Cobra Explorer
I am looking at a Cobra Explorer that I can get a good deal on used. What do you guys think of them? I am 245lbs and would be using it in the Barnegat Bay and maybe outside. I would also be using it mostly to fish and sometimes just paddle around the lakes we have too.
You are way to big for an explorer. Ignore Cobras online wheight recomendations they are all wrong. Ive sold a couple hundred explorers and would only recomend 200 pound max and short legs. It is a very tippy craft and requires very good balance. I may have a fish and dive and Navigator going up for sale soon. I just have to dig em out.Originally Posted by LaceyMarine
Stupid Question
The Explorers is 31 inches wide, which makes it it 3 inches wider than the Tarpon and the Manta, which to my knowledge are not tippy boats. The Fish and Dive is as stable as they come, but paddles like a Battle Ship. Unless said prospective buyer is looking at a Hobie, wouldn't he be better served by a Prowler, Tarpon or Manta Ray?
The tippyness comes from Cobras high center of gravity, The narrow bow, and the design of Cobras bottom. The width itself tells very little about a kayaks stability without looking at the whole picture. I believe he found a great deal on a Explorer and not on a Tarpon, Manta Ray, etc.
Right. I'm not sure what the physics were concerning the Explorers design, but at 36 " wide and conversations that I've had with other Fish and Dive owners, it is not the swiftest boat on the water, though it is likely the most stable and has an amazing capacity. If the potential buyer is looking to use the boat in Barnegat Bay, I hope that he's not in a hurry to get anywhere.
The hull of Explorer (31) is completely different then the hull of the Fish and dive (36). Nothing wrong with the speed of the fish and dive. That is a false rumor that has been spread for years. It is just as fast as any other kayak capable of carrying that kind of wheight and 36 inches wide.
That's an interesting point. I'm going with empirical evidence here, but it seems like the two most common yaks that you see on the water are either Hobies ( Revos or Out Backs) and Tarpons. Even the product reviews that I read said that the Fish and Dive was slow, and didn't handle particularly well, but it was stable. There has to be a reason that you don't see guys paddling Fish and Dives in these parts.
Thanks for the replys. I am also 6'1" but I am inshape and have had an ocean kayak scrambler and had no problems. Is it similar to that yak?
The Explorer has a lot less leg room then your ocean kayak. Sit in it and you will see what I meen. The bottom of the hull is different. The explorer has great initial stability and zero secondary stability. In other words it feels pretty good until you make a mistake and next thing you know you are swimming. If you have experience already you will be Ok but there is nothing you can do about the lack of legroom. Ive been doing kayak demos with begginers for close to 20 years and more people flipped on me in Explorers then all the other models combined.
Thanks again Barrell
I am 5'11", 208, and have never had any stability problems on my Explorer. But as Barrell said, there is not much leg room. I would not reccomend it to anyone taller than myself.
Thanks guys, I am going to get the used Fish and Dive that's for sale in the Barn Sale on Saturday. Should be a good yak to start out with for the backside of IBSP. How are the F&D in the surf?
One of the best wave riding hulls out there. Get a kayak surfing leash and go out and ride waves with no tackle or gear.
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