bumpaw- The seat in the Ultimate I've seen hi/low, I believe there might be factory risers available, but have also seen DIY mods done. Anything with a hatch basically doesn't work for me, and the ones between the legs I'd almost prefer not to even have since it could interfere with mods. I know tracking is a big requirement for most, but I never venture too far, so it's not at the top of my list, same with speed, I'm never in a hurry to get anywhere.
Standing in a Kayak just isn't in the picture for me, lol I do good to stand in a boat. Rod storage (while paddling) isn't a big issue since I really don't go into spots where overhanging trees are a problem. A couple times launching at Reelfoot I just had to leave my 10 and 12' rods broke-down because of lower limbs on the shoreline, but I either just paddled-out and assembled them, or launched from a bit further down the shore where it wasn't an issue. Just using Sardis as an example, and having ordered 3-12' PST rods, it would be easy to lay them inside the Kayak, or use the adjustable rod holders to point the rods vertical while paddling (which is pretty much their position while spider rigging anyway).
I just use my trolley for my stake-out pole, since it allows me to adjust it to allow for the wind, so the scupper size wouldn't be an issue either. I currently have my HB Piranha transduser shooting through the hull and works great. In the back of my mind I'm also considering an upgrade on the FF as well (maybe 587ci HD DI), but that's in the future.
It's not my intention to shoot down any suggestion someone has, getting them was the whole purpose for the post, but the more it progresses, the more I'm intent on an upgrade. It didn't really start-out that way, was just more from boredom. Just want anyone who posts to know I always appreciate their input, plus someone else may benefit from it.
There are spray skirts available, which would be nice at times (especially the front, pic from Rigged Ult12)
And here's an extremely nice rigged Ultimate (pic from Kayak Fishing Forum :: Topic: Dash and center console for Native Ultimate (1/1)) with a custom built dash
I think the design of the Kayak lends itself to being easily modified to fit very specific needs.
NY- We suffer from some of the same problems. If you like the openness of the Ultimate, check-out Nu-Canoe, they have a 10' (59lbs, close to my 12' FB) but they're wide at 42". I've looked at them but not really close (but probably over the winter, since there's lots of time), I'd have to re-make the storage box on my trailer for it to fit in, which isn't a huge deal, but the Ultimate has the same length/width as my FB, but can't recall the height as I type.
NuCanoe - The Ideal Watercraft for Fishing, Hunting, Paddling, Rowing, & More
Bare bones look to be around $800
10ft NuCanoe Model*::*NuCanoe Fishing Packages/Base Models*::*Fishing Kayaks*::*Wildcat Creek Outfitters
Look at it this way, we've got all winter to decide and feed the piggy bank