Kayak Sizing Question

[b3rgy7]

Hey guys, first post here and I'll start by saying extensive lurking has me impressed with the information the site has to offer. I've searched/read a lot of kayak post and just want to ask a few questions before making a purchase. 

 

I've pretty much sold myself on a Lure or Ride, but I am a bit unsure of which size I should go with. I have paddled both sizes, but want to know more about storage, hauling, and general pro's and con's when comparing the two sizes. 

 

I'm looking at a 10' or 11.5'. To provide a little background, I'm 5'9 145 lbs, drive a F-150 with a 6.6' bed, and will fish primarily on a small lake mostly around the shore (Not too much open water in my style).

 

Thanks in advance, and feel free to link any threads containing a comparison, I just didn't stumble across one. 

[Darren.]

First, welcome aboard!

 

If I were you, I'd opt for the 11.5' model.

 

In fact, I'm very impressed with the Lure.

Almost more than the Ride. But either one

would make a great yak.

 

I use a Native Ultimate 12 and love it. Went

from a 10' yak to that one. I'd have no problem

going to an 11.5, but would feel too cramped

with a 10' these days.

 

Your truck will be fine. I have a 6' bed and my

12' er sticks out but everything is good.

[b3rgy7]

First, welcome aboard!

 

If I were you, I'd opt for the 11.5' model.

 

In fact, I'm very impressed with the Lure.

Almost more than the Ride. But either one

would make a great yak.

 

I use a Native Ultimate 12 and love it. Went

from a 10' yak to that one. I'd have no problem

going to an 11.5, but would feel too cramped

with a 10' these days.

 

Your truck will be fine. I have a 6' bed and my

12' er sticks out but everything is good.

 

 

 

 

 

////// Thanks for the input Darren. Can I ask what prompted you to upgrade from the 10? (If it was that you found it too small)

 

The Lure really appeals to me for a few reasons... the molded handles, the integrated wheel, the height-adjustable seat, and storage. The Ride is still appealing to me because of the volume of 'Yakers using them and all seem very satisfied with them. 

[Darren.]

 

First, welcome aboard!

 

If I were you, I'd opt for the 11.5' model.

 

In fact, I'm very impressed with the Lure.

Almost more than the Ride. But either one

would make a great yak.

 

I use a Native Ultimate 12 and love it. Went

from a 10' yak to that one. I'd have no problem

going to an 11.5, but would feel too cramped

with a 10' these days.

 

Your truck will be fine. I have a 6' bed and my

12' er sticks out but everything is good.

 

 

 

 

 

////// Thanks for the input Darren. Can I ask what prompted you to upgrade from the 10? 

 

The Lure really appeals to me for a few reasons... the molded handles, the integrated wheel, the height-adjustable seat, and storage. The Ride is still appealing to me because of the volume of 'Yakers using them and all seem very satisfied with them. 

 

 

I was actually leery of jumping from 10 to 12

because I loved the maneuverability of the 10.

 

However! I wanted to stand and fish more! So

I went and tried several kayaks at a local shop

and settled on a hybrid (the Native Ultimate)

which is a cross between a yak and a canoe.

 

Standing is not an issue, and the Ultimate is 

infinitely customizable. I have outfitted my rig

with a trolling motor on the back, using my 

foot pedals as steering mechanisms (like the 

BassYaks kit).

 

Today there are 10' models you can stand in, 

but when your gear grows in size (what you 

take with you), your yak gets awfully cramped.

[Jim Mac]

Having owned a 10' and now a 12', I have to agree with Darren and the 11.5 footer. Like the old saying goes, "It's better to have more than not enough".

[Turtle135]

Your F150 will handle an 11.5' kayak just fine. I put my Ride 115 in the bed of my Chevy S10 pickup, put a flag on the handle, and I'm off on my way.

 

I have two kayaks, a 10' Tarpon 100 and the 11.5' Ride 11.5. I am faster in the Ride than the Tarpon (as a general rule, all other aspects being equal, longer kayaks are faster and track better). Storage is not an issue for me. All my gear is kept in the crate behind me so I carry the same amount of tackle in both kayaks. If I did overnight camping trips the Ride would obviously have more storage.

 

p.s. - this is another aspect to consider, and the decision here is up to each individual, Wilderness Systems kayaks are manufactured in the United States

 

[buzzed bait]

i have a ride 135 and fit that unit in the back of my nissan frontier pickup.  i may get some odd looks sometimes, but it handles it great. 

i went from a 10' to the 13.5 and love the extra space. 

i'm VERY impressed with the lure 11.5's.  i think they have one of the sweetest seats available.  that would be a really tough decision for me between the lure 11.5 and the ride 115.... don't think you'll be let down either way!

[b3rgy7]

Thanks for the input guys.

 

I think I'm sold on the Lure 11.5'. I've been watching a lot of YouTube video's lately and the Lure seems like an awesome rig.

 

I'll probably price watch for a few weeks, the lake is still covered in snow up here so I'll only get more restless looking at the 'Yak out my window.

 

I'm already going crazy rigging up the poles and organizing the tackle when we are probably 3 weeks from fishing season  

 

 

P.S. I've heard really good things about Austin Kayak, the prices seem to be on cue with the market and they offer free residential shipping. The nearest Lure dealer is over 2 hours away, any other websites I should consider ordering a 'Yak from? 

[Darren.]

Thanks for the input guys.

 

I think I'm sold on the Lure 11.5'. I've been watching a lot of YouTube video's lately and the Lure seems like an awesome rig.

 

I'll probably price watch for a few weeks, the lake is still covered in snow up here so I'll only get more restless looking at the 'Yak out my window.

 

I'm already going crazy rigging up the poles and organizing the tackle when we are probably 3 weeks from fishing season

 

 

P.S. I've heard really good things about Austin Kayak, the prices seem to be on cue with the market and they offer free residential shipping. The nearest Lure dealer is over 2 hours away, any other websites I should consider ordering a 'Yak from? 

 

I think you'll love it. I am very impressed with it.

 

Austin Kayak has a fantastic reputation, and I believe

free shipping on most yaks, including the Lure.

 

Other sites would include paddleva.com - Appomattox

River Company which will also ship to you, also a 

stellar reputation, I bought from them locally.

http://kayakfishinggear.comaka Hook1 is also good.

[b3rgy7]

I think you'll love it. I am very impressed with it.

 

Austin Kayak has a fantastic reputation, and I believe

free shipping on most yaks, including the Lure.

 

Other sites would include paddleva.com - Appomattox

River Company which will also ship to you, also a 

stellar reputation, I bought from them locally.

http://kayakfishinggear.comaka Hook1 is also good.

 

Awesome, thanks again Darren!