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Another kayak recommendation thread

Posted on 5/11/14 at 11:51 am
Posted by KG6
Member since Aug 2009
10920 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 11:51 am
Put my flats boat up for sale because I'm going to be having a kid at the end of the summer and I know I'm not going to be using it a lot. Would feel terrible having the boat sit up not being used. Didn't expect a lot of attention at the price I had it and planned to fish all summer and lower the price later. Well I got a bite on it and I don't know if I could turn it down if the guy offers me close to what I'm asking.

So that leaves me with a little extra pocket change to get a kayak to keep me on the water this summer. I'm willing to spend some money, but have no idea what I'm looking at. I'm used to fishing the same waters as kayakers with my boat, but I obviously had a lot more range. I'd like a kayak that I can get pretty far out there. I also have to be able to get this thing up on top of my Tahoe by myself. I like the Native propel system, so I've been looking at that. Other than that, I really don't know what I need. Calling on the OB to rig me out a dream setup for around $3500.
Posted by PillageUrVillage
Mordor
Member since Mar 2011
14731 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 11:54 am to
With that budget, Native Slayer Propel or Hobie Pro Angler.
Posted by KG6
Member since Aug 2009
10920 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 12:13 pm to
What lengths am I looking at to be able to handle it getting it on and off my vehicle by myself?
Posted by PapaPogey
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2008
39421 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 12:18 pm to
It sucks getting anything on and off a Tahoe. I somehow manage it but it's not easy.

Eta: hobies are way too heavy IMO. Is look at Jackson and KC
This post was edited on 5/11/14 at 12:21 pm
Posted by PillageUrVillage
Mordor
Member since Mar 2011
14731 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 12:25 pm to
How big and strong of a guy are you?

The slayer propel 13 is 85lbs according to the specs. My pescador is 60 and is not difficult to lift.

LINK
This post was edited on 5/11/14 at 12:32 pm
Posted by KG6
Member since Aug 2009
10920 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 12:39 pm to
I'm 6' and I can carry a 50 qt K2 loaded by myself . I may just get a utility trailer with a stand for a kayak. I need one anyway.
Posted by nahtanojc
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2006
980 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 1:33 pm to
So you want a kayak with range. . . that gives you two options.

1. pedal drive kayak (Mirage or Propel)
2. trolling motor

If you're not interested in fishing kayak tournaments, where trolling motors would be illegal, then the easiest solution would be to go with #2. Look at Bassyaks.com for trolling motor kits that mount on the stern. You can always DIY if you're so inclined.

Going that route would allow you to get a lighter kayak since you would be car-topping.

While putting a Slayer Propel or a Hobie PA on top is possible, that will get old real quick. You could get a Thule Hullavator or similar rack assist, but you're looking at an additional $500 to go that route.

I bought a Slayer Propel at the end of last year, and recently bought a Hobie PA. While the Hobie weighs more on paper, I find it a lot easier to handle than the Propel. I use a trailer and wouldn't think of trying to get either on top of my roof!

That being said. . if you get a trailer then either one would be fair game. You may be hard pressed to get a PA along with a trailer and all the accessories you would need to rig the kayak as you want and keep the price under $3500. (I found my trailer on the sportsman for $200- galvanized jetski trailer)
Posted by Polar Pop
Member since Feb 2012
10748 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 1:51 pm to
With a budget like that, and based on your wants/needs, I think the Hobie Outback or Revolution would be perfect.

Around 2k in price, Outback weighs 62 lbs, mirage drive, etc.

Jimbeam has one of those models, so he might be able to provide more insight.

You would want to kill yourself the first time you had to chunk a PA on top of a Tahoe after a long day of fishing.
Posted by tigers win2
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2009
3837 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 1:58 pm to
With a good Thule or Yakima rack system, you can any of those up there relatively easily.

I use the Thule Glide and Set on my Expedition. Yakima Hully Rollers is another one to look at.

$200-$300 price range but will help keep you from hurting yourself.
This post was edited on 5/11/14 at 2:48 pm
Posted by DrTyger
Covington
Member since Oct 2009
22325 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 2:22 pm to
Definitely Hobie Pro Angler. Fishermans dream rig.

As stated though, it is heavy and might be a pain to load in a Tahoe. Might wanna consider getting or making a trailer too.
Posted by CBLSU316
Far Right of Left
Member since Jun 2008
11391 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 2:40 pm to
If I had that budget I'd get a KC and probably throw a trolling motor on it.
Posted by Gaston
Dirty Coast
Member since Aug 2008
38940 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 2:59 pm to
BOTE paddleboard.


Better one here, pictures in link. You'd be at you price with loaded down.
https://shop.floridapaddlesports.com/bote-ahab-sup/
This post was edited on 5/11/14 at 3:02 pm
Posted by KG6
Member since Aug 2009
10920 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 3:04 pm to
I like the reverse of the native and the ease in which you can flip it up to paddle in shallower water. Is the hobie that much better. I'm also really lost on how the length affects the experience. Is a 12'er more efficient than a 10'er when paddling. I really know nothing.
Posted by PillageUrVillage
Mordor
Member since Mar 2011
14731 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 3:21 pm to
I wouldn't get anything under 12'. Especially for longer trips.
Posted by hogdaddy
Krotz Springs
Member since Feb 2010
5153 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 3:31 pm to
Ambush, the hull is $3,000 with the motor mount.

L.O.A ___________ 13'
Beam ___________ 36"
Weight __________ 125 lbs.
Draft ____________ 3"
Capacity _________ 2 persons
Weight capacity ___ 375 lbs
Max Hp __________ 6hp



Youtube
youtube
Quick fishing trip.
This post was edited on 5/11/14 at 4:16 pm
Posted by Polar Pop
Member since Feb 2012
10748 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 6:23 pm to
By no means am I trying to talk you out of a kayak. BUT for 3k, you could get a fricking killer Gheenoe rig.

Posted by Boats n Hose
NOLA
Member since Apr 2011
37248 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 6:31 pm to
That'd be sweet
Posted by KG6
Member since Aug 2009
10920 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 8:05 pm to
I thought about the Gheenoe, but I don't want to deal with the registration, storage, trailer, upkeep etc. if I don't have to. I love pond hopping for reds. It's why I bought my boat. With the kid on the way I figure I'll buy a more family oriented bigger bay boat in a few years and I can keep this kayak for my own fun. The $3500 is to fully rig it out, everything but rods, reels, and tackle. I want the most convenient tackle storage, best anchor systems, rod mounts, etc if I'm going to be getting rid of my boat and switching to this. I just don't know what's what. I know half the things are probably easily homemade or can be a cheap fix, but it will take some time in the water to figure out the best setup. Gotta sell the boat first though.
Posted by PapaPogey
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2008
39421 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 8:06 pm to
quote:

If I had that budget I'd get a KC and probably throw a trolling motor on it.



probably me too
Posted by Cantstandya
Baton Rouge
Member since May 2005
435 posts
Posted on 5/11/14 at 8:15 pm to
U can come check out my set-ups if you live in BR. I have a Jackson Cuda and a Hobie Pro Angler.
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