Looking To Buy My First Kayak

[kLuo]

Hey guys,

 

I am looking to buy a kayak to use primarily in small lakes. I have read a lot of previous posts about what everyone's favorite kayak for fishing is, but I was wondering if you guys could help recommend the best option for my situation. Here is what I am looking for:

 

• Priced less than $1300.
• Must be stable enough for me to fish while standing up.
• Must be light enough for me to put it on top of my car, which has a Thule rod rack. My car is a Honda CR-V and I am a 5'11" man who lifts weight regularly.
• Strongly prefer a kayak that has some kind of built in feature that will make it easy to install a transducer.

 

Based on my research, here are three kayaks I found that fit what I am looking for at least somewhat:

 

1. Old Town Predator 13
2. Wilderness Systems Ride 115X
3. Native Ultimate 12

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[flipin4bass]

If I had a budget of $1300 I'd go with the Ride 135. I think it still meets your criteria and has a higher weight capacity.

[hookedahawg]

I dont think you would be disappointed with the 115X, although some people swear by the predator 13. Before you buy you should definitely try to get a demo in. If you have facebook maybe you could search for a local kayak fishing club as im sure they wouldn't mind to let you paddle an assortment of boats. Best of luck!

[tnbassfisher]

I would also go with the Ride, it seems to have many more options when it comes to rigging.

[flyfisher]

If you are looking for lakes then i would go hybrid.  Wildy commander or native ultimate are both good open cockpit designs and are easier to stand in than any of the other boats you mentioned.  Yes they are not self bailing but in smaller lakes that is not as big a concern.   Both boats also have track systems built in that make rigging very easy for rod holders, fish finders etc...

 

Also for a 1300 budget that will leave you plenty for the boat, paddle and PFD and any other rigging that is needed.

[kLuo]

Thanks for the responses so far. What do you think is the maximum weight I should be looking for if I want to be able to carry the kayak myself and load it on top of my car myself?

[flyfisher]

Thanks for the responses so far. What do you think is the maximum weight I should be looking for if I want to be able to carry the kayak myself and load it on top of my car myself?

Best advice there is to try it yourself.  Loading a boat is more about balance and technique than weight.  CRVs aren't that tall, even with a rack so you should have no issues.  I have a commander 120 and can load it on top of my 4 door wrangler without any issues and i am 5'11". 

[Tugmaster]

Try to demo as many boats as you can before you lay down the cash. I had a pretty good idea in my head on the boat I wanted and after testing a bunch I ended up getting something different.

Remember with your budget that a good paddle will set you back around $200 and a phishing PFD is around $100.

Todd

[Darren.]

Thanks for the responses so far. What do you think is the maximum weight I should be looking for if I want to be able to carry the kayak myself and load it on top of my car myself?

 

Max weight of the yak is up to your lifting capability, and since you lift, you should be able to handle a heavier yak

 

But as others have said, if you can try out the yaks you listed, that's your best route. Even if you can't test them in water, see if a store will let you sit in them. I sat in several, including Commanders, and liked the convex pontoons of the Native Ultimate better. But that's me. You may like the concave (coming into the boat rather than down and into the water) pontoons on the Commander.

 

The Ride is a fine yak, as are a number of yaks on the market today, including the Native Slayer, which is an Ultimate but with scupper holes...

 

Very personal decision a yak. Only you are the best decider of what will work for you.

[kLuo]

Max weight of the yak is up to your lifting capability, and since you lift, you should be able to handle a heavier yak

 

But as others have said, if you can try out the yaks you listed, that's your best route. Even if you can't test them in water, see if a store will let you sit in them. I sat in several, including Commanders, and liked the convex pontoons of the Native Ultimate better. But that's me. You may like the concave (coming into the boat rather than down and into the water) pontoons on the Commander.

 

The Ride is a fine yak, as are a number of yaks on the market today, including the Native Slayer, which is an Ultimate but with scupper holes...

 

Very personal decision a yak. Only you are the best decider of what will work for you.

 

Yeah, I think I will have to go try some out myself. It is kind of difficult right now because I live in a city and don't have a car. Unfortunately, there are no places around me that have the kayaks that I want to test out.

 

Darren, would you mind sending me those pictures of your modded Native when you get the chance? Thanks!

[Darren.]

Yeah, I think I will have to go try some out myself. It is kind of difficult right now because I live in a city and don't have a car. Unfortunately, there are no places around me that have the kayaks that I want to test out.

 

Darren, would you mind sending me those pictures of your modded Native when you get the chance? Thanks!

 

I will!!

[basshead1]

My next yak is either going to be a Native Slayer or a Jackson Cuda. Both are right around $1300.

[B@ssCrzy]

My next yak is either going to be a Native Slayer or a Jackson Cuda. Both are right around $1300.

 

x2 on the Jackson Cuda.  It has to be in the discussion as far as fishing boats go.  If you are worried about weight the Cuda 12 is lighter than the Ride 115.  I don't think you can go wrong on any of these higher end kayaks so a lot is going to be preference as previously stated.  I just recently bought a Cuda 12 and think it is a great boat.  It was the only one in my area I was able to sit in before purchasing and felt comfortable with it, plus found a demo model for $800.  The high/low seat is great on the Cuda, and for me the stability is great as well.  I was standing and fishing my first trip out.  In the price range you are looking at no matter what you choose will be a good boat so enjoy.  Happy hunting....hope you find the best one for you.

[inrll]

I think this article is well written and will help you out a lot. Just remember to be honest with yourself about how YOU will be using your kayak and try your hardest to demo before you buy.

http://www.paynespaddlefish.com/2013/12/peer-pressure-kayak-purchases.html

[Felix77]

I think this article is well written and will help you out a lot. Just remember to be honest with yourself about how YOU will be using your kayak and try your hardest to demo before you buy.

http://www.paynespaddlefish.com/2013/12/peer-pressure-kayak-purchases.html

Great article ... I am in the process of looking for a new Yak for myself too and this rings so loudly.  Thanks for sharing.

[awefvawervwae]

I have the WS Ride 115. I love it for the most part. The only thing I dont like about it is the weight of it. At 80 pounds for a 11.5' kayak is a lot. I have been eyeing a different kayak that comes in a 13' and 15' with the 13' only weighing 56 pounds. The weight difference might not seem like a big deal but for me I car top mine on a thule rack ontop the cab of a chevy 2500hd 4x4. In order for me to load it I have to get up on a step stool while holding the yak above my head and roll it up onto the cradels. Was a big deal when I first started kayaking. But as I get older my sholder isn't liking it more and more. So one thing to keep in mind is if its a yak you plan on keeping for a long time, yes right now might be fine for you to car top it, but as years go on you might think again about the weight. This also goes for hauling your kayak from car to launch spot. I fish the beach from time to time and have to park about 300 yards from the water line. The weight of the Ride 115 plus my fishing gear was more than what most kayak carts can handle in fact mine failed halfway on the first trip even though it was rated for 140#'s My father in law was running laps around me with his yak which weights considerably less. The ride is a super stable yak though. I've had my Ride 115 a couple miles off shore in some nasty swells and was just fine, did make for a long slow paddle back in though.