Looking to trade FeelFree Lure Kayak

[the reel ess]

I horse traded my way into a Lure FeelFree 13.5 kayak with a stern mount saltwater 35 lb thrust trolling motor setup a year or so ago. I never use it. The kayak alone weighs 104 lbs. The trolling motor and battery add to the cumbersome package. I find myself going to my cheaper Pescador most of the time because it's light and easy to maneuver. I can throw it in the truck bed and get on the road in a few minutes.

 

So I'm looking to trade down a bit. I'd like any feedback on Crescent Light Tackle or Ultra Light Tackle models. 

[CountryboyinDC]

The LiteTackle is a good buy from everything I've heard or read, but you can't find them anywhere according to a friend of mine!  I guess that's what a lot of people are finding about a lot of things.  I looked them over at the Richmond Fishing Expo, and they're not light, I would guess 80 lbs without the seat (I picked it up to see how comfortable it was to carry).  So your Lure is heavier, but this is still not going to be as light as your Perception.  I still want to paddle a LiteTackle and see how that hull glides, edges, etc.  But the topside features were pretty impressive for an $800 kayak.  I bet the prices will increase next year, like Vibe.  I didn't really look at the UltraLite.

[BoatSquirrel]

There are lots of good kayaks out there, the trick is matching your fishing style to the right boat.  

I have been in both of the Crescents.  In my opinion, the Ultralight is the perfect creek and stream boat.  Comfy seat, very shallow draft and stable.  Handles quick.  The UL has shallow sides so it feels like it sits low in the water, and I weigh 175.  

The Light Tackle is a very good do all boat.  It feels much bigger than the UL.  It does draft a few more inches than the UL but tracks well on flat water and also has a nice seat.  The drawbacks of the LT are it is fairly heavy and I could stand in it but not great, and it tended to spin when I stood up.  I thought it was stable but my buddy got in it and promptly flipped it.  I think the Crescents favor experienced paddlers.  Good boats overall.  

I sold my Lite Tackle in favor of a boat I could more easily stand in.  Ended up in a Jackson Bite.  Super solid, wide and stable, and tracks surprisingly well.  At 73 lbs, it feels much lighter to load in the truck than the LT.

Hope that helps!

[the reel ess]

3 hours ago, BoatSquirrel said:

There are lots of good kayaks out there, the trick is matching your fishing style to the right boat.  

I have been in both of the Crescents.  In my opinion, the Ultralight is the perfect creek and stream boat.  Comfy seat, very shallow draft and stable.  Handles quick.  The UL has shallow sides so it feels like it sits low in the water, and I weigh 175.  

The Light Tackle is a very good do all boat.  It feels much bigger than the UL.  It does draft a few more inches than the UL but tracks well on flat water and also has a nice seat.  The drawbacks of the LT are it is fairly heavy and I could stand in it but not great, and it tended to spin when I stood up.  I thought it was stable but my buddy got in it and promptly flipped it.  I think the Crescents favor experienced paddlers.  Good boats overall.  

I sold my Lite Tackle in favor of a boat I could more easily stand in.  Ended up in a Jackson Bite.  Super solid, wide and stable, and tracks surprisingly well.  At 73 lbs, it feels much lighter to load in the truck than the LT.

Hope that helps!

Good info here. That Lure is just way too much boat. I could almost load and unload a small jon boat, trolling motor and battery for the same trouble. It's defeating the purpose of having a kayak, IMO. The Light Tackle claims a weight of 75 lbs. Maybe that's without the seat. 73 or 75 still sounds a lot lighter than 104 plus battery and motor. And my Lure is almost useless without the motor because it doesn't have the rudder. I could get the rudder kit and probably be happier, but then I'm out another $250-ish. I'm just thinking of cutting losses. Thanks for the reviews.

 

Just one more question. Does the UL take on water from the scuppers? I like to fish in all water temps and would prefer to stay as dry as possible in the cold. But I do have provisions for that.

[BoatSquirrel]

1 hour ago, the reel ess said:

The Light Tackle claims a weight of 75 lbs.

That Lite Tackle is all of 85 lbs. Loading the 73lb Jackson is significantly easier.  The Ultralight did not take on much water through the scuppers but some wine corks can take care of that.  Good luck Ess!