Kayaking, Diving, Skiing, & Surfing Forum. - Ocean Kayak Angler XT

I'm new to kayaking, in fact, have never done it, but I thought we'd pick up a couple inexpensive kayaks to play around with at the beach house and to fish the back bays.
These Ocean Kayak Scrambler/Angler models look like they have all the features we need and they come in at $499 from BassPro or West Marine.

http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/angler_editions/scrambler_xt_angler.html

The idea is to get these to see how much we like it and then eventually get a nice set of Hobies or something higher end. These could always stay at the beach place for knock around fun and for visitors.

Anyone familiar with this model??

I was considering the same thing...no decisions yet.

I found this thread and Pug recommended the Scrambler XT.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=202410&posts=12

Sounds like the Scrambler may be the way to go. Now we need to look around to see who puts one on sale!

I got mine at academy for 400 bucks. I love it. I think I covered everything in the above link, but if not, let me know if I can offer any more info. Good luck.

Pug -- I read your report, thnk you. Another line of questioning is will it track fairly stragiht and how does it paddle over choppy water. I will be using it in a bay/inlet with direct ocean access, there is a strong tidal current that can create small breakers in the inlet. There is plenty of flat and shallow water for me to explore as well though.

Here's a link to a camera from our neighbors deck that shows the marina entrance and inlet...
http://www.indianriverinletcam.com/

Capt. Dan - 9/11/2008 8:39 AM

Pug -- I read your report, thnk you. Another line of questioning is will it track fairly stragiht and how does it paddle over choppy water. I will be using it in a bay/inlet with direct ocean access, there is a strong tidal current that can create small breakers in the inlet. There is plenty of flat and shallow water for me to explore as well though.

Here's a link to a camera from our neighbors deck that shows the marina entrance and inlet...
http://www.indianriverinletcam.com/



One of the reasons I got it is because of its width, which is about 29 inches. I had a 33 incher that was pure hell to keep straight. With the 11 ft. length, this one tracks very well. It takes waves really well, which is what OKs are meant to do. Heck, they are designed for surf really.

pugnacious3333 - 9/11/2008 4:16 PM

Capt. Dan - 9/11/2008 8:39 AM

Pug -- I read your report, thnk you. Another line of questioning is will it track fairly stragiht and how does it paddle over choppy water. I will be using it in a bay/inlet with direct ocean access, there is a strong tidal current that can create small breakers in the inlet. There is plenty of flat and shallow water for me to explore as well though.

Here's a link to a camera from our neighbors deck that shows the marina entrance and inlet...
http://www.indianriverinletcam.com/



One of the reasons I got it is because of its width, which is about 29 inches. I had a 33 incher that was pure hell to keep straight. With the 11 ft. length and the relatively narrow width, this one tracks very well. It takes waves really well, which is what OKs are meant to do. Heck, they are designed for surf really. Do you have one you can try out first before you buy?

I know where I can rent them, but I'll probably just go ahead and buy a pair if i see them on sale somewhere. If we really get into it and decide to upgrade to a Hobie or something along those lines we'll definitely be taking some test paddles.

I have a scramble and 2 friends with the scrambler/angler model. I have fished them everywhere from the 3 mile reef to the mud flats. They are great kayaks.

I have 3 of the sit-on-top style.
Old Town (my first), Scrambler XT, and Malibu X-13.
The Old Town is kayaking out shark baits from the beach.
It does NOT track straight, is quite stable, and flips on a breaker.

The Scrambler is fast, tracks straight, stable, and about 43 lbs.
Easy enough to throw on the roof by yourself, but tough to carry distances to the water.
I would recommend making a two-wheeled carrier (not buying).

The Malibu X-13 is fast, stable, tracks very straight, unknown breaker penetration because I don't launch it from the beach, it is heavy though, about 55 lbs. It runs close to $1000.
I use it solely for fishing the canals, mangroves and back flats, a good traveler on the water.

I think the Scrambler gives you the best mix in a fairly light craft for a lower price.
It does have pole holders, a dry hatch, and room in the back for a cooler or bucket.

If you plan to be sitting for more than 30 minutes at a stretch, be sure to get a good seat, not a POS, otherwise you will be in pain....