Future Beach Angler 144

[breezy]

I've been considering purchasing a SOT kayak for a while now and was looking for any opinions on this kayak. Local store has one on clearance for $360 which seems like a great deal. Either way I would like to keep the budget $500 or less...don't want to spend a lot only to find out it's not something I really enjoy. Have owned several canoes and been on plenty of trips in the past, but it has been years ago (and never in a kayak) so I'm looking for a budget entry level boat to start off with.

Majority of my fishing will either be in ponds and eventually lakes after I have some confidence (they're all pretty big...smallest is 30,000 acres). There may be an occasional river/stream but this is very low on my priority.

So any thoughts on this kayak? Thinking very hard about picking it up because of the price, I've been shopping around used but there just aren't that many for sale locally. The store also has a Pelican Castaway 100 for about $320 but the Angler 144 seems to be a better quality overall, and from what I understand the extra length will be better for open/rough water.

Thanks

[Flywatersmallie]

Breexy, I have a Future Beach boat (Trophy 126, SINK model). I think you would like the Angler just fine. If I recall it has the same hull.... Far more stable than any canoe you have ever been in. I started Kayak fishing this spring and now own 2, both fully rigged with fish finder and the whole nine. Never dumped either of them or really even came close. Lots of easy and inexpensive upgrades to consider too. Kayak fishing is great and Future Beach makes great boats that won't make the bank account hurt too bad.

[trophykayaker]

Breezy, I have a Future Beach Trophy 126, and fish/paddle over flat waters - reservoirs, lakes 95 % of the time, and a slow moving river sometimes. The 126 is very stable and just right for transport and handling alone. I would recommend the 126 to anyone with flat water use, and ease of handling - transport as well as tracking.

[Rant]

Go to a store that lets you demo/test paddle the kayak. You would not buy bicycle or car without spinning the wheels, why would you buy a boat that you can't test out.

Everyone is different and their use is different, go see for yourself.

[breezy]

Unfortunately there aren't any local kayak stores, the store I was referring to above is just a big box chain store. It never hurts to ask, but since it's all large chain stores nearby I don't see them letting me take one for a spin. I've been looking around at stores that would do this or have demo days but it would be a long drive and from what I've seen most kayaks they carry are out of my price range.

Just wanted some feedback on this particular yak or company. I seemed to fit pretty comfortably in store although I know it's not the best indicator. To be honest I'm more concerned about quality/durability. I could handle buying an entry level yak, using it for a year or two then moving onto something else. But I don't want something that will be falling apart after a year of use. Still haven't found too much info about this kayak in particular which makes me nervous...but on the other hand I haven't seen threads ranting about what a POS it is...so that must be good, right?

Appreciate the comments from everyone.

[Rant]

Where do you live?

Any kayak clubs or kayak fisherman around you that would let you try there boats out? What about local college, often their outdoor rec programs have loaner boats? What about canoe liveries, they often also have kayaks for rent.

Once you test out a few kayaks, you will learn what type of kayak works for you. Since your only going to keep it for a few years, I would look at Craigslist for locally used kayaks. Often you can arrange a test paddle before buying.

It just doesn't make sense to me, to go out and buy something new, that may or may not be suited to you without at least giving it a whirl.

Also buying through a kayak store that does demos, will give you chance to talk to someone knowledgeable on other things such as paddle/pfd selection, rigging etc. Additionally, if you have a warranty claim on your boat; which do you think is going to give you better service, a dedicated kayak shop or a meglomart employee?

[J Francho]

Seat time is ALWAYS the best recommendation. A dedicated kayak shop with a capable fishing expert is also great. That all comes with a price. Since you have a budget here, I don't have a problem saying go for it, if it's the only way you can get on the water. Boats like this are "gateway" boats. If you get a couple years out of, catch some good fish, then you'll be happy with it, provided you don't expect it to perform like a much more specialized boat.