It is also possible that there may be some minor variations from these drawings to the final production kayak.

Features retained from Prowler Ultra 4.7

Width
Icebox recess
Rod tube can be fitted, but area made larger to fit 5” hatch or gun bag
Solid handles, front rear and side
Skid plate (modified to reduce drag)

Changes from the Prowler Ultra 4.7

Hull
400 mm shorter
Stream lined side scan transducer scupper (reduce drag)
Hard chines rounded (reduce drag)
Water line increased at tail (increase speed and better tracking)
Transducer will accept hummingbird and lowrance transducer with out modification to transducer.
It is also big enough to fit most popular other brands

Rear tank well
3 scupper for better drainage
Hatch on front wall to access area under seat (primary for batteries to be store at centre of boat, access for running electronics)
Out board mounting point deepened so extra rod holders can be fitted
Moulded in Rod holders behind seat
Recess and saddle in front of rear tank well for holding anchor
Optional live bait tank will fit into this recess (idea stage only)

Seat
Same seat height as in 4.7
Clip in large foam seat pad, negative recess, Velcro and inserted bolt lock into place.
Optional 4inch hatch area in front of seat, (mainly access for fitting electronics), gulp container fits in 2nd recess
Please note, fixed seat back is still in development and testing stage. It is not shown on the drawing but will be on final boat.

Cockpit area
Increased deck angle for quicker drainage
Foot bumps removed and foot track to be used
Paddle holder has been modified to help ease of use. Not shown in drawing
Side rod holders angled out more for better rod position for stationary fishing
Dash board area will have 3 steps at different angle (not shown) will allow up to 13 rod holder configurations
Latest dash board configuration not shown in drawing, the flat area now extends across the foot wells to allow more area for mounting accessories.
Access hole to transducer nut made bigger
Foot track recessed lower 5mm, so foot track does not protrude
Foot track recess allows foot tracks to be moved 50mm forward or back), will accommodate anglers 5” to 7”
Please note foot well Scupper holes are not as shown in the drawing, they are back in the front end of the foot wells
Click seal front Hatch
Cut out in centre hatch for larger hummingbird sounders
More flare leading up to cockpit

Center well
Perfectly matched to new ultra center hatch
21% more volume
5inch hatch will fit on front or rear wall
Recess for larger sounders
Angle of bottom has been changed so that foam can be locked between it and the hull
Rear wall angle change to make rod tube fit easier,
Square recess has been modified to fit standard fuse switch panel for running sounders, vhf, lights, bait pump, etc ( standard size panel, available from all chandlery shops)

Over all
Locked recessed deck fitting recess, (so the rdf do not spin)
Flare on cockpit lip to deflect water
Recess for gps antenna
Rear areas for flag holder
projected weight of 27kg complete max

I imagine this will be enough to generate some interest and some questions

I would like to thank all the members of the kayaking community who provided feed back and fresh ideas to make this happen.

Thanks
Regan Ashton
Johnson Outdoors Watercraft

And now for the pictures…

Discuss the new Prowler Ultra 4.3 in the forum, we also have the kayak designer himself answering questions as they come in, take a look here > http://www.kayakfishingnz.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=4128

4.3m total length with around a 4.2m water length, the keel is now much squarer as per the Ultra rather than the old Prowler 13 & 4.5.

Center hatch, it has the same flippy lid as the Prowler Ultra.

Center well, this has been tweaked, removed the “wall” inside the well and scallops are in the well wall to accommodate the fishfinder being stowed with the cover on.

Seat has been completely redesigned – a new innovation – hard to describe but it’s like a modular seat system, consists of a seat pad and a separate seat back, needs to be seen really, and if that doesn’t work for you you can still use a standard Ocean Kayak or after-market seat.

Front hatch – NO more neoprene hatch cover to fit – the cover it a fit a click system, something from the SiK market I believe, looks very easy to fit and remove, Johnsons have tested it in the surf, people standing on it etc they are very confident it’s water tight.

Speed – Design and modelling has the speed to be pretty close to that of the Ultra – i.e. much faster that the old Prowler 13… but has to be tested on the water of course.

Weight – the target weight for this kayak is 25kg! This is what the design, modelling, and experience is telling them but boats are yet to be moulded but hey even if it was a couple of kilos more than that I and I’m sure others would be very happy

Battery storage – under the seat, a hatch in the rear well will give access to under the seat where the battery can be stored, up to an 18Ah battery can be fitted in this area.

Electronics control system – the small indentation in the center well has been increased slightly in size to accept a standard marine control panel, so you can have control of your electronics, sounder, lights, live bait pumps etc etc.

Rod holders – six rod holders as standard with plenty of flat areas for more.

Rear well – the rear well is the same as the Prowler Ultra so can use the same ice box.

Handles – the new standard hard Ocean Kayak handles.

Stability – hull re-design has given more stability again over that of the Ultra with no increase in width.

That pretty much covers all the points I wrote down last week, Johnsons Outdoors are going to monitor this thread and answer any questions so ask away

We should see some pictures soon too

Check out the discussion about this kayak in the forum > here

Ultimate Family Sit-on-top Single

The latest addition to our range. The hugely versatile Scrambler 11 is probably the ultimate family sit-on-top (single). Packed with features like solid lifting handles, provision for an oval storage hatch, storage bucket hatch to name a few. The perfect choice for the paddler who wants to surf a little, fish a little or just cruise around.

Specifications

Features

• 4 x Solid lifting handles (either end and both sides)
• Provision for an rubber oval hatch for below deck storage
• Paddle holder x 2
• Skid Plate/wear strip
• Large tank-well
• Rod holders x 2

Images

Outstanding 4m Fishing Kayak

The Prowler Elite 4.1 has all the features of the extremely popular Prowler 13 and then some. Exceptional tracking and almost no water slap. Even for the larger paddler this kayak is extremely stable even in rough conditions. It is a great all round boat that is nimble and easy to manage allowing you to get in amongst the rocks. This kayak handles the surf and surf re-entries with ease. The deck layout is ideal for adding all those extras.

Specifications

Features

• Transducer Scupper Hole
• 4 x Flush Mounted rod holders
• Solid side lifting handles
• Insert points for a Cannon Rod Holder, Running Rig and Well-Cover
• Wear Strip/Skid Plate

Images

Release Date: July 30, 2010

Prowler Family

Prowler 13: The Prowler 13 will still be available in its current configuration – no change

Prowler Elite Family

Prowler Elite 4.1: The second Prowler 13 mold has been upgrade and has been re-branded as a Prowler Elite 4.1

Changes Are:-

· Solid side carrying handles. These handles greatly improve the ability of the paddler to lift the kayak on and off any vehicle.

· Addition of another 2 x forward facing flush mount rod holders in front of the cockpit area. Making a total of 4 flush mounts as standard.

· Cross-Lock hatch locking system on the front hatch (same as Prowler Ultra 4.7)

· A wear strip/skid plate (similar to what’s on the Prowler Ultra 4.7)

Prowler Elite 4.5

The Prowler Elite 4.5 has been upgraded with:-

· Solid side carrying handles. These handles greatly improve the ability of the paddler to lift the kayak on and off any vehicle.

· Addition of another 2 x forward facing flush mount rod holders in front of the cockpit area. Making a total of 4 flush mounts as standard.

· Cross-Lock hatch locking system on the front hatch (same as Prowler Ultra 4.7)

· A wear strip/skid plate (similar to what’s on the Prowler Ultra 4.7)

Scrambler 11

Length 3.6m
Weight 23kg

This is primarily a recreational single.

However it comes standard with a whole range of features that allow it to be used as a credible compact fishing kayak,

Features:-
Two flush mounted rod holders
Inserts for a Scotty or Cannon Rod Holder
Transducer Scupper hole
Inserts for the Ocean Kayak™ Running Rig and Well Cover

Other features:-
4 x Superior solid lifting handles (either end and on the side)
Provision for an rubber oval hatch to be added (if required) for below deck storage (identical to the Malibu Two XL)
Paddle holder
Skid Plate
Comfort Seat standard
Bucket Hatch

We will start shipping the new Scrambler 11 to dealers next month.

Read more and have your say in our forums > Click Here

Ocean Kayak wrote:

Using a combination of different technologies we are working on a lightweight Prowler that will have some meaningful weight reductions. This boat will not replace but be in addition to what we are already doing.

Sounds like we’ll a few new fishing kayaks in New Zealand before then end of the year!

Read more and have your say on the forum > New kayak from Ocean Kayak on the way

Ultimate Kayak Fishing

SPEED * STABILITY * PERFORMANCE * COMFORT

The new Prowler 4.7 builds on our core technologies (performance hull design, insert attachment system, Transducer scupper hole) and adds a number of inspired new features (live bait tank, rod tube, ice box and flip center lid) The result is a superior fishing kayak that has genuinely been designed by kayak fisherman for kayak fishing.

Specifications

Features

The new Prowler 4.7 builds on our core technologies(performance hull design, insert attachment system, Transducer scupper hole) and adds a number of inspired new features (live bait tank, rod tube, ice box and flip center lid) The result is a superior fishing kayak that has genuinely been designed by kayak fisherman for kayak fishing.

Images

Well what can I say, this is a NEW Prowler, lots of changes, about the only thing that is related to the previous Prowlers is the name… This is a ground up design which according to Ocean Kayak has taken over 18 months and close to $100,000, all done here in NZ “Designed by kayak fishermen for serious kayak fishing”

I’ll start at the front and work backwards through the whole kayak…

Even from the bow you’ll notice something new, the old toggle type lifting handle has now been replaced by a solid handle, no more snagging your line…

You’ll also see in the picture above there is a small flat section to add your GPS or VHF aerial.

Moving back we come to the hatch, this is a standard Prowler hatch, the Ultra will be shipped with the standard neoprene hatch seal, to close the hatch you’ll see there is a new four-way buckle, this is an Ocean Kayak designed item and makes for a much better fitting system.

Before you get into the cockpit there is a small bungy set up for securing any gear on deck.

In the photo above you will also see you have a standard Scotty rod holder mount and the new flat section allows for two more flush fitting rod holders if you want to fit them later. In front of the Scotty mount you’ll find the transducer access scupper. Also on either side of the foot wells you have two small areas that can be used for storage, these are scuppered.

Now the bit you have all been waiting for, the cockpit…

Yes that’s right you are seeing a fishing kayak, what do you mean “where’s the fish finder?”. Time to introduce the multi-function hatch cover… Time to turn it over…

Ah there you go, time to go fishing!

The hatch cover is double sided you lift, rotate, and place back down! One side for safe surf entry and exit one side for the serious stuff, so yes that does mean there is a well inside and yes it is sealed.

Plenty of room in here for a truck load of gear, place for up to two 7Ah batteries, this is where you will also get access to the optional rod tube, the rod tube goes back under the seat all the way to the stern, will take a couple of eight foot rods.

There are two more rod holders on the sides of the cockpit too, great place to drop you rod in while rigging up or unhooking your fish.

There is also storage areas under your legs fort a couple of small boxes, good for softbaits.

The side handles have also been replaced by flush mounted solid handles.

The seating area has been raised, to keep you dryer. The standard seat on the Prowler Ultra 4.7 will be the Deluxe Comfort Seat.

Behind the seat there is a new well, which can with an optional kit be converted into a live bait well, and the two rear rod holders.

The kit comes with cover, manual bilge pump, and scupper bung for the unused scupper, the well is symmetrical so the pump can be fitted to either side to suit the paddler. Of course if you are not interested in a live bait well this area can be used to store your gear or your anchor.

Moving further back we now have the BIG WELL, yep this is BIG, 1.1m long, bring one those big fish!

And for all those old Swing owners who miss their pods for putting your fish in, take a look at this…

That’s a full roto-molded foam insulated fish bin, roughly sixty litres, and only weighs in at around 5kg. The opening hinge is reversible so will suit left or right handers.

Nearly finished, the rear lifting toggle has also been replaced with another solid handle.

And finally the rudder, this is the standard Prowler rudder we are all used to.

Well that’s the top, now lets look at the hull, the hull has also been re-designed, the bow has been narrowed and flared giving much more lift and keeping the ride drier as the kayak will ride over the waves and chop and shed water.

The hull has retained the tri-formed hull for stability and tracking but much harder and fuller chines have been added. The Transducer scupper is retained but will now take the Humminbird Sideimaging transducer out of the box.

One final change to the hull is at the stern where there is now a sacrificial wear strip.

Specifications:
Weight: 35kg (unruddered)
Length: 4.7m
Capacity: 250kg+
Width: 74cm

Pricing:
Standard Prowler Ultra 4.7 kayak with rudder: $2599
Rod Tube kit: $99
Live Bait Tank kit: $129
Ice box storage pod: $399

Availability:
Will be available nationwide from November 30th – if you want one before the holidays I’d suggest you talk to your dealer sooner rather than later…

So all that out of the way, I then took it for a paddle… This test paddle was done on Lake Pupuke, in Auckland.

This is a different kayak, you are not just getting in another Prowler, I paddle a Prowler Elite on a weekly basis, this boat is faster (apparently 15% faster), and although you sit higher in this kayak it seems more stable, way more stable, probably from the filled in chines. I was able to lean further out in this than my Elite before it got tippy. The biggest thing I did notice though was how quiet the hull is, the slap had gone, may be it was the lake factor, so I jumped in an Elite and yep there it was…

The cockpit is a better layout, will be good to see how it works in a real fishing situation, the hatch was easy to un-clip and flip over, everything seems to be within reach and no concerns turning around or sitting side saddle but again this was a lake…

I have requested a full sea trial and will post that review as soon as I can secure access to a kayak for a weekend, fingers crossed this weekend…

Hope you enjoyed this

Cheers, Mental

Photos were taken at the Dealer Launch event Nov 10th 2009, please note the final production model may differ slightly
For more photos and discussion see the forums > Click Here

Come and see what 18 months of development brings you with the introduction of this new state of the art serious fishing kayak.

Also you have the opportunity to view the new Torque motorized kayak.

This is also the same night as the monthly meeting of the Hibiscus Kayak Fishing Club, also being held at the Jonson Outdoors factory, and all are welcome to attend the meeting too.

Factory Address:

2 Furnace Place
Silverdale
Hibiscus Coast 1461
New Zealand

“After more than a year of prototype testing Ocean Kayak released details of the new Prowler Torque in the USA on Friday 26th June.

In line with Ocean Kayaks ongoing strategy to continue to bring leading edge innovation and cutting edge technology to kayaking and kayak fishing the Torque has no equal with its seamless design and motor integration.

The Torque is only one of two new leading edge kayak fishing models that will be available in New Zealand November 2009. The second NZ designed
kayak also due out in November is an eye opener with some revolutionary new features.

International freight costs combined with US Dollar exchange rates will result in pricing for the Torque coming in around an estimated $3500.00.to $3750.00 as a complete unit not including the battery.”

YouTube video of the Torque – Link

More discussion is available in the forum