Looking To Buy A Kayak

[joetomlee]

I'm in the market for a kayak and was hoping to get some advice!!

 

Here's where I'm at:

$600-$900 budget

Leaning towards sit-on-tops

Only needs to fit 1 person

Something stable I can stand from without fear of tipping

comfortable seating

 

I already own a Nitro bass boat and so not looking for anything crazy, but something that will last me a solid few years. Anybody familiar with kayaks enough to be able to suggest something for me to look into? Also, for my needs, is a SOT most appropriate? I've had experience in all types of water vessels so open to other suggestions if they exist.

 

I know there have been a couple other kayak posts similar to this lately but didn't find either of them were quite within my scope (one guy had a 2k budget and the other had different needs/wants).

 

Really appreciate any input, thanks in advance!!

[flyfisher]

Type of water is key to determining what would work best.

My flatwater kayak is a hybrid commander 120. Super stable and tons of room but no scuppers for self draining. Other good stand ready options are the native ultimate, wildly ride series and some of the Jackson boats. There are also a lot of people jumping on the paddle board bandwagon with lots of success.

Honestly there are a ton of good boats out there and given your price range you probably have about $600 to spend on a boat and 100-200 to spend on a PFD and paddle, both required gear.

Try and find a local shop that is having a demo days and get out there and paddle them and usually there are sweet deals to be had.

[joetomlee]

Thanks for the advice, I will check into some of those suggestions. I fish freshwater lakes (flat waters) although one in particular is very large and known to get choppy on occasion with a moments notice and so I'd like to have the ability to withstand that on the rare chance I get caught up in it.

[Darren.]

Thanks for the advice, I will check into some of those suggestions. I fish freshwater lakes (flat waters) although one in particular is very large and known to get choppy on occasion with a moments notice and so I'd like to have the ability to withstand that on the rare chance I get caught up in it.

I agree with flyfisher. I own the Native Ultimate and love the stability, storage, etc. A hybrid, too, without scuppers. Not an issue to me, and I've fished some choppy waters.

If it matters to have scuppers, then by all means go for it. Another yak to consider is the Moken Angler. A number of reviews on the web. It can be stood in to fish, has a built in wheel for portage. I looked at one before I went with my Ultimate 12.

[flyfisher]

Hybrids can be a little more "sea worthy" with the addition of a bow cover too

[moguy1973]

It's going to be tough finding a new kayak for that price that has enough stability that you can stand and fish in unfortunately...

[Darren.]

It's going to be tough finding a new kayak for that price that has enough stability that you can stand and fish in unfortunately...

 

I got my Ultimate 12, end of year sale, for $849, not including PFD (already had), or paddle (didn't need, but bought new one)....

[moguy1973]

I got my Ultimate 12, end of year sale, for $849, not including PFD (already had), or paddle (didn't need, but bought new one)....

A decent paddle and PDF is $100+ though...

 

Can always get a cheaper kayak, rig it like you want with fishing accessories and put some removable outriggers on it if you want to stand...

[Darren.]

A decent paddle and PDF is $100+ though...

 

Correct. I was merely saying there are stable kayaks in his price range.

[Glenn]

Just curious...what about the Hobie Pro 14?  Why hasn't that been mentioned?  Is that out of the price range, or is it something else?

[Darren.]

Just curious...what about the Hobie Pro 14?  Why hasn't that been mentioned?  Is that out of the price range, or is it something else?

 

Yeah out of range. His budget tops at $900.

[joetomlee]

I was interested in the Moken Angler 13 so I did some checking around and found a kayak store which has a demo marked down by 50%. $1100ish marked down to $550 (it also comes with a rudder). It's pretty far away for me (about 1.5 hrs) and so I was wondering if it would be worth a trip to go out there and check it out? He said it was a 2 year old demo and that fishing kayaks never picked up in the area so he's just trying to get his last 2 out of the store. Do you think a 2 year old demo kayak is worth purchasing? I've asked him for pics and he said he would email me some tomorrow.

[Hanover_Yakker]

A good PFD is $100 by itself and a quality paddle will usually run you at least $125, so realistically the cost for both approachs $250 pretty quickly.  There are decent PFDs around the $75 price point but the point is don't skimp on safety or your paddle.  A heavy aluminum paddle may seem light at first, but after 2-3 hours of paddling against the wind or in heavy current and your thoughts will quickly change.

 

Other costs that are commonly overlooked.....

 

Straps - have to be able to secure the kayak to your vehicle.

Racks - some people do not have a truck or a factory roof rack.

Bed extenders - for truck ownerss, while you can transport your kayak without one, it is not recommended as the bed and tailgate can crease your hull.

Storage space - how are you going to store it?  You may need additional itmes to build a rack or storage option

Accessories - common ones include: safety flag, rod holders, paddle leashes, rod leashes, fish grips or bocas, tackle management solution, etc.

 

A budget of $900 is doable but that is stretching it.  I spent $1200 on my first setup that included:

 

Wilderness Systems Ride 135

Stohlquist Fisherman PFD

Aqua Bound Manta Ray 230cm paddle

Paddle Leash

2 Flush Mount Scotty rod holders

Anchor trolley

Tie down straps

 

Total cost out the door - a shade under $1200.

 

None of these items were high end by any means but you can see how quickly they add up just to be able to get on the water safely.

[Hanover_Yakker]

I was interested in the Moken Angler 13 so I did some checking around and found a kayak store which has a demo marked down by 50%. $1100ish marked down to $550 (it also comes with a rudder). It's pretty far away for me (about 1.5 hrs) and so I was wondering if it would be worth a trip to go out there and check it out? He said it was a 2 year old demo and that fishing kayaks never picked up in the area so he's just trying to get his last 2 out of the store. Do you think a 2 year old demo kayak is worth purchasing? I've asked him for pics and he said he would email me some tomorrow.

 

Regarding the Moken Angler series, I would recommend waiting.  Feel Free just redesigned their hulls and released the new ones within the last 3 months.  The newer ones have a very comfortable seat, better ergonomics and better handling characteristics compared to the older models.  if you want to talk about the differences, PM me and I will put you in touch with the right person to talk to that tell you more about them.

[Hanover_Yakker]

I'm in the market for a kayak and was hoping to get some advice!!

 

Here's where I'm at:

$600-$900 budget

Leaning towards sit-on-tops

Only needs to fit 1 person

Something stable I can stand from without fear of tipping

comfortable seating

 

I already own a Nitro bass boat and so not looking for anything crazy, but something that will last me a solid few years. Anybody familiar with kayaks enough to be able to suggest something for me to look into? Also, for my needs, is a SOT most appropriate? I've had experience in all types of water vessels so open to other suggestions if they exist.

 

I know there have been a couple other kayak posts similar to this lately but didn't find either of them were quite within my scope (one guy had a 2k budget and the other had different needs/wants).

 

Really appreciate any input, thanks in advance!!

 

Based on your price range alone, you have somewhat limited yourself on your total cost outlay.

 

If possible, try and get a 2012 demo of something like a Ride 115, Commander 120, Ocean Kayak Tetra 12, Jackson Cuda 12, etc.  You should be able to find something in the $550-650 price range if you are patient.  Then you could add a Stohlquist Fisherman PFD for around $80-100 and a carbon shaft Aqua Bound for around $130.  If you want to save some money, you could opt for the West Marine Pompano 120 (pre-2008 WIlderness Tapron 120 mold).  They retail for around $450 new (frequently goes on sale for $379-399), and you can ship it to the store at no cost.  Then you could upgrade the seat for around $75-100.

 

Lots of choices, but you need seat time and patience before rushing into a decision.

[Jig Meister]

It's going to be tough finding a new kayak for that price that has enough stability that you can stand and fish in unfortunately...

 

Look at the Emotion brand. They are stable, and cheaper. Newer company. I own a Mojo Angler, got it brand new on sale for around 650 shipped. Normally I think the retail is around 800.

 

Perfect kayak for a first kayak, can be outfitted very east for anything you want. Plenty of storage space, has a removable center console w/ scotty rod mount. Front hatch, carrying capacity well over 400 lbs, stable as hell, you can stand in it, however standing in a kayak is a matter of practice, so any of them will feel unstable, and when the water is choppy standing isnt going to be a good idea anyway.

 

I would consider these seriously, all you hear about is the normal Jackson, Hobie, Native etc, and for good reasons, however this company is good, and the kayak is awesome and somewhat off the radar.

 

Oh yeah, speed and turning is good, and tracks very well for the size. 13' long, around 70 lbs empty. 

 

If you look at my profile there are pictures of my Mojo on there, it is more rigged up right now then in that picture, but it is awesome, I love it.

 

If money was not an issue I would own a Jackson Coosa, but I am poor right now!

[Josh Sifuentes]

I have an emotion spitfire that I've rigged for fishing. I put a couple scotty mounts on it for cameras and rod holders, an anchor trolley, a fish finder, paddle clip, and built a fishing crate. This is going to be a good season. However, I wouldn't stand in it. I was considering making some pontoon stabilizers but maybe next year.

[Jig Meister]

I have an emotion spitfire that I've rigged for fishing. I put a couple scotty mounts on it for cameras and rod holders, an anchor trolley, a fish finder, paddle clip, and built a fishing crate. This is going to be a good season. However, I wouldn't stand in it. I was considering making some pontoon stabilizers but maybe next year.

Yeah those spitfire a pretty small overall for a standing platform if you do not have super awesome balance.

 

I am all in on Emotion kayaks for the budget conscious fisherman looking to get into kayak fishing, I have had many comments on mine, even from those with much nice/spendy rigs, they are surprised what was offered for the price I paid.

[Packard]

Perception Sport Pescador-$500

Good PFD-$100

Good Paddle-$100

=$700

 

Leaves you some money for rigging. I would also look used to save money. I got my 25 oz. Carbon Fiber paddle for $40.... a steal.