Decisions! Decisions! Predator13, Big Game 2, Etc.?

[Gitzet]

Guys,

New guy back again. I’ve done some research and went to local dealers and looked at a kayak or two or 15.

I have my eyes on two that I plan on test paddling once the weather starts to cooperate.

I like the Old Town Predator 13. I saw this one and it’s quite impressive, but the weight (86lbs stripped) is a little heavy.

I also like the Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game 2 that very similar in a lot of ways to the Predator. I have not actually looked at the BG2, but plan to.

Of course, there are differences. But, in many ways they are similar.

I’m not sure about the big console in the BG2. I kind of like the openness in the P13.

I really like the BG2 weighing in at 70lbs and being just 5” shorter than the Predator. And, it’s about $100 cheaper too.

For what it’s worth, I plan to haul my kayak in the bed of my pick-up.

If any of you have any experience with these kayaks, I’d appreciate any thoughts.

Oh yeah! I'm 6'2" and go about 240!

Thanks very much.

Steve

[Bulldog]

My God son has one, I helped him rig it, it would be my choice between the two, the weight is a big issue, ten pounds is a lot. He goes all over with it river fishing, ocean, and also duck hunting, seems very stable, I would call it a sleeper, you don't hear much about it. It still is very wide and awkward to lift because of the width, he hauls it in teh back of a Honda Ridgeline!.....Jack.

[Gitzet]

My God son has one, I helped him rig it, it would be my choice between the two

Which one does your godson have?

Thanks!

[dhawk]

i would also check out malibu x-factor and stealth though they dont have the fancy seat they are super stable for big guys im 6'5" 315 and in my opinion they paddle better than the predator IMHO

[Gitzet]

i would also check out malibu x-factor and stealth though they dont have the fancy seat they are super stable for big guys im 6'5" 315 and in my opinion they paddle better than the predator IMHO

Thanks for the info!

[Backdoc]

I just saw an ad on Craigslist that may be worth looking at. I only have experience with my two Tarpons so some of the more experienced guys on here could tell you if this a good deal or not. I really don't know.
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/boa/5452150437.html

[BassMoore]

A local guy here is selling his BG2 for 1400 with a bunch of accessories
its a great boat.

I know a few guys who have the predators who have had to send it back already for a cracked floor.

[andrew]

I had a 2014 Old town Predator 13, it did have some issues with some thin spots in the plastic but that was the first year they were made. Old Town has great customer service and replaced it in a week or two. I now have the Old Town Predator XL Minn Kota console. Old Town seems to have fixed the issues with the floor. The only down side is the weight of the XL with the Minn Kota console and battery. Its a great kayak, the only must add-on would have be a rudder. Not sure if you know this but the Predator and BG2 are made with the same company and both are very similar in lay out. I also transport my yak in the bed of my truck with the bed extender from Harbor Freight. Good luck!

[lovett88]

It also depends on where you will take the boat. Both have different hull Shapes. The predator is more of a river boat/lake boat. The big game will be a all around decent boat. Both are on the slower side. But its kayaking we dont get anywhere fast. Also one thing to note is the predator has high sides witch will catch more wind. Just something to think about. I did a lot of sight casting for bass from a ride 115 and it was frustrating getting blown off a spot time and time again. If it were me I'd go big game 2 out of the 2 choices.

Sent from my LGLS990 using Tapatalk

[BassMoore]

The new tarpon 130x coming out seems like a pretty sweet boat have u given that any thought ?

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[Egriger]

I got to see the Viking Profish on the water for the first time a few weeks ago. I was very impressed! Its well thought and equipped. It moved extremely well thru the water.

I just looked up the weight capacity -440lbs

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/...oad-Kayak.html

I currently have a Hobie PA-14. But if I were to change from Pedal to Paddle, these would be on the top of my list!

Ed

[reel-em-in]

I got to see the Viking Profish on the water for the first time a few weeks ago. I was very impressed! Its well thought and equipped. It moved extremely well thru the water.

I just looked up the weight capacity -440lbs

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/...oad-Kayak.html

I currently have a Hobie PA-14. But if I were to change from Pedal to Paddle, these would be on the top of my list!

Ed

I love it!

[Bulldog]

Oops, God son has a Ocean Kayak Big Game 2!........JackP5170027_1.jpg

[Gitzet]

Guys,

Thanks to all of you for the very helpful responses...............

[kevinfry]

fishtank has a predator and a boat with a rod pod console like the BG2..hopefully he'll chime in