Kayak priorities from experienced users????

[Dens228]

30 minutes ago, Hook2Jaw said:

I like the Vibe Seaghost 130.

 

I, however, can't stand all the hype over a boat no one has any seat time in.

 

Bleh at that Shearwater until it's out.

I had a Seaghost 130, hated the center console.. It was just a big thing to get in the way.  Other than that it was a decent kayak. 

 

[Defiant Clone]

15 hours ago, NJBasstard said:

I'm surprised nobody has asked yet, but does your $1600 budget include a paddle & PFD or is it just the kayak itself? 

Good question, no its for Kayak only. While were on the subject what do you recommend? I have looked at Onyx PFD since they seem to be very prominent when you start looking. As far as paddles, all I know is that I have read you want to go light as possible (CF preferred) but there are a million different options and them suckers get $$$$$. 

15 hours ago, Hook2Jaw said:

I like the Vibe Seaghost 130.

 

I, however, can't stand all the hype over a boat no one has any seat time in.

 

Bleh at that Shearwater until it's out.

I 100% agree, I will give them some credit based on reviews for current products. Since its due to release "soon", I would rather wait a little bit and demo the Shearwater and find out if I like it or not before jumping the gun and buying one of my others. Shearwater meets a lot of what I am looking for on the surface, however performance still remains the ultimate question. The dealer I spoke with who saw it at ICAST said the hull reminded him of the Yellowfin and he has always liked how it performed.

16 hours ago, michaelb said:

the shearwater looks like a really nice boat. at 35" standing should be no problem, and it comes with the rudder, right? the rudder will help with tracking and with handling bad conditions, particularly cross winds. The pod gives you options down the road. Multiple seat positions, plus a track to slide the seat to adjust trim (really key with a motor or loaded for a overnight trip).

 

Everything except the easy to cartop part, but you will find a way to manage. There are options for rollers off the back of your SUV and that might make getting it up on the roof easier.

That what draws me to it right now is the versatility, it looks like it has a lot of flexibility for how you want to use it that would allow it to grow with my style. 

14 hours ago, Dens228 said:

I had a Seaghost 130, hated the center console.. It was just a big thing to get in the way.  Other than that it was a decent kayak. 

 

The pronounced center consoles on certain models and brands is what drives me away. I want storage space, but would prefer it under seat or further forward/backward then to have it take away from deck space.

 

 

[RichF]

1 hour ago, Defiant Clone said:

Good question, no its for Kayak only. While were on the subject what do you recommend? I have looked at Onyx PFD since they seem to be very prominent when you start looking. As far as paddles, all I know is that I have read you want to go light as possible (CF preferred) but there are a million different options and them suckers get $$$$$. 

That Shearwater looks awesome.  I actually just ordered a Big Fish 105 yesterday.  I'm brand new to kayak fishing as well and spent a ton of time researching.  I wanted something super stable, highly modifiable, and inexpensive.  The 105 fit the bill. I just didn't want to drop $$$ on something I might not use a ton.  I also found out that there is so much other crap you need, spending $1200+ on just the yak wasn't happening for me.  As far as paddles, I ordered this: https://www.the-house.com/aclanai220ivo19zz-accent-kayak-paddles.html 

 

It's not a "kayak fishing paddle" but it's like 30oz and is on closeout for super cheap.  It might not be great but I plan on motorizing my yak anyway so I figured I didn't need a $300 paddle.  Anyway, hope you find what you're looking for.  I'm anxious to hear your thoughts on the Shearwater once you demo it.

[NJBasstard]

1 hour ago, Defiant Clone said:

Good question, no its for Kayak only. While were on the subject what do you recommend?

 

 

Theirs a lot of nice paddles out there. Bending Branches, Carlisle & Werner to name a few. What model depends on budget and like you've seen they can get expensive.

For a PFD have you checked out the NRS Chinook?

[CountryboyinDC]

9 minutes ago, RichF said:

As far as paddles, I ordered this: https://www.the-house.com/aclanai220ivo19zz-accent-kayak-paddles.html 

 

It's not a "kayak fishing paddle" but it's like 30oz and is on closeout for super cheap.  It might not be great but I plan on motorizing my yak anyway so I figured I didn't need a $300 paddle.  Anyway, hope you find what you're looking for.  I'm anxious to hear your thoughts on the Shearwater once you demo it.

That's a good deal on a paddle of that type.  I've never used that one but Accent, but they're considered competitors with Werner, etc.  They're not US-made or as popular, but a paddle like that from Bending Branches will run $130+ normally.

 

1 hour ago, Defiant Clone said:

Good question, no its for Kayak only. While were on the subject what do you recommend? I have looked at Onyx PFD since they seem to be very prominent when you start looking.

I have one Onyx vest - the MoveVent Curve Vest.  It's fine to loan someone and fine for a canoe with no back.  The lower back cutout is not high enough to clear most of the newer kayak seats (it worked fine on the seatback of my Wilderness Ride, not the Max type seat).  I've become pretty attached to my NRS Chinook (old version) and I've tried the Stohlquist PiSeas.  If I'd tried the PiSeas before I bought mine, I'd probably save $30 and get that one, I actually think I like it as well.  I also tried the Kokatat Leviathan and liked it on on my pedal kayak, but it didn't work with the seat on my paddle one well (again the back height thing).  It has a ton of features, including a built-in handwarmers and more pockets than I'd ever use.  I now think of the PFD like I did my plate carriers (body armor) in the service.  It's a great place to keep the stuff that you might need even if you step away from the boat.  So I'd recommend one that you aren't always wanting to take off, and the Onyx got to be like that once I wore out the Ride.

[HookInMouth]

Comfort + Tracking + Stability = What I need.

 

Everything else is in the want camp. 

 

For me, I need a seat at least 10" off the deck of the kayak. Any lower and it's just not comfortable for me over the course of 6-8 hours. This rules out a lot of kayaks for me. Agree with Hook2jaw on the tracking. Don't overlook that. Stability is huge but you don't NEED to have a 40" wide boat to get there. You're on the right path with the SS127. 

[hoosierbass07]

I've been fishing from a kayak the last five or six years and I'll tell you what this forum told me back then - the seat is the most important of all.  Buy the kayak that has the most comfortable seat (that you can afford).  

On 4/4/2020 at 6:40 PM, schplurg said:

 

 

- Weight. My Ride 115 is 75 pounds, not a beast at all, and I'm not crazy about dragging it up the ramp (any distance) and lifting it back into my truck after a day on the water. My bad back and tendinitis again. One wrong move and I'm screwed.

 

 

 

 That's the kayak I have - Ride 115.  Yeah, its heavy isn't? lol.  That kayak makes you feel every bit of weight when you load and unload it.  lol. Its stable though and I trust that kayak (with my life jacket) with my life on cold water in early spring.  

[Hook2Jaw]

1 hour ago, hoosierbass07 said:

I've been fishing from a kayak the last five or six years and I'll tell you what this forum told me back then - the seat is the most important of all.  Buy the kayak that has the most comfortable seat (that you can afford).  

 

 That's the kayak I have - Ride 115.  Yeah, its heavy isn't? lol.  That kayak makes you feel every bit of weight when you load and unload it.  lol. Its stable though and I trust that kayak (with my life jacket) with my life on cold water in early spring.  

You and @schplurg would both benefit from a c-tug.

[DogBone_384]

On 4/4/2020 at 10:59 PM, flyfisher said:

Seat

stability

ease of paddling

maneuverability

features YOU want

Add:

• weight/transport
• storage
• warranty

I have two FeelFree Lure 11.5's, a 2015 and 2018 (Overdrive).  Their not made in the US, but their build quality is top notch, and customer service is better than that.  My Overdrive Lure's had some teething problems, but a phone call or email to FeelFree customer service gets a fast reply and results.

 

The three things I like best about my Lures are 1.) the SEAT, 2.) stability, and 3.) the keel mounted wheel (for transport).  

 

Most importantly, try to paddle/pedal, or at least sit in as many models as you can.

 

Don't go bananas all at once buying stuff to rig it up.  Start with a good, sturdy paddle and a comfortable PDF.  The long list of fish finder, anchor, anchor trolley, rail accessories, et al, will work itself out the more trips you take.

 

Best of luck with your kayak!

[Defiant Clone]

On 4/6/2020 at 12:11 PM, NJBasstard said:

 

Theirs a lot of nice paddles out there. Bending Branches, Carlisle & Werner to name a few. What model depends on budget and like you've seen they can get expensive.

For a PFD have you checked out the NRS Chinook?

Nope, but I have now, thats a nice looking one! Have you tried the NRS Raku? They look to be roughly smilar. 

[NJBasstard]

12 minutes ago, Defiant Clone said:

Nope, but I have now, thats a nice looking one! Have you tried the NRS Raku? They look to be roughly smilar. 

 

No I haven't tried that one. Besides the number of pockets it looks like the biggest difference is the flat back on the Raku VS the high back on the Chinook. Not sure if one would be better than the other or if it's just personal preference. 

[Bird]

Some great advice, so many great boats on the market now.

 

Both fishing Yaks are Feel-free, heavy but bullet proof. 

 

Moken 10 for river float fishing , Harmony adventure paddle, onyx manual PFD.

Bass 100 with motor pod for lakes, big seat but had to elevate to 10".

Very stable for 35" width.

 

I use the motorized with custom foot throttle 10 to 1 over paddle. 

[Fishingmickey]

Defiant Clone,

     First priority as many have said so far, a comfortable seat. If your kayak is a pain in the "mule" after a hour or so your not going to like it.  Second is stability and where and how do you plan on using it. Running rivers, fishing small waters like ponds and lakes, big waters like lake, bays or "Swamps"?  Capsizing and loosing all your gear, ruining your phone can really suck. 

     If your a "big boy" say 6'/190+ plus and have a hard time balancing on a 2x6 you really don't want a small narrow kayak. Kayak's are kind of like shoes.  They come in all sizes and are made with different purposes in mind.  You have to find one that fits you and the purpose you want to use it in! 

     Seriously, it has to fit and you need to know what your doing if you go out in less then optimal conditions or it could be really life changing or life ending. Demo or try as many different boats as you can. if at all possible rent them for a weekend or a day at least. A fifteen minute demo paddle tells you something but a day on the water tells it all.  Don't be one of those that buys a kayak, two week later regrets buying it and then wants to sell it three weeks later because it doesn't meet expectations.  

FM

 

 

[rickyg]

Some good advice here.  Here's mine:  Comfort is priority one. After that, a lot is personal preference.  I have a Wilderness Radar 135.  I like the storage and stability.  I don't like that it doesn't have a side handle and that it's heavy at 96 lbs.  which makes it a bear to drag.  The replaceable keel protector seems to magnify the dragging problem as I can more easily drag it backwards.  There's a homemade cart coming.  It's a bit of a sail in the wind too since I don't have the rudder.  It is upgradeable to pedal drive although I haven't done that yet.  It does seem fairly maneuverable for a 13.5' yak.  All in all, I like it.  As for a paddle, light is good if you're gonna be paddling but I found out that my carbon wants to blow off my lap pretty easily in a light breeze where my heavier one would stay put.  I have to stow it when I'm fishing in a light breeze.  Not a big deal, and I'm sure I'll like it better when I'm on bigger water.  For a PFD, comfort is number one.  I don't need a lot of storage in a PFD, so my Stohlquist fisherman is a bit of overkill but it is very comfy. 

[Smalls]

One feature that wasn't important to me, but is now- in hull access. 

 

Adding things like a power pole, anchor wizard, lights, etc. is a pain in the rear without somewhere to get in the hull. My only option on my kayak is taking the rod holders out, and it sucks.