re: The Official Kayak Thread

This looks like a blast.
LINK

quote:

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The difference is whether or not you want to fool with Fuel and issues that come with an outboard OR always know your kayak will go when you need it to go.

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This.

That kayak will start every time

I will either go one of two directions next.

A) A used pedal kayak, I simply can't justify the cost new, or atleast not for what I want. I'd likely look at Outbacks and Slayer Propels. I'm interested in the Jackson FD and the Slayer Propel LT but can't justify the ~$3000 price tags.

B) Buy a Gheenoe Classic, sell one kayak(likely the Slayer 14.5) and keep one(probably the Cuda 14) and still do kayak tournaments. Small outboards don't take a ton of maintenance and sip fuel. Buying one new would probably end up around $6000, used ones can usually be had in the $3500-4500 range. Extend my range, carries 2 people, floats in just about the same water as a kayak.

I'm not afraid of a project either, ideally that's what I'd like to start with, strip it, build a front and read deck, false floor, and a poling platform. Basically this boat but put a cooler/grab bar combo in the middle.

That's my draw to them, they can be configured however you'd like, tiller, stick steers, center consoles, poling and casting platforms, etc etc etc. Plus cutting things up and fixing/rebuilding them is something I enjoy so a project Gheenoe wouldn't scare me away. I'm not really looking to cross bays or get into open water, just wanting something that'll go the same places my kayak does, just faster, further, and with 2 people.

I bought my Outback used for $2k. Came with a paddle, vest, anchor trolley, Native insulated bag, and anchor pole.

I think the Mirage Drive 180 is going to make pedal kayaks affordable as "starter" kayaks very soon.

A new Outback is ~$2700. A used 180 Outback, priced fairly, will go around $2200-$2400. Heck the guy that won a brand new one at PaddlePalooza took over a month to sell at $2200, a steal.

This will drive down the used prices on other previous model Outbacks.

I think used Vantage seat(pre-180 drive) Outbacks will probably start going in the $1700-$2000 range, I've even recently seen a couple 2015 models priced at $1750 and $1650, both sold quickly. Anyone shopping used will look at a $2000 '15/'16 Outback and realize that a used 180 drive model can be had for a few hundred more, so I think that new drive will be bargaining power against the forward-only drives.

Same applies for the Pre-Vantage seat models. Why would you pay $1500 when you can get the much better seat for only a few hundred more. I'm starting to see a few Outbacks with the crappy seat pop up in the $1000-$1200 range. That's what I mean when I say you're not far off from seeing pedal kayaks on the used market that can be within reach of "starter" kayak money.


I think the same concept will apply to the Pro Anglers as well.

Totally agree with your assessment on used kayaks. 3 years ago I got an Ascend 128t when it was $750 and spent another $250 on accessories. What I see on the used market now for $1k is crazy compared to 3 years ago. You can get a damn good kayak for 1k rigged out.

Agreed, I was unaware until just recently that P&P don't even stock the Slayer 14.5 anymore, I remember them having a few of them in stock when I originally went to look at them. Surprised me a bit because to me it's still one of the best laid out kayaks on the market. You rarely see them up for sale though, last one I saw was about 6 months ago I believe for around $1000. Maybe they're not as great as I think they are?

I bought mine used, it had been on the water at the LSU lakes twice, for $1050. I've since added anchor trolleys, the Native rudder kit($300, scooped a NIB setup on Ebay for $120) so if/when I do sell it I should do well to recoup most of my funds.

My Cuda was the real steal at $650. I may never get rid of it though, just because it glows in the dark.