It's a reasonably heavy kayak for 3.7m, was a bit heavy to lug to the launch spot but on the way back I propped it up on a shoulder, this was easier. Kayak trolley will be necessary (and stuck on the back will help with weight distribution).
Was pretty stable, and considering the average paddle supplied with it I found it pretty easy to keep moving at a decent pace (using lots of torso/core muscles in stroke). The google My Tracks I recorded indicated I could average just under 5km/h and I made it up to 7.5km/h for a couple of hundred meters. I was surprised with how far the kayak kept moving after I stopped paddling.
I was able to stand up (I have good balance, and it was flat water) but I am unsure if I could cast and fish while doing so - I'm bound to find out soon enough.
As reported elsewhere, the kayak is front heavy with no gear in the back, with just me and a paddle, pulling the (supplied) rubber bung out of the front scupper hole resulted in inflow of water into the lower cockpit area. Bum stayed dry until I tested the primary stability 'edge' when I was able to get some water in over the gunwale without tipping.
I think having a bucket with some ice slurry, a kayak trolley and milk crate of gear in the rear cargo area would just about balance the yak, I'll report back on this.
The rudder is quite good (at least for turning). After setting the right tension both sides, any forward motion and full rudder deflection results in the rear swinging around to point you in the direction commanded. Holding a set amount of trim rudder may be more difficult if only because of the spring return (which may well be removed).
The split pin holding the rudder assembly is minuscule and there is no washer involved. I can see myself drilling a beefier hole through the rudder shaft below the existing one and using a washer and better split pin. (Any reason not to do this?). Also, the rudder lines are cheap looking cord. I have some SS wire that I will look at installing.
With the noticeable front heavy nature with no gear in the back, the rudder was not fully immersed.
Back to stability, I was able to clamber forward to get to the front hatch (really front heavy then!). I found it pretty easy to exit and enter the yak onto the platforms about 30-40cm high near the launch area at Lilydale lake.
I didn't do any re-entries as the lake isn't that deep, pretty murky and I had a mates PFD on (mine should arrive today). It is not a high yak off the water so not anticipating any difficulties there but it's the first thing I'll do when I get to a bay beach.
These ducks didn't seem very friendly:
For some reason My Tracks stopped recording after a while (likely operator error). Here's the first track Google Maps link:
and the second after I started a new track Google Maps link:
More to follow as I take it on other testing and fishier missions.
Edit: forgot to mention that I can just fit my two piece 10' surf rod in through the font hatch.
It's going to be a wet ride in any sort of chop. Drysuit during winter I think.
but its not in his yak 