Both my wife and I have been thinking of getting some kayaks. We're in our mid 60's, recently retired and just want to keep it simple. I don't want to spend a fortune on these and although we plan to use them for fishing I' don't plan to load them to the max with a ton of optional gear. I'm not getting any stronger so I want to keep them pretty light weight. I know there are carts for moving but I want to avoid that. As I said, I just was to keep things simple. I have a boat for most of my lake fishing so this is something for an occasional few hours on the LMR and to take with us on vacation to Ky or WV. My son is big time into the whitewater kayaking and I have no interest in that either. So I've been looking at some yaks at Dick's and see a few options. Also I want to keep the price down on these since they will only get occasional use.
I know there are sit-in and sit on top and wonder which models would be best for our limited needs or if there are any makes/models that are better or if there are some we should stay away from? Are some more stable or unstable than others? I see a few models in the $300 price range that seem perfect for our needs.
Any input, recommendations, ideas or models would be appreciated. TIA
Well today was that we went looking...just to see what is out there.
Like streamstalker said compromise ruled the day but weight and comfort were our priority. We considered cost but not by much. We both liked the idea of the SOT but decided on the SIS since it has a lower center of gravity. We're both fairly active so mobility shouldn't be a factor.
We went to Dick's 1st and we liked the Perception 9'-6" Swifty DLX because of the weigh (39#) but we didn't think much of the seat. We looked at their other models and decided nothing else they had would work.
Next stop we went to BPS and looked at the Ascends and because of weight (50#) we ruled them out pretty quick and since they were the lightest they had we ruled out the rest.
Our next stop was a kayak shop (D&D Outfitters) and he had a much broader selection and after we talked a bit he showed us a few that fit our needs. We settled on a Perception Prodigy 10 and a Perception Impulse, both were fairly light (42&44#) but the selling point was the seats. The seats on these models way outshined the seats on the models they sold at Dick's, simply no comparison and I'm sure it was the reason for the extra weight. He didn't have 2 of either model but that's okay and we like something on each model anyway.
They aren't fishing yaks per say but for our needs they should work out just fine.
I was texting my son as to our choices and he agreed it was probably a good fit for us and he left with this note that "kayaks are kind of like roaches. Once you make the initial purchase somehow more show up in your garage".
In my opinion, you definitely want a sit on top kayak.
I would look for a comfortable seat. I have a bad back myself and bought a FeelFree. very stable, very comfortable adjustable seat height. But above the $500 price range.
I dont think I've ever read or heard anyone say they didn't like their kayak.
You should try to find a place that demos kayaks and go out paddle a few if you have the time. Not sure where your from in Ohio, but if you search around a lot of places offer demos. Strictly Sail outside of Cinci was going to take me out to fish and demo, but I didnt have the time. Good luck, lots of help and info on here.
Now it's time to go out and have some fun!!!!! I went out this morning early. Had two nice strikes early couldn't get the hook set. Then it stopped for me. Weeds seem bad this year. Tried the frog in the weeds with no luck. So when the fishing is slow I just paddle. That is where my touring Kayak comes in handy. Great day today even without any fish.
Well I went back to D&D Outfitter's yesterday and picked up the 2 sit in 10' Perceptions he had in stock and with 2 paddles the whole deal was under $1k. After moving the yaks around I'm glad we stayed with something in the low 40# range, I think 50-60# would be too much for us to handle. Granted they aren't "fishing" kayaks per say but they will work fine for our needs. I have a few older rod holders I took off my boat a few years ago and plan on mounting them with a few flush mount bases soon.
I have to wait until Monday to get them registered before I can take them out but that gives me a little time to look at some launch sites I have in mind.
I'll post again after we had a change to get them out a time or two as a follow up.
Well I went back to D&D Outfitter's yesterday and picked up the 2 sit in 10' Perceptions he had in stock and with 2 paddles the whole deal was under $1k. After moving the yaks around I'm glad we stayed with something in the low 40# range, I think 50-60# would be too much for us to handle. Granted they aren't "fishing" kayaks per say but they will work fine for our needs. I have a few older rod holders I took off my boat a few years ago and plan on mounting them with a few flush mount bases soon.
I have to wait until Monday to get them registered before I can take them out but that gives me a little time to look at some launch sites I have in mind.
I'll post again after we had a change to get them out a time or two as a follow up.
Sounds like you got some great yaks. Make sure you sit in them and fake paddle to see where your reach is when paddling. That way you can be sure to mount the rod holders clear of your paddle stroke.
...and not just where the rod holders are, but where your rod butts will be sticking out.
Almost everyone mounts their first rod holder too closely to the cockpit.
...and not just where the rod holders are, but where your rod butts will be sticking out.
Almost everyone mounts their first rod holder too closely to the cockpit.
Good thread John, Im thinking about a Yak too, although after renting them for years and having 56 hard years under my belt Im leaning toward a sot boat, and also want something longer than 10ft as I remember too many times on the river spinning around missing the money cast. I love my Bass Tracker but like fishing creeks and rivers this time of year even more.....Elkhorn creek Ky has been on my bucket list for awhile now
Elkhorn is on mine too.
I see advantages of both sit in & sit on, I did steel work for 30 plus years so I understand the wear & tear on the body. Now I just have to find some time to use it. I plan on taking these to WV for a few days in Sept so I have a little time to at least try them out before hand.
As luck would have it my boat motor started acting up. I decided I'm not doing the repairs on it so I'll be replacing it soon so at least now I have something I can use.
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