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KOBnCO
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Registered: 07-2005
Location: Croydon, Vic
Posts: 22
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Is the Cobra Explorer too small? Is the Swing too long?
Hi,
I'm looking at the options for changing from my current SIT yak. The Perception Swing looks and sounds good (from others posts) however the Cobra Explorer possibly has some advantages.
I'm 6ft1" (185cm) 188lbs (85kg). Fishing (trolling and bait) locations include a diverse range of places: Port Philip Bay, Lake Eildon, Yarra River (Warrandyte) and the close inshore reefs (on calm days) at Apollo Bay (out from Wild Dog Creek).
The Swing will do all the larger waters most suitably however it will be a compromise on the Yarra. As well as fishing the Yarra I wish to continue some recreational paddling through rapids on that river. The Cobra I think would be better sized for this. My existing Dagger Discovery is the same length as the Swing therefore I know that I would prefer something smaller on the Yarra.
There are two other issues, cost and ease of transport. The Cobra seems to be a great priced yak, while the Swing probably still good value is considerably more expensive.
The Cobra would be easier to transport and load up myself.
My best option would be to have a smaller SIT for the Yarra and the Swing for larger waters but I can't justify the cost.
I guess the main question is regarding the suitability of the Cobra Explorer? Will this shorter style yak put me at much disadvantage going thru surf? paddling speed? choppy water situations? safety?
Looking at the photo page it looks like Rob has a Cobra Explorer and fishes PPB.
Looking on the Cobra (USA) website there is a model called the Navigator that is in between size to the Explorer and Tourer but I can't see it being available in Aus?
Appreciate comments.
Thanks,
KOBnCo
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15/Jul/2005, 10:09 am
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The Mariner
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Location: Adelaide, Australia
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Re: Is the Cobra Explorer too small? Is the Swing too long?
Howdy,
At 4.0m I wouldn't call the Swing long. The Explorer is 3.45m so there's not much difference, and the Swing is not hard to pick up & carry or lift onto the car. More expensive.. yes.
The Navigator isn't available in Oz but it is essentially a longer Explorer. I don't know what differences exist in the way they handle but you can do some reading on the performance of the Navigator here and here.
Rod-L & Goodvibes have an Explorer so PM them for advice. Goodvibes had his up for sale recently so check the 'For Sale' area for details.
Just had another idea... Rod-L & Poddymullet often fish together & Poddy has a Swing. Maybe you could arrange to meet them at the water's edge & paddle both their kayaks to make a direct comparison between them.
Last edited by The Mariner, 15/Jul/2005, 1:31 pm
--- Regards,
Phil.
Forum Administrator.
Visit www.hookedonkayaks.com.au for kayaks and kayak fishing accessories. |
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15/Jul/2005, 11:47 am
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goodvibes
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Registered: 12-2004
Location: Coffs Harbour
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Re: Is the Cobra Explorer too small? Is the Swing too long?
Hi KOBnCo,
I have been using a Cobra Explorer like RodL and found a number of things that were good.
At 18 kgs it is one of the lightest yaks and Cobras have a good quality finish.
I found it ideal for poking around in the washes as it is very manouverable and will handle the surf well.
Infact, I was hit side on with about 2ft of whitewater off a bommie and it simply slid sideways for a metre or two and then slewd around and surfed for about 10 metres. (I was packing it, but the yak handled it well)
I have had mine out in 15knots and it was fine.
I have a removable outrigger come bait tank setup that has proved effective and have caught a few pelagics off Coffs Harbour.
The Cobra Explorer is not a yak for paddling long distances (I limit my runs to 2-4kms)
Check out the pic in the for sale section and have a talk to RodL
Good luck in the search for a SOT
---
Ray
Coffs Harbour NSW
Cobra Explorer
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15/Jul/2005, 1:22 pm
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Shads
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Re: Is the Cobra Explorer too small? Is the Swing too long?
Maybe one more thing to consider. When I went to buy my yak last year I had my heart set on the explorer. Size, weight, cost etc all seemed ideal, but when I saw it beside the swing, the finish on the swing was just all over the explorer. I guess you get what you pay for. I went the extra yard and bought the swing. Food for thought.
Regards
Shad
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15/Jul/2005, 2:20 pm
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Rod L
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Re: Is the Cobra Explorer too small? Is the Swing too long?
KOBnCo,
Come and have a paddle next time we head out (watch the Fishing Trips section). With Poddy & Myself you'll be able to try both your options in one go.
I like to Cobra for all the reasons already mentioned and it has a bit more deck space than some other models.
Stability is fine and speed is equiv to the other yaks I've paddled with.
---
Regards
Rod
Melbourne
----------------------------
Cobra Explorer "Fire Water"
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15/Jul/2005, 2:22 pm
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Shads
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Re: Is the Cobra Explorer too small? Is the Swing too long?
Hey Rod,
My inlaws live in south Melbourne. Next time we drive down can I bring the Yak? 
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15/Jul/2005, 2:27 pm
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KOBnCO
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Registered: 07-2005
Location: Croydon, Vic
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Re: Is the Cobra Explorer too small? Is the Swing too long?
Thanks guys,
I can't believe how quickly I'm receiving quality responses. I wish that I had happened upon this site before I purchased my SIT kayak. But then I probably still had to have a few trips in before convincing myself (just call me Thomas) of the merits of the SOT.
I think that the Swing is a great craft and very capable sea going yak. I want to get one... just don't want to bang it up running the rapids in the shallow Yarra.
Rod, your idea of trying both (on the bay not the Yarra) if I can catch up with you and Poddy Mullet is an excellent one. I appreciate the offer and will keep an eye on the trips board.
Cheers,
KOBnCo
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15/Jul/2005, 3:05 pm
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PoddyMullet
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Location: Melbourne VIC
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Re: Is the Cobra Explorer too small? Is the Swing too long?
Just to back up what Rod is saying mate, you'd be more than welcome to test drive my yak. We'll post under Fishing Trips if up for a paddle, and I would reccommend a paddle before you buy if it can be organised (of any yak). 
---
Perception Swing & Dagger Drifter II. Wouldn't one yak be enough?
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15/Jul/2005, 4:01 pm
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Milt
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Location: Melbourne suburb Bundoora
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Re: Is the Cobra Explorer too small? Is the Swing too long?
KOBnCo,
I normally fish with Rod and Poddy and paddle a Viking Espri, maybe we make it an open day and swap yaks for a test run of each others rides 
If your ever up for a paddle around Apollo Bay reefs etc, I'll say yeeehaaaa to that in warmer weather of course!!!
Milt,
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16/Jul/2005, 7:08 pm
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KOBnCO
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Registered: 07-2005
Location: Croydon, Vic
Posts: 22
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Re: Is the Cobra Explorer too small? Is the Swing too long?
Hi Milt,
The Viking Espri seems like quite a good yak also similiar in size to the Cobra Explorer (but perhaps a bit faster?).
As with Rod and Poddy I appreciate your offer and if I'm around when you guys next get together I'll gladly take up a test paddle.
When I get a Sit on yak I definitely be interested in the Apollo bay area as we often get down there. Summer pinkies, whiting and trevally hopefully will be the go. Aire river is another location down that way that I can't wait to get a yak onto.
Cheers,
KOBnCo
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16/Jul/2005, 9:51 pm
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