I just read the entire "Building a Fast SOT Fishing Kayak" thread and was inspired to Photoshop together my idea of the ultimate Sit On Top Kayak (That could retail under $900.)
I decided to go with the Heritage SeaDart 17' as a starting point since the cost was originally very reasonable and the hull was universally regarded as one of the better designs seen in a SOT.
Thought I'd share my Frankenstein creation with the forum.
It doesn't seem to be very remarkably different from many other American-made plastic yaks...some good features but NOWHERE TO PUT YOUR CATCH!! The Heritage SeaDart 17 is, undisputedly, one of the fastest and most seaworthy kayaks out there though.
After selling a Hobie Outback and a Malibu eXtreme, I went on a serious hunt for a fast SOT fishing kayak, and the Heritage SeaDart 17 was in the top three yaks that I was considering. The other two were the Cobra Expedition and the Tarpon 160. Although the Cobra was clearly the fastest of the three, I chose the Tarpon because it was locally available, and there was nowhere in all of Florida at the time where I could even see, much less paddle, a Cobra or Heritage. But the Tarpon was only to tide me over until my first truly fast kayak was delivered from South Africa...the one with a big built-in fish box in the bow.
Al Stillman aka “Yakman” Kayak Fishing Stuff - Staff Hobie Fishing Team Member www.KayakFishingMagazine.net www.eastcoastkayakfishing.com/sponsors.html
Posts: 1812 | Location: NJ, NY and OBX | Registered:: June 16, 2006
It's a remarkably fast SOT, plus it paddles like a true kayak, and glides smoothly too. I've never checked the speed with a GPS but I think Santiago has, so maybe he'll chime in. I do know that in two notable races against Hobie Adventures by other KFSers, the Dorado left them far behind.
Rick...
BTW, is the Heritage SeaDart 17 still being manufactured? Why it never seems to get recommended is beyond me.
It looks like there is no back support! or mounting eyes. Also there is NO need for a manufacter to build a hugh console which takes up too much room in the cockpit and forces you to keep your legs in the same posistion all day. I'd like to see some new designers to start working for the kayak manufacters, it would be nice to see kayak without the mistakes of pervious designs. Here's what I mean by poor design, Ocean Kayaks Solar sheild,??? who in hell though that up. what happens when the sun is at your back?? the sheild is useless. How about Malibu's front rod tubes which you can't reach and fill with water while dragging your reels in the water.
Originally posted by SteveK: It looks like there is no back support! or mounting eyes. Also there is NO need for a manufacter to build a hugh console which takes up too much room in the cockpit and forces you to keep your legs in the same posistion all day. I'd like to see some new designers to start working for the kayak manufacters, it would be nice to see kayak without the mistakes of pervious designs. Here's what I mean by poor design, Ocean Kayaks Solar sheild,??? who in hell though that up. what happens when the sun is at your back?? the sheild is useless. How about Malibu's front rod tubes which you can't reach and fill with water while dragging your reels in the water.
That photoshop looks great to me. I wish someone would build that boat. That would be one of the best mass produced poly boat made if it existed.
As far as the Dorado, it's comfortable up to 7 in a sprint but tops out 7.5 plus on flat water.
The Sea Dart will top 7 mph easier and track better doing it, but won't turn as well or surf as easily.
They're both great, but different, designs. The Dorado has a more lively feel and handles well out of proportion to it's speed, but requires some practice to wring it out to it's full potential. The Sea Dart is simple to use and master in comparison.
IKFA # 100!
Someday God will explain the universe to me ... while I'm waiting I'll go fishing
Posts: 1992 | Location: Where I am, or where I want to be? | Registered:: July 08, 2002
Originally posted by LunaSea: It doesn't seem to be very remarkably different from many other American-made plastic yaks...some good features but NOWHERE TO PUT YOUR CATCH!! The Heritage SeaDart 17 is, undisputedly, one of the fastest and most seaworthy kayaks out there though.
After selling a Hobie Outback and a Malibu eXtreme, I went on a serious hunt for a fast SOT fishing kayak, and the Heritage SeaDart 17 was in the top three yaks that I was considering. The other two were the Cobra Expedition and the Tarpon 160. Although the Cobra was clearly the fastest of the three, I chose the Tarpon because it was locally available, and there was nowhere in all of Florida at the time where I could even see, much less paddle, a Cobra or Heritage. But the Tarpon was only to tide me over until my first truly fast kayak was delivered from South Africa...the one with a big built-in fish box in the bow.
The Dorado is a beautiful boat, no doubt about it. I've spent a bit of time staring at the pictures of yours while contemplating buying one of my own.
My problem with the Dorado is in the material. I'm afraid I would have it beat to heck in no time. Up here on the Nature Coast I fish in really skinny water with lots of oyster beds. My Tarpon has the battle scars to prove it.
If there was a cheaper version of the Dorado made of a plastic-type material at a lower cost I have no doubt it'd sell like hot cakes.
I usually keep my catch on a stringer, and flop it between my legs during longer paddles. I do like the idea of the fish basket the Dorado offers though. Unique, and handy. Maybe if I get time to kill I'll go back to Photoshop and rework the plan.
My dreaming and Photoshopping is likely for naught though. I emailed Heritage last night and asked them if they had any plans to bring back the SeaDart in any form. I got a reply this morning, the answer was no.
Originally posted by SteveK: It looks like there is no back support! or mounting eyes. Also there is NO need for a manufacter to build a hugh console which takes up too much room in the cockpit and forces you to keep your legs in the same posistion all day. I'd like to see some new designers to start working for the kayak manufacters, it would be nice to see kayak without the mistakes of pervious designs. Here's what I mean by poor design, Ocean Kayaks Solar sheild,??? who in hell though that up. what happens when the sun is at your back?? the sheild is useless. How about Malibu's front rod tubes which you can't reach and fill with water while dragging your reels in the water.
Just venting, gotta go
Don't hold back. Tell us how you really feel.
The SeaDart is like any other boat... a series of tradeoff in design.
The extended console if perfect for me (a smaller guy) and was a factor in my choice for the SeaDart (I can easily reach the rod holders.
Sabrosa.. great thread great picture.
I agree that the wet butt thing gets old really fast. But the lowered center of gravity that the SD gains for the wet butt is critical to its stability.
Better to find another way to solve the issue
Posts: 1951 | Location: Fall River, Ma | Registered:: April 25, 2006
I used my SD 17 on the flats at Monomoy and Cape Cod Bay, but those are much different flats than you find in the Keys and/or especially in the 'glades. Definitely need a rudder in those conditions.
IKFA # 100!
Someday God will explain the universe to me ... while I'm waiting I'll go fishing
Posts: 1992 | Location: Where I am, or where I want to be? | Registered:: July 08, 2002
The Heritage SeaDart 17 is, undisputedly, one of the fastest and most seaworthy kayaks out there though. 
