Need some insight on a Kayak purchase.

[njjeepthing]

Ok so here's the history. We rented a few times in back bay areas, we liked it quite a bit. Been throwing around the idea of getting our own boats for recreational use, mostly back bay, lake, etc. We have no kayak experience other than the rental times we went. We want to get boats that we will feel comfortable on and at the same time not outgrow in a year. We are small people! 5'6 & 5'2 both less than 140lbs, so we don't need something huge and heavy!

I am looking at three used boats, all seam to be what we are looking for.

One is a Hobie Lanie.
One is a Cobra Play.
And the last is a Spirit by Dimension


Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[njjeepthing]

Hmm, 44 views not one comment, just because it's snowing outside doesn't mean we can't talk watersports!:REExeSwimmingHL:

 

[Scott39]

Are you looking for a tandem or single kayaks?

 

[YukonMontanaTannerTrapper]

I've also been in the market for a new to me kayak (tandem). I've been scanning Craig's List for the past two months but it seems as though each one I've liked is beyond my budget. I live in the mountains and there are plenty of used whitewater kayaks available (I've already got 2 low end ones). It seems as though the best options / availability for me (tandem expedition kayaks) are along the Chesapeake Bay.

Anyhow, I usually Google the kayak that captures my attention and check out the reviews from users of that particular kayak.

 

[njjeepthing]

Are you looking for a tandem or single kayaks?

Singles

 

[njjeepthing]

I've also been in the market for a new to me kayak (tandem). I've been scanning Craig's List for the past two months but it seems as though each one I've liked is beyond my budget. I live in the mountains and there are plenty of used whitewater kayaks available (I've already got 2 low end ones). It seems as though the best options / availability for me (tandem expedition kayaks) are along the Chesapeake Bay.

Anyhow, I usually Google the kayak that captures my attention and check out the reviews from users of that particular kayak.

I do the same, http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/ has some good reviews.

 

[Scott39]

Singles

I have this boat. I can put my wife in it and one child or paddle it by myself with the sliding seat. They do have solo smaller models that would work well for what you want. These boats are great for recreational paddling, but they are also kind of like a touring kayak for some speed.
I might be getting a sit-on-top kayak this summer for when I go by myself. I will be looking for something narrow and long for speed.

http://www.wildernesssystems.com/pr...reational_pamlico/pamlico_160tr_recreational/

 

[XJINTX]

I have 3 different purpose boats and a canoe. I love them all for their specific uses. My Prijon is a great open type water boat and it's rudder makes a lake trip a lot more fun.

For you I might suggest a good shop that let's you rent or test drive different type boats they sell. I love buying on the Internet and CL but I also think we need to suppport local businesses that promote sports/hobbies we love.

I know I could find boats and bikes less expensive elsewhere but I always try and support the local "Experts" at the local shops. Just my .02

 

[billwilson]

kayak

hi
we have an inflatable
http://www.advancedelements.com/advancedframe.html#advancedframesport

two person
20 min from top of rig into water

takes up space of one of those LARGE rolling suitcases
75 lbs w/ paddles

i have been out w/ my buddy and his wife
in thier sleek racers with steering blah blah blah

we got to the destination 5 minutes after them ( 45 min paddle )

oh, and my wife pretty much just holds the dog and doesnt paddle

 

[njjeepthing]

I know I could find boats and bikes less expensive elsewhere but I always try and support the local "Experts" at the local shops. Just my .02

I did just that yesterday, visited the Jersey Paddler in Brick NJ, they invited me to their Paddle Sports expo in March for some one on one time with multiple boats and vendors. Along with a ton of new boats, he said he usually gets a ton of trade ins around that time as well.

 

[INSAYN]

If I may, I would suggest going with something at least 11 foot long, and with some form of a keel along the rear section. 12-13 foot would be better IMO for bigger waters that may have decent chop or wind. If you plan to surf, or run creek rapids than that's a different story. :Wow1:
Short flat bottom kayaks actually function better and safer in those conditions.


With the shorter yaks, you will exspend a lot of energy just keeping the dang thing going straight between strokes. Add wind, chop, swells, and/or current and those boats are a handful, and quickly become not fun. Sure they are physically lighter, and shorter for storage reasons, but where does it matter most? On the water, right? Loading and storage are only part of the equation. If you are not happy with the control, or stability of a said kayak it will spend more time at home than otherwise being used.

Be sure to explore the option of buying two different brands, styles or lengths between you and your wife. One kayak does not fit all. Most kayak shops that are near water, will allow for demos. I highly recommend do so, to get a good feel for several models. Make sure she likes what she is paddling, even if you don't find that model good for you. Nobody will think anything of it if you show up to the water with two completely different kayaks.

My suggestions are as follows (no particular order):

Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11
Ocean Kayak Caper
Ocean Kayak Trident 11
Ocean Kayak Trident 13 (I have this one, and love it)
Ocean Kayak Prowler 13
Hobie Maui
Hobie Quest
Malibu Stealth 12
Cobra Escape
Cobra Explorer
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
Wilderness Systems Ride 135


Now if you wanted to spend a bit more and have the option to pedal or paddle:
Hobie Outback
Hobie Revolution (I have this as well, and love it even more!)


If you like fishing along with touring around scenic water holes, there are plenty of kayaks out there that are designed with fishing in mind. Many of them listed above!

 

[njjeepthing]

Thanks, great info there.

 

[njtaco]

These are all shorter boats, right?

I rented 10 foot Loons by Old town for a while, then rented a 13 foot "Adventure" for a camping trip. When it came time to buy, I got the 12 foot Old Town (I forget the model) and the ex got an 11 foot Loon. There is a huge difference in just a foot or two in how they handle. The shorter boats fatigue me much faster, it is harder to keep a straight line.

If you are paddling the back bays, I'd suggest some longer boats. I use mine (12 foot) on the Wading River, Egg Harbor River, Bass River, and Mullica River and don't have any trouble turning it about or paddling long straight stretches. It gets pretty shallow and tight in the upper Mullica, especially putting in at Atsion. If I were on back bays more often I might want an even longer boat. I've paddled parts of the middle Delaware (by Bull's Island) and the "rapids" (at lower water) on the Lehigh river around Jim Thorpe without any trouble, so the boat isn't too big either. Everyone else on the Lehigh River trip swamped their smaller boats, and not because they were any less experienced paddlers.

You're in Manahawkin...I'd have no problem paddling to the Island from the end of Bay Ave in my boat or one longer, but would consider it torture in a 10 foot boat.

Now if you also plan to kayak the surf on the island, different story. I'd likely drown myself trying that in my boat!

Oh, all my references are sit IN boats, not sit ON boats. I think the principles are the same though.

One last thought...weight. Consider when you are shopping how you will transport the boats, and whether you can load/unload by yourself. My ex's boat is much lighter than mine because mine is compartmentalized and a foot longer. Lifting it to the roof of the Cruiser myself can be a chore at the end of a long paddle. She is not tall or strong enough to help much, either. This really wasn't a problem until I hurt my shoulder, but it is still worth considering.

My 2c...

Oh, if you want to take a few boats for test paddles before buying, Bell Haven in Green Bank let us take 10 or 12 boats out of the racks and try them out on the lake right there on the property. Their prices were fair too. Well,at least 8 years ago they were. I'd think the dealers on the island (or near it) would be more expensive as well.

Jersey Paddler has a PaddleSport show at the end of March, too.

Edit: INSAYN beat me to many of the same points while I was "composing".

 

[njtaco]

You mentioned you are "smaller" people...they means your reach is likely shorter, and you may want a narrower hull so you don't paddle too flat. It's hard to "dig in" when you have to tip the boat to port and starboard just to reach the water. Make sure you get the right length paddle for your reach and size boat.

 

[njjeepthing]

Thanks, that's great info...and yes, we will be going to the Paddle Sports show.