Scupper Pro

I have 2 of these plus a Scrambler and an Ocean kayak double. Three generations of our family continue to use these. I can’t find a new sit on top that compares to them…they are amazing. Very stable, very sturdy, comfortable to paddle<swift and easy to maneuver. You can store a lot for longer trips. Have used them in awful weather with huge swells and they simply go through it. Kids stand up in them to dive off. They don’t complain when dragged over less than optimal surfaces. Not heavy and easy to stack for travel. Easily hold and adult,child and large dog without interfering with paddling.

The Scrambler from this line is short and stubby. Not as swift to paddle/maneuver but is the best for kayak surfing.

The double is unbeatable for stability, maneuverability, paddling ease and storage. My SIL, daughter, 2 kids and a large dog regularly go for day trips…be it in god weather..and this kayak doesn’t even notice the load.

Why Swell (who bought Ocean Kayaks) doesn’t continue these models is beyond me. Nothing in their new line up temps me for family kayaking!

I had a Scupper Pro w/ the rear bucket in lieu of a hatch and it was the BEST sit on top kayak I've ever paddled. It was stolen from the boat club where I stored it in Sausalito, CA and I miss it something awful! If anyone has a lead on how I might be able to replace it in kind or w/ the next closest thing I would be grateful for the lead. Jeff

I was apparently one of the first to ever buy a wet kayak (ocean) in the Tampa Bay area back in '98. Everyone that saw mine was immediately intrigued by it. The length (just under 16') made it fast and the two holes made it work well for my dogs. My favorite place to kayak is at the Weeki Wachee River with my current dog Cheza. Almost everyone I pass on the river has a cute response to how chill she looks, and amazed on how big she is (70 lbs) when she sits up. I am a big guy at 250 lbs and must paddle a combined weight of about 400 lbs up river against the current for 6 miles. Not sure how much longer I can withstand such a gruelling paddle at age 52. I have since repainted my kayak and installed my own homemade outrigger. Some on my trips are quite dangerous when I hit the open waters at 6' waves to various islands.

I submitted the prior review, but in reading it, I realize more specifics would be of use to all you evaluating kayaks. And I should add that I have no idea of your planned usages. Are you looking for strictly performance, or distance touring, fishing, or perhaps like me, a range of capabilities.

Scupper Pro 14 ft 8 inches in length, width 26 inches, weight approx 55 pounds. Let's focus for now on those parameters. This length provides enough "glide" to make for an efficient paddling machine. Anything less would be doubtful, anything more would become difficult to store or dock (at a dinghy dock). The 26in. width is narrow enough to cut thru chop and track well. No rudder is needed, the kayak tracks well enough as is due to it's shape,length & width. A foot pedal operated, steerable rudder would be a needless complication in my opinion. Not only that, just another thing to malfunction, plus the initial expense.

Regarding width (26 in for the Scupper Pro), it's stable enough such that I can go spear fishing (i.e. paddle somewhere, then anchor with a 5 lb mushroom anchor, slip over the side an do my dinner hunting, and then (important) , climb back on without it being an ordeal. Any narrower and I doubt the kayak would be feasible for water re entry.

Weight: note how most kayaks today are 10-20 pounds heavier. 55 lbs is about the limit for what I deem manageable, (thinking here of shorelines where I have to pick up the kayak and carry it beyond some rocks along the shoreline).

I love the interior storage. For one thing, I view it important to store my 2 piece carbon fiber (expensive) paddle out of sight. That's right, inside the kayak. How many kayaks have a long enough interior cavern to handle the 3 feet or so length required for a 2 piece paddle.

Shifting gears now and talking about performance. At times I paddle the kayak in 20-25 knots of wind going about my routine business to and from shore (from my boat) . The Scupper Pro handles it even with a 5 gallon jug of water in the tank-well and groceries inside the forward hatch. And I'm wearing street clothes! So ... the 14 ft 8 inch and 26 in. width is sufficient to track well, handle a 2-3 foot chop, not be "tippy" and yet handle a 600 yard trip back to the boat even if it's upwind/swell. That type of performance demands a blend of attributes few kayaks on the market today can equal.

And FYI, I am NOT interesting is selling my Scupper Pro, nor do I have any affiliation with the manufacturer or any related party. This review is for your edification to help you determine what will suit your needs. In cruising the internet I see a dearth of relevant information. This review is solely for your benefit.

I've been paddling Scupper kayaks since they were invented 30 years ago and I live in the best place you could ever own one which is on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The Scupper was the first plastic Sit-On-Top kayak ever invented and to this day it been the best boat I've ever owned. Luckily in its 28 year run there were numerous refinements that usually made it better. 2007 was the end of the American version and at its best in design (2002-2007). The first 3 years from New Zealand (2008-2011) were equally good. 2002 to 2014 were when they solved the leaking hatch issue and our boats were pretty much watertight. I say this because we surf the boats hard fully loaded with a week’s worth of camping supplies and on occasion 10 gallons of fresh water for dry trips. 100 to 150 pound of internal gear weight were no uncommon for us. Of course it’s more fun to surf them empty when possible. Use of kneestraps connects the lower body to the boat for a sit-inside (decked) kayak feel. When empty I have no problem Eskimo rolling this kayak because it is only 26" wide. In the surf I can throw the kayak hard up on the rail and carve towards the shoulder to get out of pitching waves. I've comfortably surfed the Scupper in 10-12 foot waves, getting back out was the hard part. We have to use SOT kayaks in Hawaii in order to get on and off the kayak very fast because we launch out through beach breaks on rocky coast lines as well as beach breaks. SOT kayaks also allow us to enter and exit the boat in open ocean and my Scupper can carry 3 aluminum 40 scuba tanks with two of them fully rigged. The hatch is large enough that the tanks fit inside both hatches. We also make custom 5 foot long fish bags so we can carry large Ono (Wahoo), Mahi (Dorado), and Shibi (Yellowfin Tuna under 100lbs) on ice for most of the day. In my opinion the size of the hatches and internal storage have made the Scupper the best fishing kayak on the market while it was available because what are you going to do with a bunch of big fish if you have nowhere to store them? The Scupper was and still is (in its used form) our number one kayak for camping expeditions, fishing, freediving, scuba diving, and sailing with kites and V sails and it’ll even handle pretty well in playing in surf zones. At this point everyone in my family (mom, dad, and 3 daughters) each have a Scupper Pro kayak with Smart-Tracker rudder systems. Three are 2 hatch models and two are Tankwell models. I've paddled around 3000 miles in 28 outer island expeditions on my Scupper Pro. We also have 5 Surf kayaks that are smaller (9’6” to 10’6”) and one 17’ Necky decked kayak as well as I paddle Epic racing kayaks. I sell kayaks so I try out as many as I can that interest me. The cheap kayaks don’t interest me because they are missing too many features and/or are poorly built to warrant attention. I don’t use pedal boats because they can’t be used in surf or choppy conditions because you can’t use kneestraps. And the kayaks that feature “lawn chairs” are too unstable to use in surf and chop again. For warm water paddling the Scupper Pro kayak has been the best kayak for multipurpose use that I've ever seen in the industry.

I have the optional seat and rudder and a model with two storage compartments rather than the TW model with the tank well behind the seat.

I find the seat very comfortable for the hour or two of paddling I do. I love how low you sit in the kayak as it brings your center of gravity down to the water. The seating area is very narrow at just 17".

My issues with this kayak are really in it's suitability for me. I am 6'5" and 285 lbs. I have a tough time in this kayak as it doesn't have the capacity for my weight. The scupper holes flood and my legs go well beyond the rudder pedals.

I love the design and the feel of this kayak but could only recommend it for someone under 6' in height and under 200 lbs in weight.

Thinking of getting a Tempo as a backup, in case I wear the Pro out before I can't paddle anymore! Since I am 67, probably don't have to worry.

I have used this kayak for demonstrations at local new kayak free tryouts and each and every person liked my "antique" better then all of the new ones, yes it might not have the new gadgets but it it faster, more stable and more storage all rolled up into a kayak that still turns heads when I take my two 70 lb dogs with me. Oh yeah, for all of those naysayers that state you must be under 220lbs are delusional... I was once at 280lbs, 5'10 and am currently at 240lbs... that equals to over 400 lbs with my dogs and gear and have never even once tipped it.

1. this boat does everything ok...fairly fast...you can load it with junk...it's stable...you can even fish DRUNK on it!
2. we own 3 now and I've sold 2 of the older classics ONLY because I dive also....and this is my main driver to get to a kayak scuba site. You can assemble your tank,BC, and reg set up prior to getting underway in the rear tank well. this thing is a pick up truck on the water!
3. no BS now it's not my favorite boat...it's no Eddyline.

my favorite yaks in order are:
1) Eddyline Raven my daily ride ... it's da bomb
2) Eddyline Merlin for tight areas or flat water
3) Perception Avatar for long distance where I'm on oysters and rocks lol
4) the Scuppers..... and we own 3 of um! great for company or just amateur night..;) they are the barn mares ...

I believe, as previously reviewers have stated, it could be a good kayak to add to your work-out arsenal if you are 220 or less. However, depending on your inseam, you could easily be 6'6" and fit this boat.

I am 5'10" 220 pounds and have been paddling for 7 years. I immediately took the Scupper Pro out for a paddle and found out, YES! this boat is very tipsy and would be a great boat for flat water and long distance trips with NO wind or chop. On the ocean this boat follows the current and requires a tremendous amount of work. It follows a straight line to a fault. Without a full head of steam and a rudder, it will not turn. Any wind at all and your off like a plastic bag in a parking lot. I would not suggest fishing on this boat.

If you want this boat, Rent it first. If you are used to paddling a long touring kayak, this may be a great kayak. If you want to have fun for 5 or 6 hour in the ocean, NO. We all spent the rest of the day taking turns enjoying the Scrambler.

Anyway, I live just north of Chicago on Lake Michigan and have a 2000 model SP Pro Tankwell which I bought (as a sit on top) to handle both surf and offshore conditions in both warm and cold weather. To beat the small craft advisory for tonight, I took my usual quick-four-mile paddle this afternoon. Check NOAA, look at the water, leave upwind, return downwind, business as usual. I am careful. Also, I am careful. Usually, two-miles-and-return takes one to one-and-one-quarter hours depending on the wind.

A different story today, though. It was not the wind (I did expect 20-25 kts), it was the gusts that pushed the boat around 500 yds offshore. On the water I thought 'this is gusting 30 kts' but when I checked the NOAA station data just now (sta chii2) I see 35-40 kt gust data. Bottom line, on my return I had to move closer inshore than usual because the offshore wind was just too much. Needed lots of concentration, plus bracing to leeward!

Today, the yak stayed stable and under control. It needed more paddle effort and attention than usual. There really is a great benefit to a great hull. The hull, the hull, the hull. (What's that saying about 'location' in real estate?) That lovely stiff Scupper Pro hull is why I'm writing this review.

It astounds me to see weak hulls with multiple hatches and bulkheads on current polyethylene sit-in kayaks of 12 to 15 feet. I look at yaks racked for the summer where I launch, and I see brand-name hulls deformed at bulkheads. I really think that some yak designs are now created from the deck down, not the hull up.

Here is some free advice. First, get a good hull (be safe, control the boat). Second, set up your seat (or cockpit) to be comfortable for hours (see what yak fits you). Third, paddle and paddle and paddle (and get a good paddle for pete's sake!).

And regarding the hatch on this yak, I have only needed to touch up the trimlok-gasket-interface with a very little bit of devcon rubber adhesive on this old boat. (Haven't needed yet to replace, but it looks like Austin Kayak has ok trimloc in stock.) Remember that every hatch needs attention. Do you pay attention to oil changes in your car? Clean your boat regularly, and check hatches and seat and flotation and deck rigging when you clean!

The cockpit does seat me a little low but a 2 inch foam pad helped that out. The tankwell is perfect for a cooler or bait tank. The Hatch is big and roomy and the seal may be weak as other reviewers describe but so far I haven't capsized. Its a stable seaworthy craft. The previous owner mounted some rod holders but that was the only modification. If you are in the market for a used boat keep an eye out for the SPTW it's a gem.

Hatch gaskets need work- true. Tacking may be a problem initially-true as well. I believe this boat is pretty sensitive (good thing) and will accentuate the faults in your stroke. I have corrected my stroke and do not have problems. Paddling out in moderate surf was a blast. The boat blasts into and over whitewater, and will climb the face of unbroken waves!

Surfing this yak reminds me of my days longboarding. Catching swells easily, getting from place to place in surf doesn't have to be difficult. On flat water I can stand up in my yak, as the 14'9 size lends stability. Speed seems to be on par or SLIGHTLY faster than other SOT ive paddled. Don’t expect a rocket- it is just a giant piece of plastic after all. TW space is perfect for storage.

I enjoy the SP's deep seat- almost lends a sit in feel instead of a Sit on top feel. I think a nice backrest is a must for longer trips. I went 20 miles one day and can tell you that I was in pain w/o a seat/ backrest. Add to that - this boat is bulky to carry, and doesn't seem to have an EASY way to carry, kinda feels like the weight shifts around on me.

OVERALL- If you find a deal on this boat, snatch it up. I do not foresee me EVER ditching mine if it keeps up its current level of performance

Boat waves and choppy water don't seem to rattle this boat at all. I have had other sit-on-tops in the past and always felt a little unsafe and tippy...so I really appreciate the speed and stability of this 14 footer. I like huge hatch and scuba tank holder...I haven't camped yet...but I have that option.

I want to thank Paddling.net and the other reviewers before me...great site and great reviews. I bought this baby after reading the other reviews and I'm very happy with my kayak.

The boat handles well, is reasonably fast and very stable. The boat has a few degrees of initial tippiness - this helps maneuverability - but it doesn't "keep going." I've attempted to turn the boat over by standing on it, but succeeded only in falling off. We have very flat water conditions, and have only used it in very light surf, so I can't vouch for how it handles big waves, but it's ideally suited to our conditions.

If you do a lot of fishing, and are over 6 feet or so, you may prefer a wider boat since the initial tippiness I mentioned could be distracting when casting. However, you would probably lose some speed and maneuverability with a wider boat, so there's a compromise to be made.

Only complaints: the hatches use a double seal, and the cylindrical part WILL detach from the part that holds it to the boat. I've just duct-taped them inside the hatches themselves, and this works pretty well. We stick the kid in the one of the hatches sometimes, so that shows you how critical they are in our usual conditions. Also, one of the rivets holding a strap to the hatch corroded and broke loose, but this was easily fixed.

One of the best products I've bought in the last 8 years.

There are two draw-backs to this boat: Firstly, it does not have a "child seat" where I could put my four year old girl. Secondly, it has no foam inside. i.e., if the hatch opens for some reason and water comes inside, there will be no reserve of flotability. I am working on it to better that.

The Ocean Kayak Scupper Pro TW (tankwell) is a quick, very well-tracking sit-on-top. It has a sizable hatches fore, and a depressed molded area aft (shaped to fit a dive tank, hence the name: tank well), a convenient cup holder between the paddlers knees, and a flat area which can be used for a small screw-on hatch.

It handles rather well in a constant chop of 1-2 foot seas, and in a quartering rear sea it doesn't need to be herded to keep on a straight track as much as smaller boats. My wife enjoyed it; she thought it paddled easily and quickly, and was only slightly less maneaverable than the Classic (9" shorter). It tracks very well, but does take just a wee a bit of work to turn without a rudder. I’m 6 feet tall and a very fit 205# with something of a wide beam (the family hipbones just CANNOT be narrowed!), and it fits me very nicely, and it fits my wife quite well, too. It would be an appropriate boat for doing an overnight river run, coastal ocean trip, and/or camping trip in it. Overall, we're both pleased, and score it as an 8 out of 10 (I almost never give 10s for ANYthing: that's perfection, and I've yet to find it in anything I've seen or experienced).

This kayak is in all probability the most versatile designed to date. It tracks well enough that you don't even need to bother with adding a rudder, it glides very nicely, it rides the waves well, and with the four cockpit scupper holes plugged...is a dry ride.

In addition, this kayak is a relatively safe way for a novice to get into kayaking. And, it's not just for beginners, as it is being used by the experts for extreme kayak fishing, long distance inshore and coastal touring, extended camping trips to offshore islands, diving, etc. Many of the folks who are using it to the extremes are posting their experiences on [www.kayakfishing.com], including myself...SaltyDog/Clearwater posting on the Florida BB.