How much for a basic kayak??

[JWall14]

I am wondering if I should save up my money and buy one next year. I don’t need any electronics or fancy stuff- just rod holders and space for tackle boxes. I would like a sit on top one with rails for accessories that can be added on later. I believe that if it is sit on top then I could stand too which I would really like. 

 

One problem that I have found is that I don’t have racks (or trailer hitch) on either of my parents cars (I’m in high school with my license) so how could I transport it? Could it fit in a Honda minivan with the seats taken out?

 

Thanks guys!

[redmexican5081]

Used kayaks from craigslist etc are going to be the easiest to afford.  Sit on top does not always mean that you will be able to stand.  The length and width will have more to due with stability than sit on top or sit in.

The cheapest (purchase) way to car top a kayak would be something like this

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Propel-Paddle-Gear-Universal-Kayak-Car-Top-Carrier-Kit/49398708?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227038615324&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=80435129329&wl4=pla-177679093489&wl5=9002285&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=49398708&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAiAqt7jBRAcEiwAof2uK_SRWk9pWubc6HrbRetDigAjRNhgf7-NZKGXAGBF_0BJnGuDF9w1RRoC9yYQAvD_BwE

[Avalonjohn44]

Local Facebook yardsale sites are littered with barely used kayaks in my area.  I find the FB format and ease of contact less frustrating than Craigslist.  A little patience should turn up a gem for a fraction of the price of a new kayak. As for transporting it, if your minivan has a roof rack, that's all you need.

[Allen Der]

Look for used kayaks and get a decent paddle. Malone handi rack works well to car top.  

[Dens228]

I'd save up for one you will be comfortable in and enjoy.  I bought my first one on Craigslist and my current one on Facebook Marketplace.  One year old and about half the price of new.  

My second year in a kayak a friend of mine became interested.  He ended up buying a kayak and meeting me at one of my spots.  When I saw his little 9 foot kayak  with a molded in plastic seat I shook my head.  He said he wanted to see if he liked it first.........I told him that there was no way he was going to like sitting in that thing. 

 

He just bought a more expensive Vibe.

[Darren.]

Whatever you find, be wise and ALWAYS wear a quality PFD.

 

You can top it with stuff like these:

[Hawkeye21]

Does the minivan have a roof rack?  If so you can haul it on there.  I've done that with our minivan plenty of times.

 

My recommendation is pretty much the same as everyone else's, find something used.  Don't forget to look for any area kayak dealers because they might have some used or old stock for good prices.  

[JWall14]

There are no roof racks on either car but I’ll make do. Thanks guys!

[haggard]

Sit on top doesn't necessarily mean you can stand in it - in fact I'd guess most SOT yaks are not stable enough for standing. If you rely heavily on sight fishing, or techniques like pitching and flipping, then a stable stand-up-able yak makes sense - but otherwise, you can really do a lot of fishing just fine from the seated position.

 

[DogBone_384]

31 minutes ago, haggard said:

I'd guess most SOT yaks are not stable enough for standing

I had an Ascend 128T and now have two FeelFree Lure 11.5s.  All three are more than stable enough to fish standing up.  

 

I'm sure the membership will also chime in with other makes/models that are stand up stable.

 

If you're driving a Honda Minivan, a light, 10' SOT can be secured to the roof with the above mentioned foam blocks and tie downs.

 

Keep your eye on CL and best of luck finding a kayak!

[Choporoz]

Craigslist,  certainly.   Another place that I see used fishing kayaks for sale often is in Facebook kayak fishing groups.  Not sure where you are located,  but I'd bet there's a local or regional FB group of fishermen near you.  You'll not only get info on used gear, but learn about local places you can launch, ask questions about conditions, find others to meet up with, etc.  I'm no fan of FB, but for fishing communities it can be a decent resource.  

Just realized that none of us answered your question.   I think, that even used...you could spend more than you probably realize.  I think that $1000 would be a good target...used kayak, paddle, pfd,  roof rack, straps, crate, rod holder(s), etc.  Then start saving another grand for the electronics you say don't want right now, anchor trolley, cart, flag, light, stakeout pole, dry bag, phone bag, rod floats, cooler, hand paddle, upgraded seat......there is no end

[JWall14]

Alright thanks guys!!

[kenmitch]

These guys have some on clearance and some used available.

 

https://www.austinkayak.com/outlet-sit-on-top-sit-inside-kayaks

 

Look under the outlet tab.

[IgotWood]

You’d be surprised how easily you can stand up on nearly all SOT kayaks, even cheap ones. Most SOT are designed with a wider beam to handle the elevated weight of the user. Of coarse, some boats are better than others in terms of standing. 

 

Additionally, the foam blocks that Darren posted are simple, and they work. For several years I cartopped a 14’ OK Trident, and even a 12’ Hobie Outback. I became very efficient at loading and unloading. It’s not hard and it’s plenty safe. 

 

Buy what you can afford and make it work. It’s your first boat. After a season you will know what you like and dislike about it and you will be  more educated to shop for a better boat in the future. 

[kenmitch]

On 2/28/2019 at 10:08 AM, JWall14 said:

Could it fit in a Honda minivan with the seats taken out?

 

It's not like you'd really have the get the whole kayak inside and shut the rear hatch down. You could just secure the kayak inside with a strap and then do the same with the hatch resting on the kayak. Use a red flag on the end of the kayak if needed. If you decide to go this way just make sure the kayak isn't behind you or a passenger in case some texting a-whole rear ends you.