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In the market for a new kayak

Posted on 6/18/15 at 9:20 am
Posted by KajunKouyon
White Castle, LA
Member since Jun 2012
2379 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 9:20 am
What are some good first kayak options? Main priority is obviously comfortability. Going to be used for fishing and just joy riding.
Posted by YOURADHERE
Member since Dec 2006
8048 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 9:21 am to
Budget?
Posted by KajunKouyon
White Castle, LA
Member since Jun 2012
2379 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 9:23 am to
Forgot about that. I'd like to stay around the $500-$700 range if possible
Posted by tigerbait703
Chackbay, La
Member since Sep 2007
655 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 9:30 am to
Vibe makes really nice kayaks and not outrageous
Posted by AlxTgr
Kyre Banorg
Member since Oct 2003
81741 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 9:30 am to
I can not say this enough-make sure you like the seat. Mine kills me. I had no idea it was that crucial.
Posted by tigerbait703
Chackbay, La
Member since Sep 2007
655 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 9:32 am to
quote:

I can not say this enough-make sure you like the seat. Mine kills me. I had no idea it was that crucial


FeelFree Gravity Seats are extremely nice, but a bit pricey.
Posted by dat yat
Chef Pass
Member since Jun 2011
4340 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 9:33 am to
I got the 12' Emotion Mojo angler for about $500. It is fast, tracks well and maneuvers well, especially compared to the canoe and pirogue that I used before I had it. It also has good rear storage and pole holders.

Negatives:
1- It could use a seat cushion.
2- Front hatch is too small for large/long items.
3- When I paddle at top speed, water comes in the scuppers.
Posted by YOURADHERE
Member since Dec 2006
8048 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 9:35 am to
If you look long and hard enough you may be able to find something used in that range. Perhaps a Tarpon or Ultimate maybe. Deals are out there but when you see them you have to act fast as they don't last long.

If you're looking to go new then I still say there is no better bang for the buck than the Ascend FS12T from Bass Pro, I had one as my first. They're $550 new(plus tax), add in paddle and other accessories and you should be in your $600-$700 range. Wide open platform, stable enough to stand, seat is adjustable forward/backward and is pretty comfy, tracks decent. There's a couple small quality control issues that need to be address sometimes, it's common for the scupper holes to not line up perfectly so they may leak a little. Silicone fixed that up. The small dry storage also isn't always dry, so I'd just put keys/wallet/phone in a portable dry box.
Posted by DownSouthDave
Beau, Bro, Baw
Member since Jan 2013
7386 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 9:36 am to
Ascen FS12T or Perception Pescador

FS12T has a better seat, more comfortable, more stable and more storage. But it's heavier and slower.

Pescador is lighter and faster. I find it to be comfortable, I can fish out of it all day with no problems. But it's not as stable and the storage isn't that great.

Ascend -dry arse
Pescador -wet arse
This post was edited on 6/18/15 at 9:38 am
Posted by AlxTgr
Kyre Banorg
Member since Oct 2003
81741 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 9:38 am to
quote:

I got the 12' Emotion Mojo angler for about $500. It is fast, tracks well and maneuvers well, especially compared to the canoe and pirogue that I used before I had it. It also has good rear storage and pole holders.

Negatives:
1- It could use a seat cushion.
2- Front hatch is too small for large/long items.
3- When I paddle at top speed, water comes in the scuppers.


I have the same one, and if it were not for my butt pain, I would give it 5 stars. I do not get water in the scuppers.
Posted by Riseupfromtherubble
You'll Never Walk Alone
Member since Jun 2011
38382 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 9:40 am to
quote:

can not say this enough-make sure you like the seat. Mine kills me. I had no idea it was that crucial.


It's the reason I'm getting a new kayak and the reason I rarely go anymore. I've settled on the feel free lure 13.5. Arguably the best seat on the market from what I've read and a built in sonar pod so I can finally use my from-two-christmas-ago fish finder


Comes at a price though. After everything I want for it (paddle, rudder, Yakima racks, decent cooler, anchor) im looking at a cool $2400
This post was edited on 6/18/15 at 9:44 am
Posted by tigerbait703
Chackbay, La
Member since Sep 2007
655 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 9:43 am to
quote:

feel free lure 13.5


For the price its the best on the market. IMO
Posted by KajunKouyon
White Castle, LA
Member since Jun 2012
2379 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 9:44 am to
Is there much of a benefit in the sit in and sit on kayaks?
Posted by Riseupfromtherubble
You'll Never Walk Alone
Member since Jun 2011
38382 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 9:47 am to
Good to know

Looks like the perfect yak for what I'll be using it for, inshore and flats fishing with the occasional trip to the river or lake. Great seat, stock sonar pod, easily customizable, as stable as they come for standing up. I won't win any races in it but for the money and the type of fishing I'll be doing it looks like the best I can get
Posted by Riseupfromtherubble
You'll Never Walk Alone
Member since Jun 2011
38382 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 9:54 am to
Much more room for gear in a sit on top. I've had both and hate my sit inside for fishing. It's just too cramped. Also a bitch if you flip a sit inside, because they can take on water. No scuppers so if you get caught in a rain storm in a sit inside there isn't anywhere for the water to go.

Whitewater kayaking or racing is the only spots where I'd prefer a sit inside. For fishing a sit on top is a much better choice in my opinion
Posted by KajunKouyon
White Castle, LA
Member since Jun 2012
2379 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 9:57 am to
Posted by lsunurse
Member since Dec 2005
129044 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 10:05 am to
I bought inflatable kayaks and I LOVE them. Course....I don't go fishing in them....they are pretty tough though.


I don't have a roof rack on my jeep and love that I can go kayaking by myself without having to try and take off/put back on roof and secure. Inflates in like 10 minutes.


Posted by nahtanojc
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2006
980 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 10:22 am to
Depends on what SINK you get. . .

Absolutely nothing cramped about the Native Ultimate, and I could carry just as much gear, if not more, in it than I could in my Pro Angler 14.

Yes, they can take on water so you must be cautious in rough waters/big open water, but the same conditions that will usually put waves over the side of a SINK will also generally capsize a SOT.

SINKs have you sitting below the waterline, so are generally more stable than their SOT counterparts. As to what little rain may get in, a sponge is usually enough to get it back out.

OP,
prices of kayaks continue to increase, but the budgets of those looking to get into the hobby usually doesn't. While it's possible to get a new kayak for $500, you would be much better off looking for a used kayak that will have more features, better stability and tracking, and a more comfortable seat. The Ascend is your best bet if wanting new.
Native Ultimate's can sometimes be found used for $600-800; they are SINKs, but the seat will be the best seat you can find in that price range and the kayak is stable enough to stand in. And they are arguably the best all around kayaks for fishing here in LA.

Keep an eye on CL for deals.
Posted by nahtanojc
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2006
980 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 10:27 am to
Inflatables have their place, but the marshes of LA isn't one of them!

Assuming the OP will be fishing salt, one oyster shell is all it will take to turn that fun fishing trip into a miserable one.
Of course, if the OP is keeping it fresh, an inflatable may work. Maybe not the inflatable kayak per se, but rather one of the inflatable pontoon style fishing craft.
Posted by lsuson
Metairie
Member since Oct 2013
12242 posts
Posted on 6/18/15 at 10:29 am to
Take a look at the Jackson Coosa that runs just under $700. Very nice kayak for the price. Comfy seat. I'm going to get the Coosa HD in a couple weeks. Massey's carries them
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