Looking For My First Kayak.

[kawiguy08]

Ok my wife said she wants to get me a kayak for fathers day. I want to go the used route as i think i can probably get more for the money. My budget is 300 to 500 dollars. I was wondering what kayaks i should look into and what ones i should stay away from if any. Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you. If more info is needed i will be glad to give it.

[Jim Mac]

Being used, there are too many possibilities to list.

What is your height and weight?

Do you want a sit-in or sit-on-top?

[200racing]

i would use searchtempest.com. enter a max of $600(you can talk them down into your budget) and search.see what available in your area and go from there.

[BrianSnat]

Assuming you're taking about for fishing, first off look for a kayak designed for fishing. They will be a bit more stable and will have built in features such as rod holders, live wells, etc. 

 

You also need to decide between sit on top (SOT) or sit inside (SINK). It seems that many fishermen prefer the stability of a SOT, but they tend to be slower than SINKs and a wetter ride if there is chop.

[GADawgs]

I would either buy used or save for a new fishing kayak.  IMO, its better to beat the banks this year and get a great price at the end of the year sales for the kayak you really want and will keep for a few years then to buy a cheaper one that you settled for.  I saved for a while to get the kayak that I really liked after testing a few.  I have ridden in budget kayaks and personally I would have wanted to upgrade shortly after the purchase.  I would test every possible kayak you can to figure out what you like and what works for you. 

[kawiguy08]

I am 5'9 and 195 and losing weight. I guess i am looking for recommendations on model to look out for as i am looking. And also what you recommend for the sit in or sit on top. I am new to this and would love options from the folks in the know.

[kawiguy08]

Thank you very much for the info. I was thinking the sit on top models as it would be mainly for fishing. I am looking to go used so that i can more kayak for the money.

[GADawgs]

I prefer sit on top. There are lots of great options out there. If you tell us where you mainly fish and what type of water that will help narrow down the choices some.

[kawiguy08]

Just ponds for now and soon small lakes. Would this be an ok kayak. Sundolphin JOURNEY 12 SS

[Mr. BattleArmor]

Never fished out of a sit in, but I imagine I'd still prefer the stability of sit on top, which is what I would recommend. 

[kawiguy08]

Thank you

[dayid]

Just to get into the mix: Consider a canoe.

 

12-14' canoes can be had for the same price (or less) that kayaks of similar quality. Many can more easily take a trolling motor - just  case you ever don't want to paddle. They're of similar balance to a kayak (I find most canoes easier to stand in than a SOT, but I've never used a SINK). Weights are similar. You can potentially bring someone else with you if you ever want to. Also, gear management  (to me) is easier because more stuff can be "in" with you. With a SOT you have to last it all down on top, with a SINK it's "under" the hull.

 

...and heck, you can even paddle with a double-plade until you learn a good J-stroke

 

Kayaks are definitely more "in" right now, and as such great deals on used canoes (or new) are findable.

[RatCog]

Perception pescador ($550 MSRP) or native watercraft redfish ($500 MSRP). The pescador actually uses a hull design that one of the older wilderness systems kayaks used to use, so you get a lot for what you pay with the pescador. The redfish is about 15 lbs lighter if you are concerned about being able to carry it yourself, although there are kayak carts you can use to roll the kayak to the car or onto the roof

[Chobee143]

Bump and following because I'm in the same boat too (no pun intended). Looking to buy a similar kayak as the OP.