Kayak help

[J.Bass]

Hello,

 

Thank you for taking time to read my post. I'm in line to buy a kayak for fishing. I live in Illinois and as winter is approaching this investment will be for next spring. I've been doing some research and looking at websites. 

 

What I want: Sit-On-Top fishing Kayak 12 Feet. My money range is 0-$700. I'd like to be able to stand on it eventually when I get comfortable. In august visited Bass Pro and really Ascend Sit on top kayak 12 feet. Also looked ay Brooklyn and Sun Dolphin Kayaks online. I haven't seen any really eye popping deals.

 

Can you help: With information given I need a Kayak for under $700 preferably. Whats the "best" brand, whats a good brand too look at? Where are the deals at? I don't want to pay full price if I don't have to.

 

Trailer: I have a 2018 Honda CRV to lug it around but I feel it won't fit inside if its 12 feet. How do you transport your kayak? I've seen kayak trailers going for $1,000. That to me is way to pricey. If you could help with trailer as well that would be great. 

 

Thank you for taking time to read and helping me.

[Smalls]

Search your local used listings. That’s gonna be your best bet for >$700. It’s the perfect time of the year, too. A lot of people are selling to upgrade over the winter. 
 

Malone, Yakima, etc. all make some great looking kayak trailers. But you’d never see me spending that kinda dough. A used jet ski or utility trailer is easily made into a kayak trailer with just a little bit of creativity and a few tools. 

[Run2jeepn]

Thats a ton of questions. Facebook Market place will be your best bet to find deals locally. I've seen a few nice Kayaks in the 12-13ft range in the $500-$700 Range.

 

I picked up a barley (looked brand new) used Ascend FS128T and a Sun Dolphin Journey with extra's. For $500

 

As for a Trailer. I haven't found a SeeDoo Trailer used by itself yet, but I have seen a few crap SeeDoo's with Trailers for $350 and up. I haven't been able to get anyone to split them up. 

 

There are Utility Trailers on Amazon for $350 as well. 

[Harold Scoggins]

Wish I could provide some insight, but I have no knowledge about those kayaks. (Die hard Ocean Kayak user) However, I would like to encourage you to consider a good fitting PFD. Have fun in your new kayak next spring!

[Hook2Jaw]

I would rat hole another 100 bucks and look into a Feelfree Moken 12.5 v2.

[LadiMopar]

It's always good to educate yourself before buying a fishing kayak. I did my own homework for about a year before deciding what was best for me. So, seeing as you're not committed to a particular brand just yet, if you haven't taken advantage of dealer demo days (and dealers always have top quality used boats for sale) you might want to do that. Fit and feel are important out there.

Also, you may want to go to Kayak Angler magazine and read the reviews, see the specs etc. on different brands.

I don't usually recommend You Tube videos , but in this case Headwaters kayak has a great series on fishing kayaks under $1000, and one for yaks under $500.

 

Best of luck in your search, and don't forget to save a little extra cash for a good PFD. The most important "accessory" you'll hopefully never need.

 

 LM 

 

 

[J.Bass]

8 hours ago, Smalls said:

Search your local used listings. That’s gonna be your best bet for >$700. It’s the perfect time of the year, too. A lot of people are selling to upgrade over the winter. 
 

Malone, Yakima, etc. all make some great looking kayak trailers. But you’d never see me spending that kinda dough. A used jet ski or utility trailer is easily made into a kayak trailer with just a little bit of creativity and a few tools. 

Smalls, 

 

Will do that. I did think it was perfect time of year. Only deals I seen were on Dicks Sporting Goods. They weren't on 12 feet Kayaks. I won't spend 1,000 on a trailer. No way. I think thats outrageous. I'll be def looking for a jet ski trailer. Thank you for your input really opened my mind.

6 hours ago, Run2jeepn said:

Thats a ton of questions. Facebook Market place will be your best bet to find deals locally. I've seen a few nice Kayaks in the 12-13ft range in the $500-$700 Range.

 

I picked up a barley (looked brand new) used Ascend FS128T and a Sun Dolphin Journey with extra's. For $500

 

As for a Trailer. I haven't found a SeeDoo Trailer used by itself yet, but I have seen a few crap SeeDoo's with Trailers for $350 and up. I haven't been able to get anyone to split them up. 

 

There are Utility Trailers on Amazon for $350 as well. 

Run2jeepn,

 

Ya I love Facebook Market place I've used it before. I know BassPro has a Kayak sale but its in March. Utility trailer for $350 isn't bad will have to take a look at that. I sat in the Ascend as BassPro and It was comfy but like I said I'm open to any yak. I want whats best for me. Thanks for your advice.

4 hours ago, Harold Scoggins said:

Wish I could provide some insight, but I have no knowledge about those kayaks. (Die hard Ocean Kayak user) However, I would like to encourage you to consider a good fitting PFD. Have fun in your new kayak next spring!

Harold, It goes the same way for hunting, wear your orange. Yes totally agree safety first.

1 hour ago, Hook2Jaw said:

I would rat hole another 100 bucks and look into a Feelfree Moken 12.5 v2.

Hook2Jaw,

Just watched a video on YouTube about the Moken. Said the 2020 Model was substantially upgraded. The guy says its one of the best under $1000. I liked the features on it. Ive seen them around $7-800 as you said. Def will keep them in mind. I did like how the boat was built. Thanks for your help.

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, J.Bass said:

I'll be def looking for a jet ski trailer.

That's what I did for my canoe - got a 10' PWC trailer from Northern Tool for $500, paid $60 for a length of 2x3 tube steel to lengthen the main run and make it a 15' trailer. $20 for the front roller and it was done - yes, I did the drilling and painting myself.

[J.Bass]

1 hour ago, LadiMopar said:

It's always good to educate yourself before buying a fishing kayak. I did my own homework for about a year before deciding what was best for me. So, seeing as you're not committed to a particular brand just yet, if you haven't taken advantage of dealer demo days (and dealers always have top quality used boats for sale) you might want to do that. Fit and feel are important out there.

Also, you may want to go to Kayak Angler magazine and read the reviews, see the specs etc. on different brands.

I don't usually recommend You Tube videos , but in this case Headwaters kayak has a great series on fishing kayaks under $1000, and one for yaks under $500.

 

Best of luck in your search, and don't forget to save a little extra cash for a good PFD. The most important "accessory" you'll hopefully never need.

 

 LM 

 

 

LadiMopar,

 

Watched the video and found it to be amazing. I found out about way more kayak companies than I knew and styles. This video has helped me a lot. The Big Fish I really liked the design. It looks well designed. Have to research more because he had two different models of Big Fish which one was $200 more than other. 

31 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

That's what I did for my canoe - got a 10' PWC trailer from Northern Tool for $500, paid $60 for a length of 2x3 tube steel to lengthen the main run and make it a 15' trailer. $20 for the front roller and it was done - yes, I did the drilling and painting myself.

MN Fisher,

 

Thats a great job done on that trailer. I like how you designed it. I agree spending $500 instead of $1000 is much cheaper. I will def custom make my trailer to fit my Yak. Thanks for showing me a picture and helping me out on the trailer.

[LadiMopar]

On 11/2/2019 at 8:33 AM, J.Bass said:

LadiMopar,

 

Watched the video and found it to be amazing. I found out about way more kayak companies than I knew and styles. This video has helped me a lot. The Big Fish I really liked the design. It looks well designed. Have to research more because he had two different models of Big Fish which one was $200 more than other. 

Glad you found this useful @J.Bass

3 Waters Big FIsh kayaks are a branch of Feelfree kayak, and it just happens to be the brand I decided on. My first was a FF Lure 10 (paddle only) and this year I did a major upgrade to the FF Dorado 125 with peddle and motor drive.

 

I've seen quite a few of the Big Fish yaks on my local waters and they are essentially FF Lure yaks with different hardware, seating options, and slightly different keels. A 12.5 Big Fish I saw up close this year had the same type of cathedral hull as my Dorado. 

 

The FF line is incredibly well built, well designed, and super stable (I'm a disabled kayak angler with serious balance issues and I stand in mine if the wind isn't bad) and easy to set up with their track system and from what I see of the Big Fish line it would be just as user friendly.

 

 Shoot me a PM if you have specific questions about the Feelfree or 3 Waters yaks. Always happy to help.

 

 

[J.Bass]

Hello all,

 

After reviewing and researching I like 3 Waters Kayak a lot. I found Brooklyn Kayak Company and right now have a super sweet deal going on. BKC RA220 11.6" is On sale from $1,497.00 to $787.00. Plus it has for 8 days 25% off with Code BKC which would bring price to $590.20. Thats a steal for a fishing Kayak. The colors and design is pretty well made as well.

 

Just wanted your opinion on Brooklyn Kayaks Especially the 11.6". Is this a good kayak? It has excellent reviews.

[MN Fisher]

1 hour ago, J.Bass said:

MN Fisher,

 

Thats a great job done on that trailer. I like how you designed it. I agree spending $500 instead of $1000 is much cheaper. I will def custom make my trailer to fit my Yak. Thanks for showing me a picture and helping me out on the trailer.

That price was for new - you might be able to find a PWC trailer used for less. Just takes a few tools for drilling the new main-run - a transfer punch to mark the holes ($10 at Harbor Frieght), a 3/32 pilot drill-bit, a step-drill-bit and of course an electric drill (I used my Ryobi 18v cordless).

Here's a pic of the original 5' main-piece and the drilled 10'.

 

Clean the new steel well - I used 'The Works' followed by rubbing alcohol. Then a self-priming paint that was rated for metal.

[Run2jeepn]

I found many Jet Ski Trailers and Jet Ski with Trailers for under $300 today. I was searching for SeaDoo Trailers and not getting much. As soon as I searched Jet Ski..they all popped up.

[J.Bass]

36 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

That price was for new - you might be able to find a PWC trailer used for less. Just takes a few tools for drilling the new main-run - a transfer punch to mark the holes ($10 at Harbor Frieght), a 3/32 pilot drill-bit, a step-drill-bit and of course an electric drill (I used my Ryobi 18v cordless).

Here's a pic of the original 5' main-piece and the drilled 10'.

 

Clean the new steel well - I used 'The Works' followed by rubbing alcohol. Then a self-priming paint that was rated for metal.

MN Fisher,

 

I looked at Northern tool and seen the PWC trailer. They have one for multi use can store two kayaks. for $549. Would be perfect. Still going to look around for cheaper but so far the cheapest I seen.

13 minutes ago, Run2jeepn said:

I found many Jet Ski Trailers and Jet Ski with Trailers for under $300 today. I was searching for SeaDoo Trailers and not getting much. As soon as I searched Jet Ski..they all popped up.

Run2Jeepn,

 

I havent seen any Jet Ski Trailers under $300. Can you tell me where you went? I'm seeing them over $1,000.

[MN Fisher]

3 minutes ago, J.Bass said:

MN Fisher,

 

I looked at Northern tool and seen the PWC trailer. They have one for multi use can store two kayaks. for $549. Would be perfect. Still going to look around for cheaper but so far the cheapest I seen.

The one I got was this one..

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200612542_200612542

$529 new.

[Run2jeepn]

Here are a bunch

[Run2jeepn]

Couple more. Came across a ton. If you willing to drive a couple of hours. To me it's worth it. I've got to get a hitch first...lol, I'd bet if your willing to wait for that good deal. You could find one for $100. 

 

There is also these. This one I'd Aluminum but they come in Steal aswell for about $50-75 cheaper. They are a kit.

[Smalls]

5 hours ago, J.Bass said:

Hello all,

 

After reviewing and researching I like 3 Waters Kayak a lot. I found Brooklyn Kayak Company and right now have a super sweet deal going on. BKC RA220 11.6" is On sale from $1,497.00 to $787.00. Plus it has for 8 days 25% off with Code BKC which would bring price to $590.20. Thats a steal for a fishing Kayak. The colors and design is pretty well made as well.

 

Just wanted your opinion on Brooklyn Kayaks Especially the 11.6". Is this a good kayak? It has excellent reviews.

From what I’ve heard, BKC is basically just cheap Chinese junk with no warranty or customer service. So if it breaks, you’re SOL. 
 

I fish out of a BF 105. I can probably answer any questions about it. 
 

It’s a tank. It’s heavy, and without the (extra $200) rudder it’s almost impossible to paddle. But I could probably do backflips on it, and I don’t think I could flip it if I wanted. 
 

I think they go 25% off at Austin Kayak around either Christmas or New year. You can also finance through AKC’s site if that helps. 

[J.Bass]

21 minutes ago, Smalls said:

From what I’ve heard, BKC is basically just cheap Chinese junk with no warranty or customer service. So if it breaks, you’re SOL. 
 

I fish out of a BF 105. I can probably answer any questions about it. 
 

It’s a tank. It’s heavy, and without the (extra $200) rudder it’s almost impossible to paddle. But I could probably do backflips on it, and I don’t think I could flip it if I wanted. 
 

I think they go 25% off at Austin Kayak around either Christmas or New year. You can also finance through AKC’s site if that helps. 

I got the BKC. It was too hard to pass up for $590 with everything included. If it lasts me 5 years, its money well spent. Its got good reviews.

[Smalls]

1 hour ago, J.Bass said:

I got the BKC. It was too hard to pass up for $590 with everything included. If it lasts me 5 years, its money well spent. Its got good reviews.

Looks like a pretty feature packed kayak for the money. Use some of the money you saved on it and upgrade to a nicer paddle, for sure, though. 

[J.Bass]

1 hour ago, Smalls said:

Looks like a pretty feature packed kayak for the money. Use some of the money you saved on it and upgrade to a nicer paddle, for sure, though. 

Smalls, 

 

Definitely will do that. Yeah for the price was great had stuff the other ones had. What paddle you like?  

[Smalls]

20 minutes ago, J.Bass said:

Smalls, 

 

Definitely will do that. Yeah for the price was great had stuff the other ones had. What paddle you like?  

I’ve been eyeing some of the carbon fiber paddles from Werner. Not cheap, but they can be a pound lighter. Makes a huge difference 

[HookInMouth]

As far as the $700 kayak range, you're going to be limited. If that's a hard number I would check out the new Perception Outlaw 11.5. It's not out yet (I think it's supposed to hit the market in the next month or two) but it looks promising for a budget fishing kayak. Just shy of 12ft. Perception is a quality brand. 

 

Perception Outlaw 11.5

[dickenscpa]

Back in September Hook1 was getting rid of 2019s to make room for 2020s and they are right on Old Hickory Lake. They let me try out everything but their wives and I settled on a Feelfree Lure and 25% off, plus 15% off all accessories.

 

To be honest I've went back 5-6 times as I've settled on accessories I want after kayaking for a bit and was there just this past Friday 11/1 and I bought the kayak 9/4 and they're still giving me 15% off all my accessories. To be fair I'm impulsive and compulsive and spend a lot though and 15% turns into a big deal to me. However, the manager (Matt) is SUPER friendly and helpful so they got my business anyway even if they cut the 15% off.

 

As far as a trailer, ya gotta be saavy. Harbor Freight had their 1720# $449 trailer on sale for $349 and their 1195# $349 trailer for $249. They're both never on sale at the same time and their 20% off coupon is not good for the trailer and other stuff, but negotiate and wheel and deal. I wheeled and dealed and came out of there with the 1720# trailer for $107 plus tax. Bought 3 sets of J Hooks at Academy $49 apiece and $46 worth of superstrut stuff at Home Depot and have a trailer to carry mine and my wife and two kids (4 total) pretty cheap. I also added bearing buddys from Amazon ($28) and I'm set.

 

I have a truck for when it's just me but a trailer is so much easier and lower to the ground I use it 99% of the time unless I put the kayak in the truck and go to the office and want to fish on the way home. Don't really care to pull a trailer in rush hour morning and evening but in the bed of the truck is easy peasy.

 

I live in Lebanon, TN and have pulled that trailer to Reelfoot Lake with all 4 kayaks which is about 170 miles one way at interstate speeds and to Chattanooga which is about 140 miles one way and no problems. First trip I was nervous about the hubs and checked them EVERY stop but no problems and they're fine. 

 

I've never pulled my bass boat over 15 miles one way and that was back in 2008 and all the rest have been 8.1 miles to the local launch. Don't trust it.

 

If you get a HF trailer - trust me - don't pull it without redoing the grease in the hubs. Mine came with some blue bearing grease but I had no idea of the quality. I've heard some come with a light coating of something similar to olive oil. I removed the inner and outer bearings of both hubs and cleaned with carb cleaner and repacked by hand the old fashioned way and then installed bearing buddys with Lucas grease. My kayak is only 92# dry and the wife and kids 42# apiece. I will never need to back mine into water but I have peace of mind.

 

If I bought any trailer new or used I would redo the hubs. People just don't maintain them like they should.

[Defiant Clone]

I am in the same boat as you and started looking for one about a month ago, so its great to see some good advice and recommendations here.

 

I have a ford escape (Company Car) and I have looked into methods for putting in on top of the car instead of on a trailer (i can't add a hitch to my car) if you are strapped for cash. They have kayak specific roof racks for under $50 that look to be removable. 

 

I even read of some people making their own roof racks with rope and pool noodle cut in half then strapping the kayak to the front and rear on top of the noodles (not saying I would do this but multiple people stated they did it)