Finding a comfortable kayak

[Cgolf]

My wife and I have an opportunity to get a sub 500 new kayak as a gift, but are trying to figure out how to find a comfortable one. We both have back issues, so the wrong seat angle or padding could make or break it for us. 

 

My my wife is looking for a recreational yak and loves the perception sunrise 10, but of course it is no longer offered. I am going to call perception tomorrow and see if that design is still available under a new name. 

 

My fishing yak will be a sit on but I only plan on carrying one rod and limited tackle. I tried fishing out of the perception listed above and it didn’t workout well. 

 

Our main aim problem is we have one store that allows someone to demo yaks, but almost all of theirs are over 500. Not sure DSG or farm and fleet want us sitting in their display kayaks for a while. 

[Crankin4Bass]

If your wife likes the seat in the Perception Sunrise, you might want to look at the LL Bean Manatee 10. It's similar to the Perception sunrise 10 except it has a tank-well you can put a crate in. It's only $399. For $449 you can get a package with a basic paddle and a cockpit cover. The Manatee is made by Perception for LL Bean. 

 

I also have a bad back. I tried many kayaks and eventually decided to go with a sit on top with a frame style seat. Two years ago, when I bought my kayak there were not many options around me so I went with the Perception Pescador Pro 100. This kayak has been comfortable for me. I can fish for hours without much pain. 

 

In your price range kayaks there are not many options with frame seats. One option is the Lifetime Teton Angler which is currently $350 at Dick's. I seen it go on sale for as low as $300. Another option is the Pelican Premium Sentinel 100XR which is $470 at REI. These are not going to be the most stable kayaks and you definitely won't be able to stand, but the seats should be comfortable and they are in your price range. 

 

Most stores will let you sit in the kayak with it on the floor. Just ask. If not, you can take the frame seat out and set it on the floor to try. Many of the manufactures advertise this a feature to use the seat as a lawn chair on the shore.

 

With a bad back you also have to give serious consideration as to how you will transport the kayak. It's not as easy to just toss the thing on the roof. Carrying it in the bed of a truck or on a trailer is easier. 

 

Hopefully other will chime with more ideas. Don't forget to get a PFD. Good Luck!

[Choporoz]

17 hours ago, cgolf said:

My wife and I have an opportunity to get a sub 500 new kayak as a gift, but are trying to figure out how to find a comfortable one. We both have back issues, so the wrong seat angle or padding could make or break it for us. 

 

Look at used kayaks.  I know of zero new kayaks under 500 with a seat that I would recommend for someone with 'back issues'.

17 hours ago, cgolf said:

My my wife is looking for a recreational yak and loves the perception sunrise 10, but of course it is no longer offered. I am going to call perception tomorrow and see if that design is still available under a new name.

Please don't let her get hung up on a particular model.  I know full well how easy it is, especially when new to a product class.  However, the breadth of models with real differences and improvements being released every year the past few is truly amazing.

17 hours ago, cgolf said:

My fishing yak will be a sit on but I only plan on carrying one rod and limited tackle. I tried fishing out of the perception listed above and it didn’t workout well. 

You might plan on carrying just one rod, but that isn't likely to last. 

What, specifically, didn't work for you?

18 hours ago, cgolf said:

Our main aim problem is we have one store that allows someone to demo yaks, but almost all of theirs are over 500. Not sure DSG or farm and fleet want us sitting in their display kayaks for a while. 

Don't skip any demo opportunity just because they carry higher end boats.  Demo as many as you have time and chance to do so.  No good way you'll ever know how some features and design elements suit/fit you until you try them out.

I absolutely think you should spend a bunch of time in a good yak shop even if you don't think you'll be able to afford to buy there.  You will learn ten times more in 30 minutes than you will if you spend hours in Dicks and FleetFarm

[J Francho]

Seat time!

[Smalls]

I don’t think you’re going to find much comfort in a <$500 kayak. But I understand that is what you have to work with, so I suggest trying to find a comfortable add on option. 

 

For example- my seat is very comfortable, but an 8 hour tournament day can be rough for anyone. So I bought a gel cushion and back at Walmart for $25. It was in the automotive section. 

[Cgolf]

4 hours ago, Choporoz said:

Look at used kayaks.  I know of zero new kayaks under 500 with a seat that I would recommend for someone with 'back issues'.

Please don't let her get hung up on a particular model.  I know full well how easy it is, especially when new to a product class.  However, the breadth of models with real differences and improvements being released every year the past few is truly amazing.

You might plan on carrying just one rod, but that isn't likely to last. 

What, specifically, didn't work for you?

Don't skip any demo opportunity just because they carry higher end boats.  Demo as many as you have time and chance to do so.  No good way you'll ever know how some features and design elements suit/fit you until you try them out.

I absolutely think you should spend a bunch of time in a good yak shop even if you don't think you'll be able to afford to buy there.  You will learn ten times more in 30 minutes than you will if you spend hours in Dicks and FleetFarm

 

The perception sit in I felt casting and retrieving were a little awkward, I felt boxed in. Part of that was because I was carrying my 3500 size tackle bag in my lap. I also felt a bit to low in the water, I think a sit on top may give me a bit more vision. Casting angles are very different yak vs boat. 

 

The kayak my wife likes and used extensively has been at the cabin we rent for a week each year. She has a lot of seat time in it and long trips were very comfortable, was why she was hoping we could still find that model. 

 

As far as one rod goes, most of my fishing will be on a small river, and I have used a spinning rod for everything for a lot of years. Not ruling out multiple, but I would be surprised. Really depends on what type of structure/cover I come across. 

 

We will make a trip to the shop before it gets to cold here. They have some nice looking yaks there, just a bit out of reach of the gift range. I wish they would carry some entry level yaks. 

 

Thanks everyone for the advice so far, and please feel free to chime in with more. 

[schplurg]

Craigs List.

 

I spent $500 and got a WS Ride 115 with an ultra-nice MaxAir Pro seat. It is very comfortable.

 

Even so, after half-a-dozen outings I decided it still wasn't right for me and I will be getting a small boat instead.

 

I too have a bad back (comes and goes) and tendinitis as well. Lifting and moving the boat even short distances and paddling are not helpful with either of these issues. It interfered with my fishing.

 

Maybe you should try a more expensive yak on demo days. If that isn't comfortable than nothing cheaper will be either.

[PigFarmer]

+1 on the Perception Pescador Pro 100. I got one last year and it has a camp chair, very comfortable. You can put the seat in two different positions, high or low. I keep mine up high because I’m not as nimble as I once was. Brand new they go around $750 but you might find a used one for a lot less. 

[Bird]

I also have a bad back and a $1500 kayak with a framed seat.....about 5 hrs is my max.

Hoping you and your wife find comfort. 

[Cgolf]

So I got my Yak today and pick it up Saturday. 

 

You all were right I found 1 decent Emotion SOP kayak for sale at Farm and fleet for 500 but couldn’t find a lot of info on the brand. 

 

Ultimately the the place I tested them had an old town topwater 106 and a Native Slayer 12 XC that I got to try out. The Native was the easier paddle and was on sale for a very low price so I went with that one. I got lucky to find a great kayak at an insane price. 

 

Thanks all for the help. 

[HookInMouth]

The 12XC is a nice kayak. I strongly considered it when I was in the market last spring. Congratulations. 

[Cgolf]

1 hour ago, HookInMouth said:

The 12XC is a nice kayak. I strongly considered it when I was in the market last spring. Congratulations. 

Thanks and we got really lucky, as the closeout price was below the shops cost. I was really surprised how maneuverable it was on flat water. I will find out soon how it handles on my local river.

[dickenscpa]

One thing I've noticed in my 12 days of kayak ownership is my seat position. Of these 12 days I have fished 10 of them and 7 of those trips were in the 5-6 hour range.

 

In my head my thought was seat all the way down paddling to location, raise seat up and fish. Lower to paddle back. I LOVE the seat on my Feelfree Lure but I've noticed when raised and I fish my posture is horrible and I can start to get stiff. If I have the seat flush I stretch my legs out and I tend to actually lean against the back rest and can fish all day. I'm a side arm caster anyway, always have been. Casting is actually much easier for me on a kayak than my bass boat.

[HookInMouth]

33 minutes ago, cgolf said:

Thanks and we got really lucky, as the closeout price was below the shops cost. I was really surprised how maneuverable it was on flat water. I will find out soon how it handles on my local river.

Yeah you bought at the right time for sure. I have to add another kayak (or three) to the fleet. Still pondering the posibility of one of those being a Native 12XC. Make sure you keep us posted on your experiences and impressions!

15 minutes ago, dickenscpa said:

One thing I've noticed in my 12 days of kayak ownership is my seat position. Of these 12 days I have fished 10 of them and 7 of those trips were in the 5-6 hour range.

 

In my head my thought was seat all the way down paddling to location, raise seat up and fish. Lower to paddle back. I LOVE the seat on my Feelfree Lure but I've noticed when raised and I fish my posture is horrible and I can start to get stiff. If I have the seat flush I stretch my legs out and I tend to actually lean against the back rest and can fish all day. I'm a side arm caster anyway, always have been. Casting is actually much easier for me on a kayak than my bass boat.

My Voodoo doesn't have an adjustable seat in the conventional sense (you have the main seat that you can sit or stand on and then a perch that you can sit on with your feet on the seat). The main seat is about 10" off the deck and the perch is around 24". I thought for sure I would spend more time on the perch but that hasn't been the case. I very rarely stand or move to the perch. I cast comfortably from the seat all day long. My average trip is about 5-6 hours and can go as long as 8. 

[Smalls]

On 9/18/2019 at 8:47 AM, dickenscpa said:

 

 

In my head my thought was seat all the way down paddling to location, raise seat up and fish. Lower to paddle back. I LOVE the seat on my Feelfree Lure but I've noticed when raised and I fish my posture is horrible and I can start to get stiff. If I have the seat flush I stretch my legs out and I tend to actually lean against the back rest and can fish all day. I'm a side arm caster anyway, always have been. Casting is actually much easier for me on a kayak than my bass boat.

Thankfully you bought a really stable kayak. I find that every few hours I have to stand and fish, just to stretch, and give my lower back a rest. Might want to give it a try. 

[dickenscpa]

15 hours ago, Smalls said:

Thankfully you bought a really stable kayak. I find that every few hours I have to stand and fish, just to stretch, and give my lower back a rest. Might want to give it a try. 

I fished yesterday from 6:30 to almost 1:00 and I stood a few times but not really for a comfort break. I stood twice to get to brand new looking crank baits out of some limbs. LOL! I don't think I ever found a lure when in my boat but I've found 6 in the kayak.

 

I've only had the kayak 2 1/2 weeks but fished it every day but one. I bought the wife and our two kids one as well and now my 9 yr old daughter has fell in love with kayaking and fishing. A quick trip is at least 4 hrs. I don't have a back problem but I do have a lot of knee problems and 3 knee surgeries already in the books. I rarely got more than 2 hrs out of my boat. Standing and fishing does not agree with me. I apparently compensate in my back to alleviate pressure on my knees when standing and that will make my back stiff. I've got a pedestal seat on the front deck of my boat but to me they're awkward.

 

I also don't care for my seat all the way up. My knees get in the way and I sit at a desk all day as well and maybe that's another reason. I like to sit flush with my legs straight out and relaxed and my backrest straight up.

 

I went early Saturday morning by myself and our daughter had a bday party to go to that got out at 2:00. I fished until about 11ish and found a shady bank about 2' deep and put my stake out pole down and took the most peaceful nap. Got home about 2:30 and we loaded my daughter's kayak, ate at a drive thru and then fished until dark.

 

A kayak is really agreeing with me. My boat's spot in the garage is barely hanging on by a thread. LOL!

[Smalls]

54 minutes ago, dickenscpa said:

A kayak is really agreeing with me. My boat's spot in the garage is barely hanging on by a thread. LOL!

I was dead set on buying a boat before I bought my kayak. But I moved to a state where water is at least 2.5 hours away, and having something I can can load n go quickly with made more sense.

I figured I’d do the kayak thing til I moved again and had more access to water. But honestly, I don’t see a boat in my future, anymore. I see a Hobie, or something else pedal driven in the future, but not a boat. 

[the reel ess]

Kayak is the native American word for backache. Get one with a stadium seat. And I echo the sentiment that you should buy used. You'll get a lot more bang for your buck. 

 

I own two. The first one I bought was a Perception Sport Pescador 12'. Tracks well. semi-stable (can't stand on it). It has a padded seat and back, which was a bare minimum requirement for me. It was the old Wilderness Tarpon mold. It was and still is $599 at Academy Sports. There are a few kayaks in this range with better stadium type seats now. There were not when I bought it. It has since been redesigned, but not by much. It served me well for about 6 years. I upgraded to a Feelfree Lure 13.5. HEAVY, doesn't track well, really needs a rudder, has a comfy seat and even has the upgraded high back seat. I ended up trading for another of the same model, but with a stern-mount trolling motor kit.

 

But I kept the first kayak because I can easily throw it in the truck and it only drafts a couple inches, so it's good for very weedy, shallow ponds full of stickups and so-forth. If I'm only fishing a couple hours or if I'll take some stretch breaks, I'm taking the smaller one. It's also a pretty gone one if I'm taking a friend or my daughter.

[the reel ess]

On 9/9/2019 at 5:52 PM, cgolf said:

 

The perception sit in I felt casting and retrieving were a little awkward, I felt boxed in. Part of that was because I was carrying my 3500 size tackle bag in my lap. I also felt a bit to low in the water, I think a sit on top may give me a bit more vision. Casting angles are very different yak vs boat. 

 

The kayak my wife likes and used extensively has been at the cabin we rent for a week each year. She has a lot of seat time in it and long trips were very comfortable, was why she was hoping we could still find that model. 

 

As far as one rod goes, most of my fishing will be on a small river, and I have used a spinning rod for everything for a lot of years. Not ruling out multiple, but I would be surprised. Really depends on what type of structure/cover I come across. 

 

We will make a trip to the shop before it gets to cold here. They have some nice looking yaks there, just a bit out of reach of the gift range. I wish they would carry some entry level yaks. 

 

Thanks everyone for the advice so far, and please feel free to chime in with more. 

If you decide to add a rod you can easily add a flush mount rod holder or two. My Perception came with only one and I added one on the other side. After looking at the Perception kayak your wife likes, My Pescador has the same seat. Thecall it their Comfort Seating System (CSS). I added a little comfort by just using a stadium cushion in the bottom.