Ride 135 2012 Questions

[Jeff Asher]

I am in the process of getting a 2012 Ride 135 and had a few question.  First when I looked at the kayak at the shop I noticed that the yak did not have any plugs with it.  Is the new Ride supposed to come with plugs and are they needed?  Also this will my first yak with the Orbix hatch and I have heard about them leaking.  I notice the hatch has a small gap on the front and back of about 1/8" is this normal?  It is the only new Ride they had so I could only compare it to the Tarpons they had a simular gap. I really like the yak and considering it has the same hule style a my Commander it is going to replace my old SOT.  Also since there is no hatch behind the seat in the new model and I was wondering what is the best way to mount rod holders since you can't access it from inside will well nuts or rivets work best?  I have always use screw and fender washer for support in the past. Thanks for any help.

[David Hillyer]

I have the 2012 Ride 135 and do not use scupper plugs and find that very little water enters the boat and the only place there is water are the front scupper holes.  I installed rear rod holders using rivets and marine goop on both sides of the gasket.  I do get water in the front of the boat through the hatch when it rains or when I wash the boat.  I have used rivets with goop on several kayaks and have had great luck.

 

hope this helps

[Jeff Asher]

Thanks taht does I have mine now and tested it on a day when the wind was 15-20 with river chop and it did great.  I could not tell if I got any water in there was so little it could have come from my cart in the hatch.  Did yours come with plugs at all when you bought it?

[Wilderness System]

Jeff, the 2012 SOT models no long come with extra scuppers. They are pretty inexpensive at http://www.harmonygear.com/search?q=scupper&x=19&y=13&&... , or I've even heard of people using those practice rubber golf balls to fill the holes. But like you said Jeff, I get very little water in my Ride through the holes. Good luck out there.

[Jeff Asher]

Thanks for the reply I have had so much fun in this yak it is great.  Fished on my vacation ended up finishing 2nd in the NCKFA tournement thanks in part to the Ride.  No other kayak I have paddle compare to this thing.  My Commander comes close but in rough water the Ride excells.  With the Phase 3 seat I can change positions and sit fully sideways even in rough fast water.  I think Wilderness hit the nail on the head with one.   As far as rigging I am done except for the Silent Traction I decided to rig it with just the NO Drill Anchor Trolley.  NO holes are going in this yak thanks to the slide track I have a rod holder on the left and a cleat on the right of the track.  Went with a simple crate in the back for my other rods.  This is fishing machine.