: 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!

My comments on the King can’t compare to Mike’s. He had that boat in full submission turning on a dime and laying the boat over 90 degrees. But I can tell you the boat is a Swede form with the widest point being behind the center of gravity. I’ve always wanted to paddle a boat with this shape and finally got my chance.

By the way, I’m just your average skilled sea kayaker who spent too much of the last two afternoons driving various boats as had as possible. My paddle was a carbon fiber/glass 235cm European blade. Oh and I’m 6’5” tall the size 14 feet.

There were minimal swells in the test area, but with what was there, the boat initially cut into and then slowly slid on top of. It was a very pleasant feeling. I think the boat will handle well on big water. No one has tried the King on big water yet. I also tried to ride in on the small swells and was pleased. The hard chine must have helped out here. I also just did some all out hard paddling. I liked the speed of the boat. I think it is faster than the Spring Run.

I had no problem with the narrowness of the boat. I felt the King was quite stabile and imagine it would handle awkward surf situations well. I think I’d feel comfortable enough to photograph from the kayak in moderate seas.

Fit wise. The King had plenty of internal room. I had no problem slipping into the kayak and had lots of foot room. I think the low backed cockpit had a lot to do with the easy entry and exit.

Overall I found the kayak pleasant. Its feel was unique. No other boat at R2K1 handled like it. Definitely different. I give the King a thumbs up with a new direction and feel in sea kayaking.

Roger