: Hi guys,

: I'm starting lofting my new kayak tomorrow and it's either to be a Sea Rider
: or Ranger (or Ranger ST). My first concern is that my feet fit size 13
: shoes... will these boats have enough space for them? I hope it's a non
: issue, but thought I'd check to see if anyone has had issues before.

: Other than that, has anyone paddled both boats? What are the differences? The
: thoughts of Tom Yost himself would be appreciated as well .

: It looks like in the non ST versions, there is almost no space for gear, but
: do you think there'd be enough room for an overnight trip if I install a
: pair of hatches? I just really like the lines on the lower profile boats.

: Thanks,

: Mike

Hi Mike,

On my Sea Ranger, the gap between the upper and lower part of the frames on the rear deck is maybe 3", not gonna pack much in there without hatches and not much room even with them. Perhaps ultralight backpacking gear would fit with hatches. The only Yost boats I've seen are the ones I've built, and I've not done a Sea Rider so can't help you on that. There is though a fair amount of foot room. The upper frames could fairly easily be modified if you didn't fit though. Advantage to a SOF is the skin will easily adapt to changes in shape.

Bill H.