Navigator or Explorer

Rune Mason · 10-10-2006, 04:04 PM

I wasn't sure where to post this. In any case I have been bitten by the Kayak bug, and i wanted to get everyones opinion. If you had to choose between an Explorer or a Cobra Navigator, which would you buy and why?

Thanks for the help,

David

Skunkmaster · 10-10-2006, 06:04 PM

you might want to check out the new ocean kayak prowler big game also..... the cobra yaks are great but also known to be alot heavier therfore slower...i have never personally been on a cobra.fishhead and bajadave both have cobra yaks, u might want to ask them.

**Carnivore** · 10-10-2006, 08:50 PM

Moved this to the mod shop but with ya not sure where questions about Yaks should go hehehe.

photoguy · 10-10-2006, 09:38 PM

If i'm not mistaken the only real difference between those yaks is the length. The width is the same and at 31" it is plenty stable. Like Skunk said they do tend to run a little heavy but the extra material on the hull is welcomed if you typically land it rocky beaches. Ive seen people put nice gashes on other makes. I would go with the Navigator since it will track better due to its length. I loved my cobra and will most likey get a fish n dive.

peterotto · 10-10-2006, 10:43 PM

A friend of my has the explorer. He tends to wipe in the surf when it's up. I think it mostly has to do with the short length of the kayak.

Herbo · 10-10-2006, 10:47 PM

hey dave try San Diego Kayak Fishing, saltwater bass at its best! they do road tests? yak tests between a lot of different brands, maybe that will help...H

Rune Mason · 10-11-2006, 07:17 AM

Thanks for the help...I'm also looking at a Wilderness t-120. What do you guys think of that Yak?

stubbs · 10-11-2006, 07:40 AM

I've had a navigator and had no probs with it. It was a fairly easy paddle and stable enough for me. I think the Cobra explorerer is a little too short. I also hooped of the navigator with no probs.

I sold it and bought MJ's old Malibu Pro Explorer which is a slow paddle. Sold that and recently bought a Oceak kayak Prowler 13....its a much better yak.

Sorry can't help you on the tarpons

Rune Mason · 10-11-2006, 10:54 AM

Ok...So I've found several used Kayaks, and I've read the reviews and Im still not sure which one to choose. I am now looking at:

Cobra Navigator
Wilderness T-120
Malibu eXtreme/X-factor/Pro-Explorer

Is the T-120 the best to get out of these. I notice the t-120 doesnt have the same hatch placement as the Malibu Yaks,but I've herad the Malibu yaks can be heavy and slow to paddle.

Thresher · 10-11-2006, 11:14 AM

David you may want to bump up to the T-140. Gives you extra room and added stability. Can't be more happy with mine. It's fast, stable, light (compared to many models) and looks freakin sleek.