TRIDENT ULTRA 4.3 IS BUILT FOR OCEAN KAYAK'S IMPORTED
GOOD LOOKS AND HARD WORK. PHOTO: RIC BURNLEY
Boat Insider
FAST MOVES AND LOOSE CURVES GIVE TRIDENT ULTRA 4.3 HEART-POUNDING PERFORMANCE
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. I got my first ride in a 4.3 when I joined my
buddy, and Ocean Kayak pro, Lee Williams for a fun trip to Rudee Inlet 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 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
This article first appeared in the 2015 Summer/Fall issue of Kayak Angler. 36 PADDLING MAGAZINE
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
Ocean Kayak
Trident Ultra 4.3 Length: 14’1 Width: 29” Weight: 68 lbs Capacity: 350 lbs MSRP: $1,499
www.oceankayak.com
Digital Extra: Check out a video review of the Trident at
Rapidmedia.com/0438 or get the digital version of Kayak Angler on your desktop or device.
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