Hatchless SOT kayak

[diving_emtp]

Anyone use an open, (i.e. no hatches for storage) SOT kayak such as a Spitfire or OK Frenzy? If so, how do they handle and are you able to take all the gear that you would like to take?

Are they even a viable dive kayak?

Thanks

diving_emtp

 

[DebbyDiver]

While I cannot directly answer your questions (I don't use those boats), all I use my big front hatch for (OK Prowler 13) is to put my kayak cart wheels and/or a couple of towels in a dry bag. I leave ALL of the gear actually used for diving tied to the yak. Tank/BC/Reg are in the stern tank well, and mask/fins/gloves/etc. are in a mesh bag that is strapped to the area ahead of my feet.

 

[Scuba_Dad]

Hey Diving_emtp... we need to take our yaks out...

 

[diving_emtp]

Debby - Thanks for the reply. I watched a video on YouTube of a kayak diver who used the foward hatch to store some of his gear.

Scuba_dad- I'd love to...but I need a kayak first. Don't know if I'm going to get one anytime soon. I found a used Frenzy for sale and then saw a Spitfire at Dicks and wasn't sure if a hatch was needed.

Thanks again for the respones.

diving_emtp

 

[dkramer]

I have a Cobra Fish/Dive & I use the center hatch for stowing a dry bag w/phone as well as my mask & fins. In my front hatch I carry a small cooler type lunch bag w/a post dive soda. In rough water waves will break over the bow but, as long as I'm careful, I've never had any problem with taking on a lot of water. I have no problem with the center hatch but, again, I'm careful. Open it up, get what I need, close it right back up. I have thought about getting a swim noodle, cutting it in half & lining the inside edges with it as an added safety measure. Just haven't gotten around to it yet.

 

[DebbyDiver]

Some of the people in Kayuba use the big bow hatch for putting their mask/fins/snorkel, or even an extra tank...I am not very coordinated, and I would personally meet with disaster if I tried to use mine!!! So yes, you might be able to use one if you had it...but I've made several successful kayak dives without opening my hatch offshore. Ever.

 

[DebbyDiver]

Hey diving empt, where in Florida are you located? Are you close enough to Fort Lauderdale to make a meeeting or a dive with Kayuba?

 

[Orlando Eric]

Debby-- I have read about the people with second tanks in the front hatch. I get around and hour and half or better out of a single tank shore diving. I would swim in get some water a sandwich.. fresh water rinse. Rest for a bit then go back in with another tank. I think the EASE of paddling I certainely am going to come in for a rest then go back out.. not stay out there for four - 6 hours straight.. yikes..

 

[DebbyDiver]

Eric, I totally agree. And I've done that. Paddled back, switched out tanks, and sat and BS-d on the beach with my buddies. I REALLY don't want to risk flipping my boat with the hatch open. OMG!!!

 

[Scuba_Dad]

Debby - Thanks for the reply. I watched a video on YouTube of a kayak diver who used the foward hatch to store some of his gear.

Scuba_dad- I'd love to...but I need a kayak first. Don't know if I'm going to get one anytime soon. I found a used Frenzy for sale and then saw a Spitfire at Dicks and wasn't sure if a hatch was needed.

Thanks again for the respones.

diving_emtp

Who says you need to get a kayak... I need a kayak dive buddy for my other kayak. I have a Prowler 13 like Debby's, and a Wilderness Ride 13.



Al