Not really a kayak....

keastman · **Posted:** Thu Jul 05, 2012 4:31 pm

I think the demo skiff is a bit heavier than production units will be because he built it with demos in mind and taking a lot of abuse. Also the first shot on things you tend to "overdo" it a bit. The PA also has more rocker to the hull and the weight shifts differently when you pick it up.

GLyncker · **Joined:** Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:36 pm **Posts:** 132

Thanks. I really need to get over there one day. I noticed the SoloSkiff did not have any carry handles or alternate methods for picking it up. That's easily changed if needed, but it would still need a cart or something to move it around.

On the other hand, I can't/won't move my PA very far without the custom cart I made for it. I hated the plug in cart I tried as it was a pain to insert as well as it was not at the center of gravity making it really heavy in the nose. It's a heck of a fishing platform, but it, like the SoloSkiff, is heavy.

It's great that we at least have the opportunity to see the skiff in person since Tom is building it in JAX.

islandspeed2001 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 05, 2012 6:33 pm

GLyncker wrote:

Thanks for the post Keastman. This looks like a really nice concept for the solo angler. The thought of a long paddle back at the end of a days fishing, especially in hot weather or against the wind and tide sometimes keeps me from going where I want. I know I can't keep up with many of the younger kayak crowd.

Not sure why it is harder to launch/retreive the 120/140 lb. SoloSkiff vs a 120/140 lb. Hobie PA (and I like my PA). I guess I'm going to have to see Tom one of these days to try it myself.

Add a 38 lb 2 1/2 hp motor or trolling motor/battery and your looking at a heavier load. The PA 12 is only 110 rigged if I remember correctly.

Don't think I am knocking this skiff. I love it :cheers:

It's just too much boat for me personally to handle. At almost 71 years old, I ain't getting stronger by the day :razz:

keastman · **Posted:** Thu Jul 05, 2012 6:55 pm

Jerry, maybe you need a juicer! For his 80th birthday Jack Lalanne swam 1 1/2 miles hand cuffed and shackled towing 80 boats with 80 people while fighting ocean currents and wind! Of course not many of us on here know who the heck he is!

GLyncker · **Joined:** Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:36 pm **Posts:** 132

I think Jack used those 500 lb. weights that were really just filled with foam and the juicer was filled with Vodka to go with that fresh squeezed orange juice!

I see your point Jerry. Hobie lists the PA 12 @ 120 and the PA 14 @ 138. I've even considered adding a bassyaks motor kit to the PA!

I guess I see launching the SolSkiff as a two step process: one for the boat, a second for the motor and gear. It would certainly be easier at a ramp or somewhere that a good cart could be used all the way from truck to water.

Love the fact that there are at least a lot of options with new stuff coming all the time.

ChippyDiesel · **Posted:** Thu Jul 05, 2012 9:52 pm

GLyncker wrote:

I think Jack used those 500 lb. weights that were really just filled with foam and the juicer was filled with Vodka to go with that fresh squeezed orange juice!

I see your point Jerry. Hobie lists the PA 12 @ 120 and the PA 14 @ 138. I've even considered adding a bassyaks motor kit to the PA!

I guess I see launching the SolSkiff as a two step process: one for the boat, a second for the motor and gear. It would certainly be easier at a ramp or somewhere that a good cart could be used all the way from truck to water.

Love the fact that there are at least a lot of options with new stuff coming all the time.

Why would not just use a trailer? You could still launch it without a ramp if you have a 4x4. I cannot see a 71 year old man launching a kayak out of a truck much less a "boat". Yall are hard core old dudes!

EIGHTWGT · **Joined:** Fri May 11, 2012 7:00 am **Posts:** 28

Thanks for the post on the Solo Skiff guys I am happy you guys liked it so.

EIGHTWGT · **Joined:** Fri May 11, 2012 7:00 am **Posts:** 28

Hey Glyn.... There IS a handle in the rear in case you didnt notice ? Also to pick up front is easy on the lip of the joint or by using a cord loop tied to a small handle like a piece of 1" PVC

GLyncker · **Joined:** Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:36 pm **Posts:** 132

Yeah, I saw the handle on the rear. Not sure that's the best end to drag the skiff from. Just thinking about how to go about easily moving the skiff from a truck to a lauch with decent balance (probably using a cart of some sort?).

Not totally ruling out a trailer, but if I need a trailer to launch, I have to consider how it's an improvement over a small skiff/gheenoe.

EIGHTWGT · **Joined:** Fri May 11, 2012 7:00 am **Posts:** 28

The handle is simply to help load and unload as well as a safety grab rail.... you have to use it to appreciate it.... the Solo Skiff with the use of a kayak dolly/cart is easy to move....

Not really a kayak....

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