Wilderness Guys: Is This A Decent Starter Kayak Deal?

[Choporoz]

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/boa/4819955946.html

 

Been getting serious about getting myself a kayak.  Seen good things about Wilderness Ride yaks, but not too much about this one.  It is bigger than I thought I'd start with, but it seems to me to be a decent deal.

I'd like to hear the opinions of some of you kayak veterans.  Looks to be everything I need to get started....except maybe some electronics.

Thanks!

 

[VolFan]

That's a pretty durn good deal assuming everything's in good shape. Not going to get a lot better for the price. You'll barely notice the extra foot or so, except for her added weight.

[flyfisher]

it's a decent deal but not that spectacular.  To me the only thing that adds value other than the kayak itself is the paddle, all the other stuff is just add ons to me that you may or may not use.  

 

Also keep in mind that you can go to Appomattox right now and get a brand new 2013 ride with a better seat and in either the high or low seating for about $100 more and if you actually go in there you will probably get a new boat for about he same price as this on on CL.

[Darren.]

I've met a few people who own the Ride and 

everyone likes 'em. I don't think you'll go wrong 

with the particular model. 

 

100% agree with fly that you would be well 

served hitting up the great folks at Appomatox

River Company. They have great deals on both

new and used/demo'd yaks.

 

Tons of stuff you can do on-the-cheap after you

get your yak. Making a milk crate carrier is no 

biggie. There are other types of carts (like the one 

I built) that are also great. Yeah it's already done

with this one, but you may get a better deal going

to ARC.

 

Food for thought.

[buzzed bait]

i have a ride 135 and really like it.  couple things to note:

 

specs say like ~80 pounds, but feels like 100 when you're trying to load the thing

that seat is ok, but as already mentioned the actual wilderness high seat is fantastic

you can stand and fish out of this thing with absolutely no problem

i wouldn't get the 135 without the rudder kit, it would be cumbersome to turn without in my opinion

post says $800 OBO, you can always offer lower.

that paddle is pretty good

 

if it were me, i would probably continue to scout some deals.  this time of year is perfect to find a smaller mom and pop type shop and bargain with them.  not a lot of people buying kayaks in january so they will be more willing to haggle with you just to close a sale.

either way, good luck and enjoy whatever you get

[J Francho]

Great boat, fair deal. You're on the right track, but keep looking.

[Choporoz]

Greatly appreciate the assistance, guys.  I went and looked at it this weekend.  Good guy and he'd probably take an OBO at something less than $800.  My real hesitation is the size/weight.  I'm still waiting on my roof rack and kayak saddles, so it was easy to postpone a decision. 

 

I may try to get down to ARC this weekend and see what they've got.  I have had a Perception Pescador 12 in my Amazon cart/wishlist for months....and still may do that.  I'm very intrigued by the Hobie Mirage, but just don't think I'm gonna drop 1.5-2K on a kayak before I even know if I'm going to love fishing from one.  ....still looking

[J Francho]

I gave up on using saddles, more trouble than they were worth. I just put pipe insulation on the cross bars, and strapped the boat in.

[buzzed bait]

Greatly appreciate the assistance, guys.  I went and looked at it this weekend.  Good guy and he'd probably take an OBO at something less than $800.  My real hesitation is the size/weight.  I'm still waiting on my roof rack and kayak saddles, so it was easy to postpone a decision. 

 

I may try to get down to ARC this weekend and see what they've got.  I have had a Perception Pescador 12 in my Amazon cart/wishlist for months....and still may do that.  I'm very intrigued by the Hobie Mirage, but just don't think I'm gonna drop 1.5-2K on a kayak before I even know if I'm going to love fishing from one.  ....still looking

 

i consider myself pretty fit and able and will admit that loading the 135 can be a challenge at times.  if you're concerned about the size and weight, you're probably right.  i load mine in the back of my nissan frontier and have it figured out, but could imagine it being pretty difficult to load up on a roof rack of any kind.  

it's a great kayak, but the weight is the only downfall.  i'd say keep looking and not settle on an inferior kayak as you will regret it down the line.  

[MidTNKayakAngler]

The Ride 135 is a great kayak, I paddle one myself. I also have other kayaks for other applications. But if I'm going on a trip and will be fishing many types of water, or don't know what I'll encounter then I bring the Ride 135, it's like the utility kayak it does everything, but doesn't excel in anything.

 

I find most people selling used kayaks have them over priced, you can usually get about the same deal at a good local dealer and they will sometimes knock 15-20% off all accessories, so if you are getting a paddle, PFD, rod holders, anchor, or stake out pole you can usually do pretty well with the dealers discounts.

 

Just because a manufacturers website, or dealers website says one price doesn't mean you'll be paying that price. I would check out Appomattox, or a local dealer talk to them about what you want your needs and see what they have that will fit you.

[buzzed bait]

The Ride 135 is a great kayak, I paddle one myself. I also have other kayaks for other applications. But if I'm going on a trip and will be fishing many types of water, or don't know what I'll encounter then I bring the Ride 135, it's like the utility kayak it does everything, but doesn't excel in anything.

 

 

that's about right....  all purpose, no specialty.

[Choporoz]

I appreciate the help, guys.   I took the Wilderness plunge yesterday.  Local store (Patomac Paddlesports) had a deal I couldn't pass up.  I got a new Tarpon 100 with paddle, rod holder, tax, etc for under $500.  I know it is smaller than most on here use, but boat weight was a consideration for me.  I think that this will be a great craft to get me started.  I have no doubt I'll be eyeballing bigger, faster, better after my first trip on the water, but for now, I'm pretty stoked.

[odell015]

That's a great deal. You should be excited about that. Its an awesome way to get on the water for cheap. I personally use a 10 foot yak and I love it. I can stand in it and have plenty of room. The important thing is that your on the water...

 

Oh and when you see all those guys with a yak trailer or a 3 man system to get a yak on their roof rack youll be laughing. Gotta love the weight of the 10 footers, they are easy to move around and that makes a big difference. Tight lines.

[EastSiideRyda]

I just bought my 135. If Appomatox would've taken Paypal, I'd have used them. Bought mine from Hook1. $60 shipped right to my door. I have the lower seat only because the midnight blue camo didn't come with the high seat. I'll probably get it later on once I learn how to kayak properly 

[hoosierbass07]

I just bought my 135. If Appomatox would've taken Paypal, I'd have used them. Bought mine from Hook1. $60 shipped right to my door. I have the lower seat only because the midnight blue camo didn't come with the high seat. I'll probably get it later on once I learn how to kayak properly 

 

 What company delivered your kayak and did it arrive it good shape?  Any scratches or anything like that?  

[EastSiideRyda]

RL carriers delivered it all bubble wrapped. the only thing was missing was the rudder that ships separately since carriers tend to throw things around. Hook1 was out of stock at the time of delivery so it came to the house about  4 days later. I didn't notice any scratches or anything. I'm sure when i move into my new house with the garage I'll look more closely.

[flyfisher]

I wouldn't even care about any surface scratches personally.  Unless they are really deep you will probably add more on your first trip out. 

[hoosierbass07]

 $60 shipped to your front door sounds like a good deal.  

[GANGGREEN]

I didn't see this until after you made your purchase but I would have done what you did (though I might have tried to get the Tarpon 120).  I have a Tarpon 100 and like it very much.  It may not track quite as well as many yaks but it's sturdy, stable and very comfortable, plus it's a LOT lighter than the Ride.  If you never intend to carry it very far and if you have options for loading, that won't make a difference but I have no trouble loading the Tarpon quite easily by myself and I'm not a behemoth.

 

 

[kikstand454]

I load my tarpon 140 on top of my Cherokee by myself all the time. And I'm an out of shape fat guy.

The Ride is a beast though!