Ok, I have had my new…
Submitted by:
guest-paddler
on 6/1/2020
Ok, I have had my new Shearwater 7 full days and have fished out of it 4 times with each trip not being less than three hours. My view is a little skewed because I have fished the last 4 years out of a Sun Dolphin 10ss.
(3) Cons - (1) Keel Guard isn't tall enough to protect the keel, it is actually below the keel of the kayak. Needs to be at least a 1/2" taller. (2) Cooler storage area is fairly spongy when pushed down on, I would want to use it as a step getting into the kayak. (3) Gravity rudder doesn't deploy, I have to use my paddle to get it to drop.
Pros MANY - Very Stable, Seat is very comfortable, Pull out tray under the seat is awesome no searching for pliers, phone, scissors, etc. Sonar Pod isn't really needed for storage, but I'm looking forward to adding a fish finder. I purchased the Storage Pod and would recommend this option to anyone that is not setting up for Pedal Drive. The tackle box storage works great (4) 360 boxes and the storage pod WOW! Tracks great with very good glide forward and backward, Rudder pedals work well. (Looking forward to the new ones that are to follow.) Your not going to turn on a dime but they work well in the wind and on long paddles. The flat deck pod works great also. I took my grand daughter with me on one trip and she sat on a padded milk crate in front of me. Plenty of room, I paddled, she fished and she even caught fish. She weighs about 80 lbs and we still moved easily around.
The Keel guard is my biggest complaint. I already have some pretty good scars on the keel.
Even that being said I still think this kayak deserves 5 stars. I love fishing out of it. Storage is amazing handles like a dream. I would definitely recommend.
Jack, Kansas
