re: New Ascend FS128T yak

Gotta know the right people if you know what I mean.

No shite that is a steal. Glad you like it Deacon, looks like a badass rig. How is it as far as speed, tracking, and turning? What size paddle are you using?

Lets see some pictures after you get it rigged up

Have you had a chance to take it out any?

The Amite kayak thread made me want to make a little trip this weekend. I have a junker canoe, but I don't trust the patches going over all the gravel in the upper amite. I think I'm going to pick up a yak this weekend.

This one seems to be my favorite. The storage looks like a plus. I checked it out at bps yesterday and it looked great. One thing I noticed is the deck flex. Does that seem to be an issue when standing on it?

If anyone has any experience with it, if like to hear about it.

Also, if anyone is up for a day trip on the upper amite, you're more than welcome to join me, looks like all my friends have plans.

I took it out yesterday for the second time. First time was in a pond for a couple hours.

Yesterday I was in it for about 5 hours in Bayou Sorrel.

I bought a longer paddle, maybe 240 or 250 cm, made a big difference.

Here is what I got so far:

Pros:

Seat is a back and butt saver. Very comfortable. 3 positions and also swivels

Tracks really good.

Deck layout is really good with plenty of accessible storage. Plenty of deck in front and behind seat.

Plenty of storage.

Really stable when seat is in down position. You have to be aware of your center of gravity when the seat is in the high position.

Comes with 5 rod holders and anchor trolley from factory.

Can stand and sit with ease. Can fish and paddle standing (probably not in fast moving water though)

Cons -

Heavy (I bought the dolly which makes transporting easy.

Needs side handles.

Factory seals (on hatches, rod holders, etc) looked to be done by a 5 year old. Test them for leaks beforehand and re-seal if you want. (I will eventually do all of them just to make it look better)

Seat - Although seat is one of the best features, it's only secured by a bungie cord. If you lean back too much, you can fall backwards. i understand why they did this, so you can adjust the seat while on the water, but there should be a better way. Also, double check bolts and nuts on seat before using to make sure they are tight.

Slow speeds - Not a big suprise with such a wide yak.

Weight capacity - I think it's 350 pounds....seems light for such a tank of a yak.

Deck flex - I guess there is a little deck flex. I didn't notice it much when I was standing yesterday. Make sure the foam inserts are properly fitted inside to help, or build some sort of additional support.

I think that's all I have for now. There are more people putting reviews up. Check youtube.

I hope to bring this out to the marsh in the next week or two. I do not regret this purchase at all. There are plenty of kayak snobs out there that bash this thing, which is fine, there are some flaws no doubt. But for the money, I think you get the best bang for your buck with this thing. Just the seat, accesible storage and the deck space is worth it for me....at least for thetype of fishing i do. Hope this helps. I'll try to check in later if you have any questions.

bump for bourg

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Do you think you would be able to fly fish from the new rig?

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Quite possible. I haven't ever used a fly rod, so not sure. You can cast a regular rod and set hook on fish standing after a little practice.

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Is it possible to somehow mount a small trolling motor?

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Yep.

Im pretty new to kayaks, but for the price that platform cant be beat. Especially a yak with that much storage and the ability to stand. Im sure it is killer in the marsh if that is where you will be using it by chance.

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Would this be a good starter

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I haven't taken it to the marsh or paddled long distances with it yet. Hope to do that this weekend. As of now, I give it a thumbs up. Better yaks out there? Sure...but can't beat it for the price.