Need A Light Kayak :-)

[CountBassula]

Hi Guys!

So I think it's that time when I want to get more serious and be on the water. Given budget and other constrains, I'm thinking about getting a kayak, but have some questions about which one to get. Here are my requirements, please tell me what I should get:

 

1) Has to be LIGHT! I want to be able to pick it up from my garage and walk half a mile with it to a nearby canal where I can safely drop it in the water.

2) I need stabilizers for it, something that will stick out on each side and will make it much harder for it to tip over (what are those things called???).

3) Preferably on the cheaper side, could I keep it all under $500? (Kayak, stabilizer, paddle, life vest).

 

I think this will be a way to go for me. I have a ton of canals around my house where I can walk to and drop it in the water. Would also save me the trouble of sneaking behind people's backyards :-)

 

Please advise!!!

 

Thanks!

Martin

[Darren.]

Light is relative

 

What you may want instead, is a good kayak and build a simple trolley to haul it.

 

Simple set of parts from Home Depot, and wheels from Norther Tool.

 

Like this:

 

[Darren.]

Stabilizers are also relatively easy to build.

 

Parts:

 

Scotty rod holders (2)

Lobster pot buoys (4)

PVC pipe - that fits in the buoys.

Dowels to snugly fit inside the PVC

 

I'll post pix of what I used to use when I can find them. I don't need stabilizers anymore with my Native Ultimate, so I cannibalized the parts for other stuff.

[J Francho]

Your budget is unreasonable, outside of the used market.  Start off with a boat that requires no stabilizers, and get a set of C-tug kayak wheels.  Ride 115/135, OK Prowler Big Game, Malibu Stealth, Native Ultimate, Jackson Coosa, are a few notable boats that even a big dude can stand in.

[Darren.]

Happened to find one of the stabilizers while cleaning up the shed today:

 

[flyfisher]

Yeah those requirements, especially with the $500 budget i am not sure if they can be met.  The main part is the carrying a half mile, which is a long way and i would say get a cart or make one as there are plenty of DIY ones out there that seem to do the job.  Or if you are like me and it isn't pavement jsut drag the sucker..  There are plenty of stable boats out there that would not need any outriggers to maintain stability.  Pretty much all boats out there are plenty stable enough to fish from but not all provide the ability to stand while fishing.  One great example in your range is the heritage redfish.

 

I would keep your eyes peeled on Craigslist and look for a used boat for a good price because yo uwill probably end up spending at least 150 -200 on a PFD and a paddle, both of which i would not skimp on to much otherwise you won't wear the PFD and the quality of your paddle plays a big part in your enjoyment of kayaking and the amount of distance you can travel.

 

There are quite a few kayak anglers on here so i am sure you will get a few more opinions/suggestions.

[J Francho]

A carbon fiber pack canoe would work as well, but they start at over three times the budget.  Swift makes on that is 19 lbs. overall.

 

http://swiftcanoe.com/packcanoes/pack12.html

[flyfisher]

Is stability a concern for tipping or for standing?  Two different things in my mind.

[CountBassula]

Is stability a concern for tipping or for standing?  Two different things in my mind.

 

for tipping. i don't want to land in a gator invested water :-) standing would be nice too though

[CountBassula]

OK, assume price is of no concern (I can sell few guns to sponsor this :-) ), and I want a kayak that I can propel with my feet and can stabilize, what are my options?

[J Francho]

Hobie Pro Angler, Native Ultimate Propel are the only two pedal driven models I'm aware of.  The Hobie is a far superior ride, ask Hanover_Yakker, he has one, but it doesn't come cheap.

[CountBassula]

Hobie Pro Angler, Native Ultimate Propel are the only two pedal driven models I'm aware of.  The Hobie is a far superior ride, ask Hanover_Yakker, he has one, but it doesn't come cheap.

 

that's pricey at $3000 :-) i could get a nice boat for that LOL

 

how about Hobie Mirage Revolution 13? it's half the weight...

[Hanover_Yakker]

Thanks J - yeah the Hobie PA 12 or 14 and the Native Mariner are viable options at that juncture.  If you are looking for motorized, then the Ocean Kayak Torque, Native Propel, bassyaks conversion kits, Torqueedo motors, etc are also points of consideration.  I prefer the manual option, because it serves a few purposes.  First, it is stealthier than a motorized kayak when adjusted and used correctly.  Two, it is relatively lighter and easier to transport compared to a fixed mount motor.  Three, most states require some form or registration for any vessel under power as well as other navigational lighting requirements.

 

An added benefit is you get some exercise at the same time.  As far as choosing one manual power option over the other - that is personal preference.  I've already written up my thoughts on which is better, but only you can make that decision based upon your physical capabilities/limitations and your preferred pedaling style.  They both have their merits and limitations - which ones you can accept and manage while on the water given your particular fishing styles/styles should help guide you in the right direction.

[J Francho]

that's pricey at $3000 :-) i could get a nice boat for that LOL

 

how about Hobie Mirage Revolution 13? it's half the weight...

 

 

LOL, well you keep piling on requirements that only high end craft posess.

 

Chuck, did you have a Revolution before your PA?

[Hanover_Yakker]

that's pricey at $3000 :-) i could get a nice boat for that LOL

 

how about Hobie Mirage Revolution 13? it's half the weight...

 

I had a Revolution 13 and feel it is probably the most versatile Hobie in their lineup.  I used it everywhere here in VA waters.  Here's a list of where I used it to give you an idea.....

 

Freshwater Lakes/Reservoirs:

 

Sandy River

Bear Creek Lake

Briery Creek

Lake Anna

Smith Mountain Lake

Waller Mill

Daiscund Creek Reservoir

Lake Frederick

Lone Star Lakes

 

Freshwater rivers:

 

James River

Shenandoah River

Chickahominy River

Daiscund Creek

 

Freshwater ponds as well.

 

Saltwater:

 

Lynnhaven Inlet

Rudee Inlet

Elizabeth River

Back River

Poqouson River

Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (both the VA and MD ones)

 

It is very versatile!!!  If I hadn't stepped up to the PA14, I would still have it.  It is very fast, pretty stable and forces you to simplify what you carry on the water.