FRESH CATCH OCEAN KAYAK'S IMPORTED TRIDENT ULTRA 4.3 IS
BUILT FOR GOOD LOOKS AND HARD WORK. PHOTO: RIC BURNLEY
[S P LAS H] HELLO, BEAUTIFUL!
It doesn’t take long for good news to spread. When Ocean Kayak’s Trident Ultra 4.3 first appeared in Australia, anglers around the world wanted one. The long, low waterline, flared bow and smart layout had open-water paddlers drooling for a piece of the action. Ocean Kayak was quick to comply.
buddy, and Ocean Kayak pro, Lee Williams for a fun trip to Rudee Inlet
I got my first ride in a 4.3 when I joined my in Virginia
Beach. He looked a little sad when I asked him to turn over the keys to his Ultra. After a quick spin in the high-speed sleigh, I could see why.
After years of paddling kayaks designed to do it all for any angler, I was excited to take the helm of a boat designed for one purpose—open water fishing. At 14 feet long, 29 inches wide and only 68 pounds, this speed demon is ready to cover rough water. An aggressively rockered keel and loose primary stability allow the boat to eat up waves and turn on a dime. The raised, flared bow carries further back and the stern narrows further forward to reduce drag and maintain razor-sharp tracking. The smart design carries over to the Ultra’s cockpit. The boat features a bow hatch that is large enough to accommodate fishing rods with a Click-Lock seal that I can open and close with one hand and there are no straps to snag hooks. My favorite feature is the center hatch with
62 … KAYAK ANGLER
Fast moves and loose curves give Trident Ultra 4.3 heart-pounding performance
Ultra Center cover. The long, narrow hatch in the deck has a rotating top. One side is outfitted with bungees to hold a tackle box and a water bottle. Spin the hatch over and the other side is pre-rigged to accept a fish finder and other accessories. An extra- wide scupper forward of the hatch will accommodate cables and transducer. Pull a pin and the hatch cover comes off to remove expensive electronics.
Another new feature is Ocean Kayak's Comfort Hybrid seat. The highback, foam seat is riveted to the deck and held in place with two adjustable straps. The seat back can be folded down for storage and transport. The deck is cut to shed or drain water, perfect for punching through the surf or
cutting across rough water. Molded flat spaces on the gunwales will accept mounting bases from any accessory manufacturer and the boat includes four flush-mount rod holders.
Since my first spin in the Ultra, I’ve had opportunity to paddle the boat through sporty conditions. The hull performs as
advertised, absorbing waves and
conquering the surf. It’s low enough to cut the wind but high enough to stay dry and carry a considerable cargo. A flat floor and solid secondary stability make it possible to stand and fish, but this boat is about the journey as much as the destination. RIC BURNLEY
FISH FRIENDLY FEATURES:
• Comfort hybrid seat
• Reversible ultra center hatch cover
• Click seal hatch • Paddle keepers
• Four flush mount rod holders
• Replaceable wear strip on tail fin
• Transducer compatible scupper
Ocean Kayak Trident Ultra 4.3 SPECS
Length: Width: Weight:
Capacity: Price:
14’1” 29”
68 lbs
350 lbs $1,499
www.oceankayak.com
DIGITAL EXTRA: Click here to check out a video review of the Trident.
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