NFT: Kayaks

Will you need storage? Fishing? Flat water? longer or shorter days on the water.

I prefer the ocean kayaks....the ones you sit on top....and make sure you get good back support.

Otherwise you must choose between drag and stability....my wife would kill me if I flipped her in....so I am forced to go more stable....but harder to row😁

I have had good success at Dicks....wait for the kayaks sales

In comment 15051355 AnnapolisMike said:

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Will you need storage? Fishing? Flat water? longer or shorter days on the water.

We have a 3000 sq barn -- so I don't think storage is an issue -- not for fishing for recreation only -- on rivers and creeks

In comment 15051397 George from PA said:

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I prefer the ocean kayaks....the ones you sit on top....and make sure you get good back support. Otherwise you must choose between drag and stability....my wife would kill me if I flipped her in....so I am forced to go more stable....but harder to row😁 I have had good success at Dicks....wait for the kayaks sales

what is the problem with inflatables -- is this a puncture issue?

In comment 15051405 gidiefor said:

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We have a 3000 sq barn -- so I don't think storage is an issue -- not for fishing for recreation only -- on rivers and creeks

also I envision short trips down the creek -- maximum to the Rondout basin on the Hudson -- but I thought we would drop off the truck at the landing we are going to - and drive up to the launch in another car - then kayak down stream to where the truck is parked

In comment 15051358 Semipro Lineman said:

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Ha! If my wife wanted to get rid of me -- she's had plenty of opportunity for that already

And have had/borrowed many kayaks over the years.

The favorite for all men/women/kids has by far been the wilderness tarpon sit-on-top. It was design with fishing in mind but ours has really never been used for that.
Link - ( New Window )

Malibu 2 (tandem) model
Used on the Erie canal this summer
Solid and not too heavy, good enough back support
Link below

Link - ( New Window )

In comment 15051416 rasbutant said:

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And have had/borrowed many kayaks over the years. The favorite for all men/women/kids has by far been the wilderness tarpon sit-on-top. It was design with fishing in mind but ours has really never been used for that. Link - ( New Window )

I should add dogs to the list of people that love it.

In comment 15051417 cactus said:

Quote:

Malibu 2 (tandem) model Used on the Erie canal this summer Solid and not too heavy, good enough back support Link below Link - ( New Window )

sorry just for accuracy i have the malibu 2 XL (larger model)

recreational kayak. Get a sit-in rather than a sit-on. Probably 10-12 feet long. You want a good seat with back support. Make sure you sit in them and are relatively comfortable. Shock cord tie downs are perfect...just pick up one or two 30L waterproof storage bags for your gear and stuff you want to keep dry. Get decent kayak life jackets which will give you freedom of movement. You could also use inflatable vests.

this past winter. It is a very durable material. I was concerned about punctures at first, but that proved to not be an issue.

I've enjoyed going with my young child in the 2 seater. It's fun. It is really ideal for inexperienced kayakers, to pair up with an experienced one. Older children get bored with it, and once they develop some kayaking skill, prefer to go solo.

We made 3 Delaware trips this summer with the 2 seater inflatable. It performed great.

I have the option of sitting in it or on top which I like very much. Be aware of Any rough water before you try it on your kayak. Have fun!

and I'll give you my take on what we have but really much of what to look at is the types of things you want out of it. For example I mostly fish when using mine, and looked for a sit on top style instead of sit in. I wanted stability, comfort, and room for my equipment.

I have three Wilderness Systems Kayaks that I really like, and are my go to kayaks.



Wilderness Systems: 115x Angler - Tarpon 100 - Tarpon 135T (Tandem)

115x Angler

Pros: * Very stable * A lot of room for legs and gear * SlideTrax System makes it very easy to add accessories like rod holders and have the ability to easily move them if desired* Seat is very comfortable and easy to adjust the reclining to where it feels best on my back * Self-Bailing Scupper Holes* Second hatch in front of seat makes it very easy to safely store extra gear within arms reach. I keep a dry bag down there with things like phone, camera, license etc.* Large enough to handle large bodies of water without issue*

Cons: My only real complaint is the weight. I have a lot of serious back/neck trouble and have trouble loading/unloading without help.


Tarpon 100

Pros: While not as extensive as on the 115x the SlideTrax System on Tarpon is still more than enough for all my needs and is also a huge positive * Also has a very comfortable/adjustable seat * Has the same center hatch with same benefits as w/115x * Self-Bailing Scupper Holes * Much lighter weight than it's "big brother" 115x * While not as stable as the 115x it is remarkable stable for a smaller 10" lighter kayak * Still solid and stable enough that I feel safe when on larger bodies of water

Cons: While roomy for a 10' Kayak it is still a little more cramped for my legs with all the gear I like to take (I usually load a lot in with me)

135T This is basically is for going out with two people, and we generally use it less often then the first two, but fun to have.

Added general Pros for all three Wilderness systems: It may be a common thing on many others but one thing I like is the fixed type of bungee on the nose of each of these kayaks. It makes it super easy to slide one end of the paddle under it securely and not have to worry about a loose paddle moving or falling* They both also have a lot of fixed bungees that make securing things a breeze * Their handles are really nice quality and make carrying easier * They both have plenty of added little storage spots built into the kayak which I have ended up using a lot for keeping tools handy and at the ready * I have been impressed with the quality of the construction on both of them * Both track and handle well.


For less expensive options we have four "Future Beach" Kayaks. I believe all four are "Voyager" models, with two being "angler" versions. It's been about four or five years since we bought them but I think we got them on sale for about $200/ea and normally retailed for about $300

These have serviced our family very well. For the money they track and handle well and have all held up real well.

Good luck with it!

then you cannot get a paddle kayak. You need something where you propel yourself with your legs and have a rudder. That will free up your arms for fishing.

I have the hobie pro angler which may be overkill for you. However, yes testing some of them out first would be ideal.

In comment 15051437 Gregorio said:

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this past winter. It is a very durable material. I was concerned about punctures at first, but that proved to not be an issue. I've enjoyed going with my young child in the 2 seater. It's fun. It is really ideal for inexperienced kayakers, to pair up with an experienced one. Older children get bored with it, and once they develop some kayaking skill, prefer to go solo. We made 3 Delaware trips this summer with the 2 seater inflatable. It performed great.

thanks Gregorio -- I had been leaning at the inflatable -- I thought it addresses a lot of issues I had -- 1 is an easy cost of entry for two kayaks, 2 it has the ability to add a grandchild, 3 I have to see how serious we are about using them before I spend money on a real good one like the Wilderness or the Tarpoon -- they do look like nice units though

What brand inflatable did you get?

In comment 15051475 steve in ky said:

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and I'll give you my take on what we have but really much of what to look at is the types of things you want out of it. For example I mostly fish when using mine, and looked for a sit on top style instead of sit in. I wanted stability, comfort, and room for my equipment. I have three Wilderness Systems Kayaks that I really like, and are my go to kayaks. Wilderness Systems: 115x Angler - Tarpon 100 - Tarpon 135T (Tandem) 115x Angler Pros: * Very stable * A lot of room for legs and gear * SlideTrax System makes it very easy to add accessories like rod holders and have the ability to easily move them if desired* Seat is very comfortable and easy to adjust the reclining to where it feels best on my back * Self-Bailing Scupper Holes* Second hatch in front of seat makes it very easy to safely store extra gear within arms reach. I keep a dry bag down there with things like phone, camera, license etc.* Large enough to handle large bodies of water without issue* Cons: My only real complaint is the weight. I have a lot of serious back/neck trouble and have trouble loading/unloading without help. Tarpon 100 Pros: While not as extensive as on the 115x the SlideTrax System on Tarpon is still more than enough for all my needs and is also a huge positive * Also has a very comfortable/adjustable seat * Has the same center hatch with same benefits as w/115x * Self-Bailing Scupper Holes * Much lighter weight than it's "big brother" 115x * While not as stable as the 115x it is remarkable stable for a smaller 10" lighter kayak * Still solid and stable enough that I feel safe when on larger bodies of water Cons: While roomy for a 10' Kayak it is still a little more cramped for my legs with all the gear I like to take (I usually load a lot in with me) 135T This is basically is for going out with two people, and we generally use it less often then the first two, but fun to have. Added general Pros for all three Wilderness systems: It may be a common thing on many others but one thing I like is the fixed type of bungee on the nose of each of these kayaks. It makes it super easy to slide one end of the paddle under it securely and not have to worry about a loose paddle moving or falling* They both also have a lot of fixed bungees that make securing things a breeze * Their handles are really nice quality and make carrying easier * They both have plenty of added little storage spots built into the kayak which I have ended up using a lot for keeping tools handy and at the ready * I have been impressed with the quality of the construction on both of them * Both track and handle well. For less expensive options we have four "Future Beach" Kayaks. I believe all four are "Voyager" models, with two being "angler" versions. It's been about four or five years since we bought them but I think we got them on sale for about $200/ea and normally retailed for about $300 These have serviced our family very well. For the money they track and handle well and have all held up real well. Good luck with it!

Thanks Steve -- appreciate the effort in posting all this -- some serious food for thought

In comment 15051421 rasbutant said:

Quote:

In comment 15051416 rasbutant said: Quote: And have had/borrowed many kayaks over the years. The favorite for all men/women/kids has by far been the wilderness tarpon sit-on-top. It was design with fishing in mind but ours has really never been used for that. Link - ( New Window ) I should add dogs to the list of people that love it.

thanks -- that looks like a great kayak

In comment 15051417 cactus said:

Quote:

Malibu 2 (tandem) model Used on the Erie canal this summer Solid and not too heavy, good enough back support Link below Link - ( New Window )

thanks for your input -- that also looks like a really nice kayak

Are my primary concern

In comment 15051511 gidiefor said:

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What brand inflatable did you get?

It is called Driftsun, model Rover 220 kayak. Like I said, it performed great with a young kid in the front seat. A review of it here:

https://www.marketfleet.com/products/rover-220-inflatable-two-person-kayak-1

In comment 15051496 EricJ said:

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then you cannot get a paddle kayak. You need something where you propel yourself with your legs and have a rudder. That will free up your arms for fishing. I have the hobie pro angler which may be overkill for you. However, yes testing some of them out first would be ideal.

I respectively disagree. When I’m out in a kayak I take fishing very seriously yet I have zero interest in peddling around the lake. And while I can certainly appreciate why many might prefer that I personally love paddling and I have no problems fishing while doing so. It’s not for everyone, serious or not.

In comment 15051599 steve in ky said:

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In comment 15051496 EricJ said: Quote: then you cannot get a paddle kayak. You need something where you propel yourself with your legs and have a rudder. That will free up your arms for fishing. I have the hobie pro angler which may be overkill for you. However, yes testing some of them out first would be ideal. I respectively disagree. When I’m out in a kayak I take fishing very seriously yet I have zero interest in peddling around the lake. And while I can certainly appreciate why many might prefer that I personally love paddling and I have no problems fishing while doing so. It’s not for everyone, serious or not.

I guess we do different kind of fishing. I am on large reservoirs, the bay, the ocean and tidal rivers where you are going against tide too. Sometimes a fishing trip lasts for miles.... not happening with a paddle.

The OP mentioned the Hudson river. Ever fish there?

If you fish nothing but ponds, then fine go with the paddle.

In comment 15051612 EricJ said:

Quote:

In comment 15051599 steve in ky said: Quote: In comment 15051496 EricJ said: Quote: then you cannot get a paddle kayak. You need something where you propel yourself with your legs and have a rudder. That will free up your arms for fishing. I have the hobie pro angler which may be overkill for you. However, yes testing some of them out first would be ideal. I respectively disagree. When I’m out in a kayak I take fishing very seriously yet I have zero interest in peddling around the lake. And while I can certainly appreciate why many might prefer that I personally love paddling and I have no problems fishing while doing so. It’s not for everyone, serious or not. I guess we do different kind of fishing. I am on large reservoirs, the bay, the ocean and tidal rivers where you are going against tide too. Sometimes a fishing trip lasts for miles.... not happening with a paddle. The OP mentioned the Hudson river. Ever fish there? If you fish nothing but ponds, then fine go with the paddle.

I almost exclusively fish Kentucky Lake, and Lake Barkley 160,000 and 58,000 acres respectively. Occasionally I’ll fish small lakes but not too often.

pretty much precludes anything peddle, no?

I'm fond of my basic Perception. I'm a little fellow, so I can get away with a smaller yak.

A nice thing about a 2 person is that one person can steer/manage the yak while the other one is fishing.

In comment 15051733 fkap said:

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pretty much precludes anything peddle, no?

If you are buying new then yes.

Another important factor when choosing is how many seasons you plan to use the kayak. Getting wet in early spring and fall will not be much fun in a sit in kayak even with a dry suit.

I use mine all year as long as fish are biting.

On top of my list consistently was the Crescent Ultralite or lifetackle. Apparently they are great paddling kayaks and are stable as well, a little pricy around $700 but are very moldable in the sense that you can outfit it how ever you like as it has a lot of options that can be added.
Link - ( New Window )

I've kayaked a bunch of times on the Hudson here and, while it can be incredibly wonderful, it can also be extremely hard work depending on wind and tide...

Marvel series by Liquid Logic: 10', 12', or 14.5'. We have two of them, older models. One is quite small and maneuverable, and the other is bigger, so that you can put a passenger in the cockpit ahead of the paddler. Why do I like them?

1) The most comfortable seats you're going to find, period. (I'm 6'2, 210, and 67 years old, and it's like sitting in a La-Z-Boy compared to most kayak seats.)

2) Plastic. I don't worry about bumping into rocks, or scraping the bottom. I love the look of Swift kayaks, and the light weight, but no way would I spend that much money and be worried about scratching them every time I used them.

3) Sturdy. Sort of like Item 2). They can take some rough handling, and I'm not worried about my investment. They can take plenty of abuse, though I treat 'em well.

Some advice. My wife and I didn't skimp on paddles. We paid a lot for extremely good, strong, lightweight paddles right from the start because I knew that once I got out on the water, I'd probably want to keep trading up.

Remember that you're going to have to invest in a system to haul them, especially if you want to carry two at a time. We're happy with our Thule equipment.

they are great, especially for just cruising around still waters, possibly dropping a line in the water...ive never used for anything more than that

the kayaks.

I carried my surfing kayak (Wilderness Systems) atop my Xterra. I did not have to much trouble getting 1 boats on and off. I did slip off the top of the tie I was standing on and wrenched my knee, as I landed oddly. Granted I had just been surfing and badly twisted my knee.

It is a sit on top kayak. Thus it is easy to swivel and step out of. In this case, my heel slipped into a pocket in the sand. The wave still had enough energy to pin the boat to my back and spin it around me. It is that twisting of the body and the stuck heel...ended up with the torque meeting in my knee. Nothing turn but not good. The subsquent straight drop of 3'-0" from the tire, did not help matters.

Long story, not short....do account for how you might carry and unload the boats. The is like third on the list. The above suggestion or more informative than mine.

In comment 15051858 CT Charlie said:

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Marvel series by Liquid Logic: 10', 12', or 14.5'. We have two of them, older models. One is quite small and maneuverable, and the other is bigger, so that you can put a passenger in the cockpit ahead of the paddler. Why do I like them? 1) The most comfortable seats you're going to find, period. (I'm 6'2, 210, and 67 years old, and it's like sitting in a La-Z-Boy compared to most kayak seats.) 2) Plastic. I don't worry about bumping into rocks, or scraping the bottom. I love the look of Swift kayaks, and the light weight, but no way would I spend that much money and be worried about scratching them every time I used them. 3) Sturdy. Sort of like Item 2). They can take some rough handling, and I'm not worried about my investment. They can take plenty of abuse, though I treat 'em well. Some advice. My wife and I didn't skimp on paddles. We paid a lot for extremely good, strong, lightweight paddles right from the start because I knew that once I got out on the water, I'd probably want to keep trading up. Remember that you're going to have to invest in a system to haul them, especially if you want to carry two at a time. We're happy with our Thule equipment.

Thanks Charlie that's some good stuff there. I don't know why, but prior to this revelation of your age I thought you were Del Shofner's son, but apparently not. So if I've made comments to you that didn't resonate in the past, that's the reason why.

he's doing fine but he's not on BBI any more.

Although I may have some children I don't know about somewhere...

Well, we got a coupon and decided to get a couple of inexpensive 10' Pelican Trailblazer's and a couple of paddles and life jackets from Dick's yesterday. The Pelican's are blue have a closed compartment, a paddle line, a set of bunges, a water bottle holder next to the seat, look nice, and feel study and stable. We'll get a carrier rack eventually, but they both fit nice and snug in the back of our Tundra, so I think for now, we will move them around this way. We are going to hang them on the side of our garage for storage.

kayaking on the Rondout.

Separately, I had to drive over to Arkville yesterday on 28 - it follows the Esopus pretty much the whole way, that's another impressive creek. Beautiful drive.

not as calm as the Rondout, but it's within striking distance. We have several creeks nearby including Black Creek, Sandberg Creek, Chestnut Creek, the Neversink, the Esopus, and we have five NYC reservoirs nearby, all of which we have our eyes on, but our first outing will be on the Rondout so we can comfortably get our routine mapped out, then we'll expand from there.

With 8 grand children, at least four of whom have made it known they love being up at the farm and three of whom are probably big enough to try it out too - there's more than likely going to be more kayaks in our future

thumbs-up

We're up to five grandkids over here and kayaks are a good idea to add to the mix. We have access to Sepasco Lake (although as I point out to everyone, it's more of a pond than a lake, and it's really best for the small fry). Would love to do the creeks on the west side of the river.

My biggest advice is make sure to buy and always wear a good PDF.