Entry-level kayak? Good value?

[cshontz]

I'm disgusted by the quality of my life - more specifically, my physical inactivity. When I see myself in pictures nowadays, I'm ashamed. I'm not a big dude, and I don't want to be that scrawny kid again. I just don't want to deteriorate into this gluttonous abomination of a person. If you've seen me, its not very obvious except for my nine chins, a belly full of jelly that would make Kris Kringle proud (can still be concealed), a Dell tan, and no muscle mass. I cower in terror at the onset of a slight breeze.

That was a long and pointless opener, but you get my drift.

Anywho, we live near the Susquehanna river in Pennsylvania. I mean, we're really close - I can walk there. Why, for the love of Pete, do I not already have a kayak?

I've never done it before, and rest-assured, I'll try it first. There is a rental place on the other side of the river in York county. But I already know that I'd love exploring, mapping, and photographing up and down the river. That's the type of thing that I really like to do. If I can get in shape doing it - go me!

Can you guys recommend cost-effective, entry-level sit-in kayak that would be light, durable, and fun to use for a slow-moving river?

In the off chance that I tell my mom and she decides to help me out, the first thing she'll think of is LL Bean. Yea or nay?

My budget is that I should really not spend - at all. But... if something comes up, like a tax return or something, I might be able to make it happen.

 

[Nullifier]

If you have a limited budget watch craigs list. It seems the best selection of used kayaks out there is on Craigs. Look for a boat 12-14' long this will give you planty of capacity for you your paddle gear and other stuff. Most of the national brands are comparable in over all quality so it comes down mostly to fit and features.

Personally I like to have a boat with a rear hatch and bulkhead but this adds about $1q25.. tot he cost of a new kayak so if you are on a budget you can save money by finding a kayak that does not have one. An old school pungo 12 is a great option for economy. The new style pungo 12 is just as good but alittle more because of the hatch. I love the Liquid Logic Manta ray 12 and 14 also. Great seats!!! Old Town has the Loon series and the 138 model is a good boat.

Keep in mind none of these are performance models. They are designed to head out on flat water to do photography fishing relax etc.

 

[Nullifier]

a few in your area

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/boa/514902076.html

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/boa/491778951.html

 

[Ursidae69]

I also think you should watch the local CL, as well as local rags, lost of folks get into kayaking and not really get into it and sell their gear for cheap later.

Also consider canoes. Maybe you can rent something from a local outfitter and try different options.

 

[TeleScooby]

Liquid Logic is making some really nice, stable recreational (rec) boats this year. That said, definately watch CL, I've sold several really nice boats there locally and bought several as well...

This is a really nice boat, and exactly the style you're looking for:

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/boa/514902076.html

get ready now so this spring you can get out there paddling!

 

[Streakerfreak]

Don't go to LL Bean to buy your Kayaks. The best place to look for your first Kayak is CL like everyone has said. You will have no problem finding a good used one in the Northeast.

Try taking some classes with your local rec clubs or outfitters. When I first started I took two. One on the basics and one on eskimo rolls. This will let you know if you really want to sell out money for a kayak.

Local outfitters also sell used boats often. When I use to be a guide down in FL for a few months we would often sell used boats for great prices. Once you really get into it you can go all out. But don't waste your money now and go crazy with kayaks

Our two kayaks, her's is a Necky and mine is a Wilderness Systems, cost more then 6 grand when we bought them together and that was before gear.

 

[IZZYDUSIT]

I would like to add to the great advises you got so far with a suggestion of a seat on top type boat only for the versetility and safety factor. I just helped a friend of mine in making this selection on a Wilderness System Tarpon 140-nice boat for the money-REI had them for $900.00
nice stable boat with expedition haul design, you can rig it for fishing,diving and weekend touring in rivers lakes and calm shore lines.
I too urge you to take some classes and be safe on the water-there is more to kayaking then just paddle!
speaking of which, paddle selection is just as important to the joy of the sport!
do your research, try many boats and be safe!
you would love the sport!!

 

[Streakerfreak]

I would like to add to the great advises you got so far with a suggestion of a seat on top type boat only for the versetility and safety factor. I just helped a friend of mine in making this selection on a Wilderness System Tarpon 140-nice boat for the money-REI had them for $900.00
nice stable boat with expedition haul design, you can rig it for fishing,diving and weekend touring in rivers lakes and calm shore lines.
I too urge you to take some classes and be safe on the water-there is more to kayaking then just paddle!
speaking of which, paddle selection is just as important to the joy of the sport!
do your research, try many boats and be safe!
you would love the sport!!

Some good advice. I took the companys Tarpon 140 out a few times to get a feel for it, even though I am not a fan of sit on tops. The Tarpon compared to the other sit on tops I tested was the best.

Good advice on the paddle. What's funny was when I was trying to sell a kayak to someone I would tend to spend more time explaining paddles to the customer. Yes you will get sticker shot at some of the good paddles. I spent $150 on two AquaBound paddles which were middle of the road paddles. Don't over look a good one. Do not just grab the cheap $50 paddles off the shelf.

 

[kerry]

Old designs can be obtained cheap. For instance a 13' Perception whitewater kayak from the 80's would probably be available on Craigslist somewhere for around $75-$150. It could be shipped on Forward Air for about $50-100. I've bought a number of kayaks for my daughter this way. I purchased on old Chinook touring kayak which was virtually new, having been stored in a garage for years for $300 last summer. This included storage bags, skirt and a paddle.

 

[IZZYDUSIT]

The problem with buying a seat-in kayak sight unseen is fitment. like a shoe, there is not a "one size fits all".
cockpit size as well as kayak width and chine design is very important to the pleasure,comfort,and safety of the boater. consequently, unless you are familiar with the boat you are buying on the internet, cheap could be expensive,
worst yet dangerous.
just my .02 cents

 

[Streakerfreak]

The problem with buying a seat-in kayak sight unseen is fitment. like a shoe, there is not a "one size fits all".
cockpit size as well as kayak width and chine design is very important to the pleasure,comfort,and safety of the boater. consequently, unless you are familiar with the boat you are buying on the internet, cheap could be expensive,
worst yet dangerous.
just my .02 cents

Yes, very true. For example on fitment, when I was figuring out which kayaks to buy for us I was narrowing it down between Necky and Wilderness Systems. Necky Kayaks fit Jenn like a glove and Wilderness Systems were for the most part a little to large. As for me I fit nicely in a Necky kayak except for my legs. The general angle of the side walls of there boats twisted my feet into a very uncomfortable angle.

Best thing to do is try out a boat before you buy it.

 

[grahamfitter]

My 2 cents...

I also agree with buying used. Its much cheaper and while the plastic might look scratched it takes a lot to seriously damage one.

If you've not done much kayaking before I'd suggest a sit-on-top. They're wider and more stable and if you fall in you can climb back on which makes you a lot more self sufficient. They're not as streamlined as regular sea kayaks so will take more effort to paddle but for a beginner that's not the most important thing.

If you really enjoy kayaking and want to get more serious about it you'll end up upgrading all the gear you got at first. Like most sports, that's just the way it works! The sit-on-tops will make great guest kayaks you can pull out when needed.

Cheers,
Graham

 

[stick]

There are a lot of places in PA that rent kayaks. I would recommend renting a few different styles and brands to try them out first and see what best works for you. I know of at least two outfitters that have "demo days" where they let you try out kayaks for free. There is a place in Lock Haven, PA called Rock River Trail Outfitter that has a demo day at least 5-6 times per year. It's totally free and you get to try at least 2-3 brands of kayaks. I'm not sure how many sit-on-top kayaks they have, but that's where I bought my Heritage brand kayaks this past summer and they are good people.

 

[cshontz]

Thanks for the great advice, everyone! I'm not ready to buy yet, but its one of my goals for sometime in 2008. A few more questions.

The outfitter at the below address is located reasonably close to me, and they sell both used and new. Do you see anything here that looks like the type of thing I seriously look into?

http://www.shanksmare.com/html/bargin_box.html

Also, I'm 5'7" and currently 175 lbs (should be 150-ish). Comfort aside, does this put me into a particular kayak length?

Finally, what about my camera? Obviously, there's some risk of getting wet, but... how much? I do have a (broken) camera with a waterproof housing, but I'm wondering if it'd be safe to take my Canon XTi.

 

[Streakerfreak]

Thanks for the great advice, everyone! I'm not ready to buy yet, but its one of my goals for sometime in 2008. A few more questions.

The outfitter at the below address is located reasonably close to me, and they sell both used and new. Do you see anything here that looks like the type of thing I seriously look into?

http://www.shanksmare.com/html/bargin_box.html

Also, I'm 5'7" and currently 175 lbs (should be 150-ish). Comfort aside, does this put me into a particular kayak length?

Finally, what about my camera? Obviously, there's some risk of getting wet, but... how much? I do have a (broken) camera with a waterproof housing, but I'm wondering if it'd be safe to take my Canon XTi.

You see that orange kayak in the back? If I am not mistaken, it is a Necky Manitou. My fiance has that boat. Same color also. It is pretty wide and a nice middle of the road, go any where boat. She is a beginner and its is perfect for her. Very stable boat.

I am not sure about the ones in the middle next to the Necky. I would check those out. The purple one next to the Necky looks like it has a nice hull shape compared to the others. Do you know what it is? I might know it, but I don't what to guess and be wrong.

All the others might be a good price, but I think they may be a little less then you need. There will be very little room for gear you might need, they look more along the lines of just a simple play boat.

If they will let you try each type pictured, DO IT! This is the only way to know if they fit you right. Then try picturing how your gear will fit in it.

If you want to fish in these boats those Emotion Kayaks are probably too small.