Where it all started
Kayak fishing can be great fun! If watching a four pound bass eat a creature bait 8 feet from you isn't fun, we don't know what is.
There are also those days where
the struggle is real:
The wind comes up and you spend more time with the paddle in your hand than the fishing pole
You decide that you just can't flip sitting anymore so you try to stand-and now you're wet
You get the bite you've been waiting for all day only to have her pull you into the cover rather than you pull her out
You're uncomfortable after being out for only few hours
You have to go on shore to get your jacket because you can't reach it from your seat
Ideation
What if we designed a watercraft that was ideally suited to support fishing?
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Stability that allows you to stand with confidence
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Comfort that allows you to stay out as long as you want
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Fish effectively in wind and current
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Transport and setup simplified
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Ample storage that accessible while on the water
Prototyping
Designs were created, prototyped, tested and researched with end users, dealers and manufacturers to refine
Prototypes were built by creating a solid model, plotting 1:1's, cutting-out foam sheets, layering the foam and then shaping the foam to the final form.
Prototyping
Process
First
Prototype
First test - how do you test a watercraft during the Midwestern Winter? In a pool of course!
Modified Prototype
& Flat Bottom Hull
Experimenting with changes to the shape of pontoons and modifying balance point to improve stability. Tried a flat bottom hull to understand how much benefit tri-hull was providing: A LOT!
Taking what was learned, a new shape was formed, wrapped with fiberglass and painted to take to various locations for feedback
Second
Prototype
Market Feedback
End Users
Dealers
Manufacturers
At this point, the product name was The Fisherman's Edge. It was entered into a entrepreneurship contest called Entrfest (similar to Shark Tank) and won third place in the state of Iowa!
Third
Prototype
This is the final pre-production prototype. After the unit was finished, functional improvements were proven, but market research made it clear that aesthetic improvements were needed.
Final Design Rendering
Hull Mold under construction
400lb Load Testing of the chair
First time on the water!
Tested with 600lb
Learn more about the features & benefits of The Trident Explorer
Marketing
Through the development process local paddlesport shops have been a source of feedback and support. These are really cool businesses that support our communities in ways that big box retailers do not-we encourage you to support them!
Covid made 2021 a difficult year with supply of existing product lines. This made it difficult for these shops to onboard a new manufacturer, so we shifted our focus in late 2021 to creating awareness through social media and grass roots efforts.
Early in 2022, we will be exhibiting the Trident Explorer at several Midwestern sport shows. We look forward to meeting you!