Plastic Kayaks
(Polyethylene)
A polyethylene kayak is rotationally molded or blow molded. Both processes deliver good comparable kayaks. In a rotational molding process, granules of virgin plastic powder are slowly introduced to a constantly rotating heated mold. As the plastic granules melt, they form to the insides of the mold, eventually taking on the shape of the kayak. Some manufacturers have computer controlled molding processes, which slows the rotation down at certain points, allowing for a thicker, sturdier buildup of material at certain points of the hull. In a blow-molded process, a tube of melted plastic is dangled down into a sealed mold, and then blasted against the sides of the mold by an injection of high pressure air. Polyethylene is an extremely tough and hardwearing material and does not damage easily when knocked about on rocks or being dragged across sand.


Fiberglass Kayaks
In fiberglass construction, a female mold is sprayed with a coloured gel coat or a gel coat is applied by hand, and then layers of fiberglass, carbon or Kevlar cloth are wetted with resin and pressed into the mold. When top and bottom halves of the boat are both dry, they're fitted together using fiberglass sealing seam, outfitted with seats, rudders deck lacing, etc. and ready to be paddled. Fiberglass is a very hard wearing material but caution must be exercised close to rocks and any hard surface and cannot survive a fall off a moving vehicle like a polyethylene kayak can.

It's simple, it's affordable and you'll catch more fish. With no motor to scare them off, the fish won't know you're coming. No petrol costs, no trailer required, no crew needed and easy to handle. Go places powerboats can't, in rocky shallows, over shallow reefs, up narrow streams and channels, and over prop-snagging vegetation. The Hunter Ski provides the stability needed to land the big one, rigged and ready to fish! The deck layout is comfortable and organized for fishing. Just by getting to the back-line, your catch rate improves ten-fold.


The sport of catching fish from a kayak has become more and more popular not only nationally but internationally as well. Logically there are more fish out at sea than there are in the surf zone, so paddling out behind the back-line to the fish is a great advantage. But what really makes it appealing is the shear simplicity and affordability. It's a one person job to load, offload, launch, beach and fish from your kayak, so gone are the days of hauling heavy boats, long hours of preparation and endless boating hassles. Cleaning of your kayak takes literally 5 minutes and with the added bonus that the sport provides and promotes an active and healthy lifestyle so you need no excuses not to go fishing. You are now doing exercise and not just sitting around waiting for the fish to bite. Basically, you can launch, fish, clean your kit, shower and make it to work by 8.00am and feel great because you actually did some exercise. (Now that's what I call easy).


Then there is the price issue, a once off investment of around R6000-00 and away you go. A lot more affordable than a boat and all the rest of the kit that goes with it. If you live up country or a distance from the sea, your holiday package requires just a few additions namely roof racks and your kayak. Pack all your kit in the hatch and you have the ideal fishing tool at your disposal when you reach your destination. Not forgetting that you can fish on your local dam or lake now and get to those never been fished before spots. Not only is it easy to transport but it's very easy to store as well. Just a simple rack in the garage or store it down the side of your house where it's out your way. You will also be saving on your fuel bill, and we all know how expensive fuel is becoming especially in our neighboring countries. Lastly it doesn't need a service to make it run efficiently, the only thing that will make it run is you….

Before you buy a sit-on-top kayak, you should take stock of where and how you plan to do most of your paddling. Most kayaks can be used for a variety of activities, but understand that no one kayak excels at every activity. Choosing a boat means mulling over a long list of characteristics and compromises. Be wary of anyone who tells you about the "best" kayak overall, there is none. There are, however, a few guidelines to help you decide which boat is best for you:


Length and width affect speed and maneuverability. When it comes to speed, it's all about surface area. A long, thin line allows paddlers to slice through the water quickly-a real advantage if you plan on touring, but a drawback on twisty rivers. A 17 foot-long kayak will go much faster than a 9 foot-long kayak, but a 9 foot-long kayak will turn easier than a 17 foot-long kayak. A narrow kayak is faster than a wide one, but wide kayaks are more stable (depending on hull shape).


Hull shape affects performance. Depending somewhat on width, flat or smooth-bottomed kayaks (U-shaped) have more secondary stability, while keeled kayaks (V-shaped) have more primary stability. U-shapes may feel tippier at first, but stay stable in moving water (rivers, surf, etc.) while V-shapes feel most stable in flat water. The tri-form hull of most sit-on-tops combines both primary and secondary stability with a long center keel to keep you going straight, and two "shoulders" that act like pontoons for secondary stability. This tri-form hull generally sacrifices a little speed, but adds a lot of stability (which is great for cross-over sports like fishing or diving).


There are lots of different hull shapes, but basically V-shapes encourage a boat to go straight (good for touring), and smooth bottoms encourage a boat to spin (good for fishing, surfing or river running). Whether or not a kayak goes straight is referred to as "tracking." You'll want a kayak with good tracking to cover distance on flat water, but you'll want less in whitewater. Chances are, for recreational paddling, you'll want a kayak with a keel (some kind of V-shape on the bottom), so you can travel more efficiently. If you expect to spend equal time on flat and moving water, consider buying a short kayak with a keel (it's all a trade off, remember).


Your body determines how the kayak will perform. It goes beyond just height and weight-people carry weight and proportions in different ways, and these differences translate into how you balance in a kayak. You can always learn how to work with different kinds of kayaks. Experts tend to balance better than beginners, but know that it will take time and practice, especially if you decide on a specialized kayak.


Other things to consider. There are a few other things to think about when choosing a kayak. Where will you store it? Can your garage or store room hold a 16 foot-long kayak? How will you transport it? Do you have roof racks or would you rather put the kayak on the back of a bakkie? Even color choice is important. Do you want to be seen, or would you rather be camouflaged? Considering these issues early on will ensure you enjoy your kayak for many years.


Summary: For general or specialist fishing (fresh and salt water) or open water recreational paddling (doing a little of everything), a polyethylene kayak between 3.5 and 4.5 meters are recommended. Polyethylene kayaks won't crack or damage easily, they are virtually unsinkable, they will last you many years and still look good and have a better re-sale value when the need arises.

It is very rare, sharks don't like to eat plastic or fibreglass.

The Mias stores around JHB stock the Hunter Ski.

The Hunter Ski has a capacity of 160kg when used as a wet deck out at sea. This capacity increases when the deck is plugged and used as a dry deck. So it will handle your weight with ease. The fish you might catch will depend on where you are fishing and what technique you are using. I would say, you should start off simple with one technique, and progress from there. Especially if you are going out to sea. It is a good idea to get used to your kayak y doing some freshwater fishing on it first. Please feel free to ask any further questions.

The Hunter Ski is 3.5m long. This is the only kayak we make at present. We are in the process of designing a Hunter Ski Double which will be just under 5m. We hoping to have this ready by June July.

Kayaks are allowed on most dams in the Gauteng province, but it does vary from dam to dam. Its best to try find out before planning a trip. Try google the dam name or look for it on sealine.co.za. My experience with Hippos and Crocs on a kayak is limited, but I did do a guided trip down the Zambezi with canoes and the general rule was to never be between a hippo and deeper water, they feel safe when they are in deeper water. Crocs wont look at you as food but they might be inquizitive, the guides slaped they water with their paddles to scare them away. You just have to be very aware if you know the area does have these animals.

The Hunter Ski is the ideal all-rounder fishing kayak. It handles surprisingly well at sea and the durability of the polyethelene is a must for freshwater fishing where rocks are encountered often.

The standard Hunter Ski retails at R6000 excl Vat in johannesburg. Transport needs to be factored in for other parts of the country. There are various extras and accessories that can be fitted to the Hunter Ski which would inevitably increase the price. Email me @ brian@hunterski.co.za for more information.

Most definitely, we have been having small fresh water kayak fishing competition once a month during the summer months. Please join us. I have kayaks available for people who are looking to try out the sport but do not want to invest in a kayak before they are sure. I will add you email to my mailing list so that you are informed everytime we go on a fishing outing. I look forward to meeting you.

If you check the Documents and brochure page on the Hunter Ski website you will find the list of requirements to seaworthy a kayak through SAKFA(South African Kayak fishing asscociation). A requirement is a SAKFA registered club number. The application form and constitution for the Gangsters kayak fishing club is also on this page.

The standard Hunter Ski retails for R6000 excl Vat in Gauteng.

You can fit electronics such as fish finders and GPS's on the Hunter Ski. We do accept deposit's to reserve Hunter Ski's.

Hi Faizal, you can most certainly stand on the kayak, if you have decent balance. This is most do-able on nice flat water, and works really well for sight fishing Bass. Check my Gallery under Rust de Winter to see Bass being caught while standing on the Hunter Ski. The Hunter ski weighs 27kg.