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After reading everything I could find on offshore-capable SOT kayaks (paddling.com and the NorthCal Kayak Anglers forum were especially helpful), I purchased a used Trident 13. The Trident 13 is an excellent platform for fishing and ruggedly built, but it's heavy and less than fast. However, during my searches in archived threads, offshore fishers and divers kept mentioning the Dolphin 14 as a sleek/fast yak that had sadly been discontinued. Luckily, after months of searching, a Dolphin 14 was listed for sale (with seat, rudder and Werner glass paddle) at $300.

This yak is 14' long, 29" wide and weighs 55lbs. The hull follows the Swedish-style of design in that it flares to 29" at the cockpit, but it sharply narrows (fore and aft) for a sleek and seaworthy design. The yak is about 30-40% faster than the Trident, turns with ease, and tracks like a touring yak. The yak does not have the primary stability of the Trident, but when the Dolphin is edged the secondary stability is comfortably solid. I haven't yet had the chance to venture offshore, but the yak easily shoulders thru/over chop, and quickly surfs over even moderate waves. Later this fall, near Cape Flattery, WA, I'll be testing this yak in the ocean surf, and the open ocean.

I have also rigged the Dolphin to be sailed using the JNR (crab-claw sail 1.5m) from topkayaker.com. Sailing downwind, with a mild 5-7 mph breeze, the yak accelerated to 2.5-3 mph. I happily look forward to sailing with stronger winds.

It's a pity that many new yaks are primarily designed for for primary stability. For pond and lake fishers that's suitable, but if you wish to try more challenging water, consider a Dolphin 14. She is sleek, agile, and a pleasure to paddle.