Yakity - Yak - u.k.

Hi. I hear Santa has a full sack.....ahem!!! .......and plans on delivering a few preasnts soon........ What have you asked for, have you made a wish list? Mine starts off with a Kayak Shop Bill.

Hi Snakey Glad you like the bulkhead idea too. The Tank well cover sounds good, and being removable extends your options too. I think the X Factor has a simular set up with the Gator seat. Any more thoughts? Bill.

Hi Mike Your idea of the watertight Flare Locker sounds good, like it. Bill.

Hi Greencat Welcome to Anglers Net The Mad House By the sounds of things youve done your homework with both Kayaks and know what your looking for and what suits your personal needs. I havnt actualy paddled either of the two. Its a shame your having trouble finding a trial option, it appears to be that way around most of the U.K. Im sure somone will be able to help on the forums. I know a lot of the welsh guys use the X Factor they may be able to help you out, heres the link http://zebrakayak.proboards81.com/index.cgi?board=general They are a friendly bunch of guys, and enjoy helping people. Bill.

Done.

Hi Troller. Nice reply from Newt. Ill be having a peep at the site, its related to what we do here, just a little different equipment and methods being used, interesting stuff! Can see some interaction between the two sites, healthy stuff for all.......I think Bill.

Hi Maidstonemike. Give it a go, get the pen out, and scribe a line or two, see if you get a reply Bill.

Steve T and aikidojohn. If your looking on......do you know if the flushmounts were factory fitted, or fitted by the retailer that sold you the Kayak,....... a shop conversion? I have a P13, and the flushmounts are riveted, (factory fitted) , and are of a different type to the ones that you have shown in the pictures. I still cant get my head around the reply you regeived. Have you heard anymore? Bill.

Hi Mark. Glad thats clear ......., perhaps I should have said, sales teams, technical staff, rather than employees (The WITCH HUNT comment ) I was trying to say this is not a direct focus on Ocean Kayak alone, but ALL kayak manufacturers that have had issues identified. Nothing to do with you as an employee. Bill.

Hi ZZippy, Glenn. I think Id say bu**er the neoprene cover to cure the problem! The problem should have been identified on trials before launch to the retailers. We are not talking about a £50 blow up beach toy, we pay enough, and deserve a top quality, and safe product. Bill.

Hi All. Out of interest, are there any ideas ,or improvments you would suggest, or would like to see put into place in the different Kayak Models we fish from, to help improve safety etc. Id like to see..... Bulkheads ( airtight spaces inside the hull) as standard in all sit on top Kayaks, especialy where hatches ( Large and small ) are concerned, and even, if there are no hatches. Possibly moulded in Flushmount rod holders. With EVERY fishing kayak sold, a basic set of SAFETY suggestions, relating to ALWAYS wearing a P.F.D. having a paddle leashe,and especialy learning re entry drills etc. Not everybody is lucky enough to have access to the internet and the information on offer here. Some will see a guy fishing from a Kayak while stood on a beach, and think.....I can do that! Clear, and to the point guidelines couldnt do any harm. Ohh......and make em cheaper too!!! Bill

Hi Mark. Whats to stay out of?.......there are clearly issues here that need the attention of somebody higher up the ladder, than your good self. Yes there has been an official explanation offered, Its not for us to comment on the content of that explanation, although I think people are drawing their own conclusions on that one!! ITS NOT A WITCH HUNT !!, its a chance now for all who have suffered from issues, and near misses to speak up, and make it known what the problems are, with leaking hatches, weak fittings, leaking scuppers etc. Post your experiences now!! From the inormation that comes forward, measures can be taken by the manufacturers to put right the issues, as they see fit, and to consider them when launching other models. A lot of the Kayaks are advertised and marketed as Fishing Models, not only Ocean Kayaks, others too, so they should be fit for purpose when we take them out on the water. Out of interest, what tests are made by the companies who produce the different models of kayak availiable to us?,By this I mean on the water in differing conditions over a period of time, so possible design faults ( If any ) can be identified, and put right before the product hits the stores and is availiable to us. Nothing is a perfect science......... honest interaction between manufacturer and user, could save a life one day. Bill.

Hi Glennk. Can you remember which models had the problem? If there was a near fatal incident, then the models concerned should be named. People take for granted that the Kayak they have purchased is up to the job and safe, a newbie could come unstuck., and end up in a lot of trouble, as could anybody not aware of the problems.

Hi AJ. Just as well you did change your fittings lookig at that mess!! Looks like a Rat chewed on that Supprised there has been no reply or explanation from Johnson outdoors, or any of thier employees as yet ? Have you or Steve T had a mail or any contact yet ?

Hi Steve T. Sorry to hear of your trouble. Looking at the picture of the hole, Id say it wasnt made with a propper hole cutter, its uneven and untidy,not a good job, of course we will never know that for sure, and thats just an oppinion. As for it being a purpose made weak point to avoid further damage to the boat and rods, and cheaper to replace a fitting rather than a boat.......does the sinking of the boat and possible loss of life not come into the thinking!! If conditions were bad at the time, it could be a different story being told. The pressure exerted on the rods in the water when tipping,should not be enough to rip out the fitting as has happened. Now if you were in the surf zone or shallow water, then you would expect the damage, but 200 yards from shore I expect the water was a bit deeper. As ZZippy has said.......doubtful that Andrew sent that mail. Good luck with it. Bill.

Hi Leon. Its always good to hear that the people involved in this type of incident come out of it alive, and are able to tell the story. It also serves as a stark reminder to ALL of us, that prepartion before any trip is so important. Hard to believe though, that after all the hard work, from ALL Kayakfishing forums in the U.K. and Wales , there are still people who are going out so ill informed and without the basic safety gear, P.F.D. ( Life Jacket) sheer madness. They obviously didnt do thier homework regarding the venue they intended to fish, and by the sounds of things, grossly over estimated thier skills and fitness levels on the water. Glad they are both well, and made it back with the help of the R.N.L.I..............hope they will be more prepared next time!!

Hi Mark. What a brilliant post!! Realy enjoyed reading it, and the video / photography.......bl**dy `andsome.

Edited.......cant be arzed

Hi Jasp ( John ) It was nice to meet you too. CONGRATULATIONS !! on a great weekend, lots of work involved in organising an event of that calibre, well done you. So nice to see you had such great turn out.......forgive the expression mate..... Any event that promotes the safety of the sport is very worth while. I had to laugh at the picture John .........they do sell pasties and fish n chips on the sea front........no need to eat the arse end of your Kayak Cheers. Bill.

Hi Dave Mark. Yes it has gone quiet. I think that its mainly due to the fact there are now several dedicated Kayak Fishing forums in the U.K. Who have thier own forum chat rooms, and are able to store and display lots of good information for the ever increasing members joining the fold to access and enjoy, with ease. The Kayak Fishing Forum on good old Anglers Net, has been left behind as the sport has grown and progressed at a staggering rate. But Summer is around the the corner, and hopefully, we will see the postings increase again. A huge percentage of the guys in the sport today, came to Anglers Net in the very begining and cut thier teeth on the knowlage shared here, be nice to see them back here now and again with a post or three. Bill.

Hi Dave. Same comes to you and yours mate. Hope you have a great time, and Santa spoils you all Cheers me dear. Bill

Hi all. Another great year for Kayak Fishing in the U.K. With more and more new members joining the fold each year. The safety record for the sport is brilliant, with no serious accidents or injuries being reported. That in itself pays compliment to all who take part, and post on the forums and dedicated U.K. Kayak Fishing sites. Heres to a successful and safe 2008. Bill

A very MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all too

Hi Martin. Great pics, and congrats on your PB !! That looks a cracking venue, some quality fishing too by you all. Nice one. Bill.

Hi Dave. Glad you saw the funny side of my post As for going out, I think I managed just three trips thus far. Lorraine and I have opend a new business, and it has taken up a great deal of our time, as well as quality time. We have been running for 8 months now, and touch wood, all is well. Im realy looking forward to next season, although may try and get a couple of trips out during the winter, weather permiting. As you say the weather was so changable, it seems that as the seasons go on, the winds are becomming more frequent and stronger,lasting for longer periods too. I must admit, Im a fine weather fisherman as far as the kayaks go, I realy dont enjoy being thrown about all over the place while out, it makes it hard work and less enjoyable, for me anyway. I hope you have a good trip to Jersey, I expect the big guy is looking forward to seeing you again. Catch you later Matey. Bill.