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Blue Fin vs Wadefish

Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 3:13 pm
by BBSig
I am learning to fly fish and can't afford a nice flats boat. All the old guys are telling me I need to get a kayak. My only experience with them is my SOT inflatable "DiveYak" that works nice and is stable enough for me to stand on when I over inflate it. Which of the two boats that I specified would be the best for someone with decent balance to use as a flats fishing rig that is good to paddle far distances?

The Blue Fin seems like the Wadefish but the width is in between the the different versions. I like the Blue Fin's transom but the Wadefish will accomplish what I want as well.

Re: Blue Fin vs Wadefish

Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 9:42 pm
by jem
Wade fish was designed with the flats in mind.

Re: Blue Fin vs Wadefish

Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 3:30 pm
by BBSig
Matt,

The Blue Fin is touted as the 4th gen SOT. What improvements/ changes did you make and why? I am guessing that the Wadefish is easier to stand up in since it can be built wider but it seems to make a huge difference in weight (25% or more). I have been looking at other designers for a while but most of those are not SOT designs which would not allow me to stand up. I was leaning more towards the Blue Fin because of the open cockpit and flat transom but may have to give the Wadefish another hard look.

Re: Blue Fin vs Wadefish

Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 4:57 pm
by jem
Blue Fin's cockpit is more open, more customizable, easier to build, and will be a little lighter overall. But since it is more open, taking on a big wave will result in a few extra seconds for the water to drain out.

Re: Blue Fin vs Wadefish

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 5:47 pm
by BBSig
No big waves where I plan to go. Protected waters in North Florida are easy waters for the most part. Any problems with choosing 3mm over 4mm? I planned to use an extra layer of glass to combat the oyster beds we have up here.

Re: Blue Fin vs Wadefish

Posted: Tue Sep 03, 2013 5:00 pm
by jem
3mm will be a little bit floppy when you're building and you'll lose a small amount of puncture resistance.

Re: Blue Fin vs Wadefish

Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 3:13 pm
by Jeaux
I am thinking of using 4mm on the bottom and 3 for the rest.
Being big and top heavy thinking of Wade Fish hull and front deck, Blue Fin sole, cockpit and layout to the stern. With drive well, saw there was talk of using the drive well as front scupper. Wonder if that was done and how it worked out?

Re: Blue Fin vs Wadefish

Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 9:03 am
by BBSig
Sounds like a good idea. Just wondering the weight difference between the two.

Re: Blue Fin vs Wadefish

Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 3:58 pm
by Jeaux
Noah's shows 4'x8' 3mm at 8.8 lb and 4mm at 15 lb. If that is correct. would be a substantial savings.

Re: Blue Fin vs Wadefish

Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 10:18 am
by BBSig
I believe you would still need an extra layer of glass on the outside to get a little more protection. As Matt stated, the 3mm will be easier to puncture. I like the idea of 4mm on bottom and the topside and framework done in 3mm. That seems like it would give the best of both.