Nice! What species do you like to target?

​@@ecofishingshop Bearded Clams

The Shad is a great kayak. Those sound like pretty useful modifications for the seat. Is it the back of the seat that loosens on you or the seat straps? A Bixpy is a great, and simple, power addition to any kayak.

Have you had a chance to get your rig on the water yet?

Thank you for the additional information. Keep in mind you don't ever want to reach a kayak's full weight capacity (which includes yourself and all of your gear). Typically, you want to stay around 20-30% below the weight capacity, or to put it differently you want to use around 70% of your max capacity. For example, a 400lb kayak would give you a safe usable capacity around 280. The Zambezi 12'6" has a capacity of 407 (285-295 safe usable). For a few hundred dollars more, the Elite Pro Angler has a capacity of 617 (430 safe usable). The weight capacity calculation isn't an exact science and more of a recommendation so you can obviously play with the numbers however you feel comfortable. If you are looking strictly at kayaks with a fin drive here are some others to consider: Vanhunks Shad (10'4") - 440 capacity (308 usable at 70%) Vanhunks Mahi Mahi (11') 407 capacity (285 at 70%) Vanhunks Pike (9'8") - 419 capacity (295 at 70%) - may be too short Hobie Mirage Outback (12'9") 425 capacity (298 at 70%) If you consider a propeller drive, here are a few more options to consider: 3 Waters Big Fish 108 (11') - 450 capacity (315 at 70%) Old Town Topwater Predator (10'6") 450 capacity (315 at 70%) There are a few others, but it all comes down to price point as well. Feel free to email our community manager at justin@ecofishingshop.com (copy & paste email) to discuss more kayaks and your preferences and we can get all of this information squared away before your visit to the Camdenton store!

Hi, Timothy. We don't have an on-the-water review of the Zambezi right now but will add that to our list. The Zambezi is a great kayak as well. Is there anything in particular you are wondering about the Zambezi?

Great question, Charlie. Currently, there are not any available options for a swivel seat with the Vanhunks kayak line. While some anglers may be able to modify or create their own swivel seat options, there are not any "plug-and-play" options.

The Shad is also a great option if you are looking for a bit shorter. The Pro Angler has a few more features than the Shad because it is longer, but the performance and hull shape are relatively similar. The Shad's stability is also great and you can add many of the same accessories. Can't go wrong either way.

When you say both drives, are you asking about the prop vs. fin drive? If so, it really depends on the brand of the kayak and the drive type. For example, a Hobie fin drive is extremely agile and fast. But if we are breaking down just the Vanhunks prop and fin drive, then the prop drive is probably faster than the fin drive. Each has advantages though. The prop drive has forward/reverse whereas the current fin drive is forward only. But, the fin drive can be used in extremely shallow water without being removed whereas the prop drive has to be lifted up and own in weeds or shallow water. The speed also entirely depends on the hull shape. A flatter hull (like the Pro Angler) means you are going to be "pushing" more water rather than cutting through it like a V-shape. This means both will be slower and require a bit more effort. Max speed is relative to your own strength and stamina as well. We would guess that 2-3mph with moderate effort and calm water would be your average. You could probably push that that to 5-6mph with exertion (especially the fins). These are not scientific numbers though and depend on so many factors.

@@ecofishingshop thanks. Be interesting to see someone trying both in conjunction with useing paddles at the same time

Where did you get the prop drive for it?

Do you mind sharing what exactly you are wanting shown?

How do you have your torqeedo mounted on yours?

Everyone has a preference, but not exactly sure why fins would be considered stupid. They are fantastic for many different scenarios: Shallows, weeds, debris-filled, or people with possible joint immobility. Being able to fold your fins flat against the bottom of your kayak and "flutter" the pedals allows an angler to pedal in water as shallow as 5" in some cases. Both are great.