will this line compliment or replace the Prowler line? I'm buying a Prowler Elite 4.1 in 2 days. Don't want it to be superseded before I start! :)
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Will this line compliment or replace the Prowler line? I'm buying a Prowler Elite 4.1 in 2 days. Don't want it to be superseded before I start! :)
G'Day Kevin,
It will be added to the range. The Prowler Ultra 4.1 is a very good & very popular kayak, it will be around for a long time IMHO...if it aint broke, don't fix it. :thumb
The Tetra 12 is a foot shorter than the 4.1 (13') & will fill a different niche in the market.
Cheers,
fitz..
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Update
The OK Tetra kayaks have just landed in Brisbane from USA and are now available.
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Hey Fitzy,
I got to use that Tetra 12 on the river Monday after the comp, it was a pleasure to use as it glided through the water with ease and was a very stable fishing platform.
Your right that seat was quite comfortable and gave excellent back support as well which made paddling a breeze and the fishing very relaxing.
Cheers
Russell.
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Russell
good to see you finished that transaction after the comp.
Would be easier to lug around than the canoe 2 right.