Keith,

The Redfish King is a hard-chined swede-form strip kayak measuring 17'9" x 21-3/8" if I remember correctly. I'm sure plenty of pics will show up soon, Joe posted a picture of the deck a while back.

It have a VERY low cockpit recess at the back of the cockpit for easy laybacks. It tracks very well, but is much more maneuverable than the rest of the Redfish line, The others have very rounded hull that have great efficiency, but don't carve turns like the King will. Edging will make sharp turns easy, even without a sweep strok, but a sweep stroke brings it around fast. Top speed is probably less than the Return, but higher than his other kayaks (All of Joe's kayaks are fast). Even with the hard chines it is easily driven, it does not feel as big as it is, it is extremely lively. It felt like it would be a blast in big water.

Bonnie (Joe's wife) said she thought it had her name on it, but I could have sworn that the kayak was built for me. Even without thigh/knee padding, It was easy to put on edge to 90 degrees and hold it there with a light scull.

Mike Hanks

: For us unfortunate souls who could not attend R2K1, can anyone talk more
: about the Redfish King? What are the differences between the King and
: Joe's other 3 models? What does it look like? Anyone have pictures to
: post? I'd LOVE to hear more! I'm just finishing up my first boat (a stitch
: and glue Arctic Tern) and am already thinking about my next project! This
: boat already sounds great. Hopefully the plans will be available soon (and
: maybe a kit from Newfound, for less competent newbies like myself).

: Thanks!