The Zambezi 10' Kayak - Review by Dan Carns
One of the latest kayaks from Vanhunks is the 10’ Zambezi. While this kayak can be used by the recreational kayaker it’s by far a superior fishing craft. I’ve recently returned from an off-the-chart kayak fishing trip on Cape Cod and the Zambezi out-performed all my expectations. The 10’ length and the 33’w width makes for steady tracking, super stability, and is very fast. Most of the weekend featured 15-20 MPH winds and the V-shaped bow cut nicely through the waves while the tri-hull below kept the rocking down to a minimum. The V-shaped bow also helps to reduce wave hull slap for those quiet approaches.
At first glance, the entire hull is built with storage in mind. There is covered storage well in the bow with additional hatch bungees. I was able to store my batteries out of the elements in here which is located directly over the access hole for the molded/protected transponder well under the hull. The bungee-covered hatch also serves as a tie-down for extra gear. I’m a bit of a gear hound so the four flush mounted accessory tracks, two along the sides up front and two along the rear storage wells allows me the flexibility to add camera booms, a flag and light pole as well as additional rod holders. As this is a fishing craft, Vanhunks included two rear flush mounted rod holders for those who wish to troll/trawl and two flush mounted rod holders up front for exceptional flexibility while fishing. As a competition angler, it’s imperative that I carry all the necessary gear to compete so my seven-rod holder/basket which serves as a bait well fits nicely in the compartment directly behind the seat for easy access. You’ll find just enough room behind this area to store a dry bag with the included bungee straps.
The true advantage of all the Vanhunks peddle/prop drive kayaks is the ability to fish while moving. The Fin Drive system with its 7 position options and the elevated, adjustable nylon mesh seat allows for any size angler to spend a day on the water with less fatigue and in comfort. This kayak of course comes with a paddle, has a foot-operated steering system, and can be used by the casual paddler but as a kayak angler, I found the deployable rudder combined with the foot-powered drive system exceptional at targeting moving fish without putting my rod down to move. The left-hand operated rudder extends deeply in the water and regardless of the wind or current, I was able to maintain optimal positioning. There is a prop drive available for all of the foot-powered kayaks from Vanhunks that offers superior speed and the ability to reverse simply by reversing the direction of the peddles.
Extra features of the Zambezi include tackle box storage on the sides by the seat with bungee attachments, a cup holder for your favorite beverage and the elevated seat allowing for additional tackle storage or in my case enough room to keep a 34” fish for dinner!
All in all, this addition to the Vanhunks family of kayaks while keeping the recreational kayaker to the serious angler in mind is sure to meet and exceed your kayak needs.
By Pro Staff member Dan Carns