ZAMBEZI 12.6FT FISHING KAYAK

THE PERFECT ALL-ROUNDER. KAYAK

This Kayak is an extremely flexible option in comparison to the others available on the market; not only is it perfect for fishing, but it also has the stability of a traditional solo Kayak and speed with a FinDrive. Furthermore, it can be fitted with a PropDrive for reverse action, or the eBox and electric motor for a leisurely day out on the water.

• Seating: Single
• Style: Sit on Top
• Roto-molded: 5mm Polyethylene Design
• Hardware: Marine Graded stainless steel fittings.
• Inserts: Brass
• Fin Drive Compatible
• Prop Drive Compatible
• Electric Motor Compatible

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

• Rudder system that can be operated either by foot or handle
• Rear tank well with bungee storage and accessory rails
• 4 x Integrated sloping trolling rod holder storage
• 2 x Integrated sloping forward rod holders
• Rectangle lockable storage hatch
• Aluminum mesh seat on sliding rails
• Square hull maintenance hatch under the seating for easy hull access
• Side-mounted steering handle for hand control when Fin or Prop drive installed.
• Accessory rails on the kayak sides.
• Removeable Toolbox storage replaceable by a Fin or Prop drive
• Center console hatch for added storage
• 10 x Scupper plugs for drainage
• 2 x Side carry handles
• Integrated carry handle on the stern (back) and bow (front) for easy carrying.
• Fishfinder scupper port for easy transducer mounting.
• Transducer protection plate on the bottom of the hull

KAYAK SPECIFICATIONS:

• Length: 384 cm / 12.6 ft
• Width: 85 cm / 33 inches
• Height: 30 cm /  11 inches
• Weight w/out drive:  35 kg /  77 lbs
• Weight with drive: 39 kg / 85 lbs
• Maximum Weight Capacity:  200 kg /  440 lbs

Q:

How fast is the Zambezi?

A:

The Zambezi is designed for speed and agility, easily reaching 5.5km/h at an easy paddling rhythm.

Q:

Would I be able to stand and fish on the Zambezi 12’6?

A:

The hull shape and design of the Zambezi allow for incredible balance so yes you can stand and fish. The side keels on either side of the channels allow for balanced stability so your side-to-side sway on the kayak while standing is limited allowing for confident standing action.

Q:

I see there is a Fish finder compartment, how would you install that?

A:

Under the kayak, there is a nylon slated protection plate that can be easily unscrewed. When you lift off the lid you will see four brass inserts, and these are used to mount your transducer to the kayak. Once you have mounted the transducer you can run your cables up through the fish finder scupper port and onto the deck. Close the protection plate as this will ensure the longevity of the transducer beam. There is a hatch right behind the transducer scupper port that is perfect for storing your battery pack. With regards to the mounting position of the LCD monitor a side-mounted position on the accessory rails will be perfect as this will be out of the way should you want to upgrade to one of the Vanhunks Drive systems.

Q:

Can I adjust the seating?

A:

Yes, the seating is adjustable forward and backward by unscrewing the seat slider clips and moving the seat into the required position, and then once at the correct length then simply fasten the seat in place using the seat slider clips that hold the feet of the chair firmly in position.

Q:

Should I want to at some point upgrade my Zambezi what drive options are available?

A:

Our drive box designs on the Fin Drive and the Prop Drive allow for both to fit perfectly into the Zambezi by simply unscrewing the toolbox clips and removing the toolbox. Then insert the drive you want into the space and reconnect the toolbox clips making sure you tighten them correctly and away you pedal. Both Systems work equally well but the prop drive will be best suited in open sea conditions.

Q:

Can I mount a motor on the back of the kayak?

A:

The design of the Zambezi doesn’t allow for a rear-mounted motor but you can use set up a Side motor mount which allows for the motor to be attached behind you using the pre-molded grooves that are positioned behind you in the tank well area or easier still you can remove the toolbox and install an E-box which fits perfectly and this attachment allow for an electric motor to be mounted directly in front of you for easy control. The E-Box application also needs to be secured firmly using the toolbox clips when you install the motor.

Q: 

Am I limited to where I can go on the Zambezi?

A: 

No, not at all, The Zambezi works well in all waterways from Rivers to open oceans. The sleek design and shape of the hulls give the kayak incredible glides which make for an easier paddle action. The Zambezi’s buoyancy also adds to the glide and speed of the kayak so getting to and back from your destination is more comfortable.

Q:

Can I beach launch with the Zambezi?

A: 

That would depend entirely on the water conditions on the day you wanted to launch. If the swell is small and the water condition is calm, then a beach launch is entirely possible but large swell and choppy conditions would greatly affect the Zambezi and make the launch uncomfortable. Keep in mind that the kayak has high walls and waves hitting these high walls would cause the kayak to be pushed backward in the surf. The trick is simply timing, watching the waves for a while and looking for the easiest launching area, and timing your paddle out during breaks in the waves will make that launch a bit easier.

Q:

Should I take out or leave in the Scupper plugs when paddling?

A:

The Zambezi’s design and shape and high position above the water make the scupper plug tubes very long and this will not allow any water return so by taking them out completely you would guarantee quick drainage which would be a lot better than possible water damming. In calmer waters there is no need to remove the plugs.

Q:

Can I easily transport the kayak?

A:

The kayak weighs 36kgs which does not seem like a lot but keep in mind that the length of the kayak will greatly affect that lifting action as the weight will tilt the kayak on the lift for a single person. There are however Dolly’s that can make your loading and offload much simpler. By installing the Kayak Load Roller on your rear window using the suction cups to secure it in place you can easily roll your kayak up onto your roof racks. A side lift onto the racks is also a very viable approach if your load bars are wide as you can rest the kayak on one of the load bars and then lift the kayak up onto the second bar and then push it into place.

Q:

I don’t have solid roof racks, are there other load options?

A: 

The kayak is lightweight in comparison to a lot of other models so you can make use of temporary racks such as Rubber racks. The rubber racks rest across the rooftop and connect with the tie-down strap above the car door. The second strap goes over the kayak and secures the kayak in place. These are a perfect solution but keep in mind that the length and weight of the Zambezi will add resistance to the rubber roof racks so when traveling from and to your paddling spot please remember to not travel faster than 100kms per hour or in high winds as this can affect the temporary rack’s ability, so keep to the speed limit and they will work great.

Q:

I see there is a rudder system, can I connect the pedals and the hand rudder at the same time?

A: 

Unfortunately, not. The hand and foot rudder systems are designed to work individually. The lines if connected simultaneously would count each other’s actions causing tension on the lines and steering arm. If you are using a drive option, such as the prop or fin drive then connect the handle but if you are simply enjoying the paddle then the foot rudder system would be a better option.

• Always store kayak in a shaded area and out of direct sunlight.
• Do not hang your kayak through the handles.
• Store your kayak on the side with the weight evenly displaced.
• Do not tie or try to secure your kayak through the handles.
• To avoid warping, ensure your kayak’s weight displacement is even during storage.
• Do not over tighten your kayak, especially in hot conditions as this can distort your kayak’s shape.

WARRANTY POLICY

Vanhunks Boarding warrants that this product, when purchased from an authorized Vanhunks Boarding dealer by a retail customer, will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for 60-months from the date of purchase by the original retail customer. All hardware, inserts, and components carry a 12-month warranty. This warranty is solely for the benefit of the original retail purchaser and may not be assigned. For retail customer Limited Warranty claims, proof of purchase from an authorized Vanhunks Boarding dealer is required.

The warranty is valid only when the product is registered in the support section of www.vanhunksboarding.com within seven (7) days from the date of purchase.

The warranty is valid only when this product is used for normal recreational activities and does not cover products used in rental or commercial operations. Vanhunks will make the final warranty determination, which may require inspection and photos of the equipment, clearly showing the defect(s). If necessary, this information must be sent to the Vanhunks distributor in your country.

If a product is deemed defective by Vanhunks, the warranty covers the repair or replacement of the faulty product. However, Vanhunks will not be responsible for any costs, losses, or damages incurred due to the failure of this product’s use.

This warranty is void if any unauthorized repair, change, or modification has been made to any part of the equipment.

The warranty for any repaired or replaced equipment is effective from the date of the original purchase only.

The original purchase receipt must accompany all warranty claims. In addition, the name of the retailer and date of purchase must be clear and legible.

There are no warranties that extend beyond the warranty specified herein.

Any repair or replacement of any product under this Limited Warranty is not available for ordinary wear and tear, including scratches or paint chips, or any damage caused by misuse, abuse, unauthorized modification or repairs, accident, heat, excessive exposure to sunlight, excessive exposure to cold, improper handling, storage, maintenance or care; incorrect setup, use in commercial, rental or teaching environments; use in reef waves, shore break or off the water; any blow or impact with a hard object or any other irresponsible use.

THE PRECEDING LIMITED WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, WRITTEN, ORAL, OR IMPLIED, AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL VANHUNKS BOARDING BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, STATUTORY OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE including, without limitation, loss to property other than this product, loss of use of the said product, or other property or other economic losses.

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