Looking for kayak recommendation

Ronbo · 03-25-2014, 11:34 AM

Wife and I are looking to get a couple of kayaks. I'm finding that there are many, many, choices out there. It's overwhelming. We've narrowed our search to 10-12 foot, sit on top, non-inflatable, single seat in the $400 or less range. They'll only be for light recreational use paddling around a harbor. Any insight would be much appreciated!

Evans, Marv · 03-25-2014, 11:46 AM

I had a sit on top Frenzy I bought at Costco. I have since sold it because I moved away from the ocean far enough I had to make going a special event taking up a whole day. Mine would fit into the back of my Ford window van or a pick up - much less than 10-12 ft. It was sturdy, versatile, easy to use, and fun. Although paddling around was fun, I quickly learned the real fun was wave surfing on it. When I sold mine on Craigslist, it went with the all the harnesses & paddles and was a good deal for the guy who bought it. If I were looking for sit on top kayaks, I would look for used ones. They are almost indestructible and a few scratches are about the most damage one will suffer. I don't know anything about brands or even if they are popular now, but all the ones I saw were constructed about the same way.

Seahawk · 03-25-2014, 11:49 AM

Ronbo,

I have been kayaking almost 45 years, white water and expedition, sit on tops. I have four kayaks, two white water, two lake/harbor models.

As you know, the good thing is there are literally dozens of manufactures to choose from. That is also the bad news: Almost too much to pick from.

If you have the time, rent various models with different options. For instance, my wife likes foot steering, I don't. I prefer the attachable back rest, she does not. A few days in the saddle is worth a book of advice.

Then buy used, especially the class of boat you are interested in. They are nearly always well cared for and much less.

Great hobby. Best of luck. Hard to go wrong, really.

BTW, spend some time choosing a paddle. Like tires on a sports car, the paddle can made all the difference depending on the type of boat, size and strength of the paddler, etc. Once size does not fit all.

VINMAN · 03-25-2014, 12:06 PM

To echo the guys above, id definately look for used ones.

I have a 12' Cobra Navigator, excellent all-around kayak. I use it on everything from lakes, to off the beach in the ocean.

Ronbo · 03-26-2014, 11:50 AM

Thank you!

Seahawk · 03-26-2014, 12:02 PM

Took this pic this afternoon taking the dogs for a walk. Good boating weather: 35 degrees with 20kt winds

The Blue one is a Paradise; nice, stable boat.

The top one is a Kiwi something, made in NZ...a real screamer but take some skill to paddle well given it's length and narrow design.

The other thing to think about is how much stuff you may want to bring along. Most people under estimate the amount of gear it takes to make a nice day paddle pleasant and to prepare for the inevitable changes in the weather, etc.

If I paddle more than thirty minutes from home base, I take a bunch of stuff with me, just in case. Factor that in to your selection. Make sure you have room in the boat for stuff.

Evans, Marv · 03-26-2014, 12:51 PM

The guy who got mine also got the water proof bag I had to keep anything dry I wanted to take out with me. That is a handy accessory. Like Paul says, any time you go out a decent ways or paddle some distance down the coast away from where you launched, it's a good idea to things you might need. If my wife drove down with me, one thing I always took a small Motorola walky-talky in the water proof bag. They're also handy if you are out with a group.

HHI944 · 03-26-2014, 05:39 PM

Anyone interested in buying a pokeboat vagabond?

Bill Douglas · 03-26-2014, 05:54 PM

As mentioned above, skinny is faster and faster is fun, but they are more tippy. If you just want to get out and just have fun those plastic ones sure are nice. And like already said second hand is good, plus you can sell it for the same money next year if you don't like it.

look 171 · 03-26-2014, 06:25 PM

They've come way down in price. I used to mess with them a bit but that was over 15 years ago. I have a sit on top, with the back rest. The back rest was the " best purchase ever". go our to New Port Beach and rent one and see if you like any of them. The back bay is very nice to paddle around in all day long. We use to get out around 8am and pedal until noon and pull up at some cafe and have lunch. Long Beach has them for rent and Malibu also. For you, go over Kanaan and head south on PCH for 10-15 min., you will see them on the left hand side of the Hwy. I have always been a little afraid to play with it up there in the kelp forest due to sharks. Read the other thread, I forgotten what the title was? Sharks like big seal looking things with feet dangling off the side.

Evans, Marv · 03-26-2014, 08:43 PM

Here is a pic of the same model I had from the internet. I deleted the pictures I took of mine after I sold. In addition to the back rest, I had the side straps I could anchor my knees with. They added a lot of stability. It had a decent keel that prevented drifting to the side and gave good tracking on the waves. I think they are about 8 ft. long.

look 171 · 03-26-2014, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evans, Marv

Here is a pic of the same model I had from the internet. I deleted the pictures I took of mine after I sold. In addition to the back rest, I had the side straps I could anchor my knees with. They added a lot of stability. It had a decent keel that prevented drifting to the side and gave good tracking on the waves. I think they are about 8 ft. long.

That looks like fun in the surf.

look 171 · 03-26-2014, 10:43 PM

Ronbo,

Hey, are doing any of the peddling in the surf? Keep that in consideration because they are two different animals. I like a sit on top touring kayak instead of an all rounder. All rounders are a little slower, and do not track as well, or should I say it takes a little more work. Some sit-on-tops even have a rudder.

Bill Douglas · 03-26-2014, 10:47 PM

Sorry, I can't stop myself. Forget the kayak and get standup paddleboards - much more fun.

cantdrv55 · 03-27-2014, 12:12 AM

I have a 12' with rudder and two 14' without. All are a Tarpon Wilderness kayaks. I purchased them used from a kayak rental place right after the season ended. Only one season's worth of use on them so they were/are still in excellent shape. Love my Tarpons! Super stable and fast.

Tarpon 140 Angler - Wilderness Systems Kayaks