[bigfish123]

I have a sit in kayak that I use for fishing on ponds and small lakes where thier is no boat traffic or rough water. My question is do you think its safe to use use it on the bay and inlet were thier is boat traffic and rougher water. Also what accesiories or safty tools should I have to prevent a capsize. Or since I am not that experienced should I get a sit on top were I would not have that have the problem of sinking.

 

[Hooper]

A sit in kayak needs flotation bags or bulkheads and watertight hatches to be considered reasonably "safe" in my mind. Without it the boat can fill with water and be impossible to empty in deep water (anything over your head). A big wave or boat wake and you can be in serious trouble.

Having said that you need to consider the hull design, the overall length and the use of a spray deck to keep water out. A $299 plastic boat from Dicks and a $3000 fiberglas sea kayak are both "sit-ins" but with vastly different capabilities. Sit on tops won't flood if you take a wave (ones with scuppers) and don't have to emptied if you go over. You also have to factor in the skill, training and experience of the kayaker

The bay, GSB, on a nice day isn't much of a challenge, but add some wind and it can get pretty nasty. Fire Island inlet is a major challenge with very strong current, standing waves, and boat wakes. Wind against tide conditions can be a nightmare even in a big powerboat. Not where you want to be in a kayak.

You need to get flotation bags for your boat, a pump to empty water, and a paddle float and sling to help you get back in if you have a problem. A PFD, whistle and a visual distress signal (a mirror qualifies) are required equipment.

Then you should look for a training course or two from a local shop with a certified instructor to learn how to use this stuff and how to get back in your boat if you go over.

Finally you need to dress for water temperature in case you take an inadvertant swim. Something like a shorty wetsuit for summertime water temps.

Hooper

 

[PaddleOn]

Great post!

Hooper wrote:
A sit in kayak needs flotation bags or bulkheads and watertight hatches to be considered reasonably "safe" in my mind. Without it the boat can fill with water and be impossible to empty in deep water (anything over your head). A big wave or boat wake and you can be in serious trouble.

Having said that you need to consider the hull design, the overall length and the use of a spray deck to keep water out. A $299 plastic boat from Dicks and a $3000 fiberglas sea kayak are both "sit-ins" but with vastly different capabilities. Sit on tops won't flood if you take a wave (ones with scuppers) and don't have to emptied if you go over. You also have to factor in the skill, training and experience of the kayaker

The bay, GSB, on a nice day isn't much of a challenge, but add some wind and it can get pretty nasty. Fire Island inlet is a major challenge with very strong current, standing waves, and boat wakes. Wind against tide conditions can be a nightmare even in a big powerboat. Not where you want to be in a kayak.

You need to get flotation bags for your boat, a pump to empty water, and a paddle float and sling to help you get back in if you have a problem. A PFD, whistle and a visual distress signal (a mirror qualifies) are required equipment.

Then you should look for a training course or two from a local shop with a certified instructor to learn how to use this stuff and how to get back in your boat if you go over.

Finally you need to dress for water temperature in case you take an inadvertant swim. Something like a shorty wetsuit for summertime water temps.

Hooper

 

[bigfish123]

Thanks Hooper

I think I am going to go with the sit on top kayak. Do you know were I can take a course?

 

[Fishbust]

A bunch of things...

A sit on, you are going to get "nowhere fast". If you are looking to cover any distance, you will need a sit in. People do cross oceans in them ya know. If you have paddling skill with your sit in and with the inherent low center of gravity a sit in provides, whitecaps and 20 knot winds are not hard to handle, a good exercise in stamina.

Most of the kayaks I see out east in the open waters are sit in's. The only sit on kayaks I have seen out east were in Carmin's River before they closed Glacier Bay Sports out there and posted the property off limits to everyone.

With a sit on, they are super wide, hard to flip, and you can bring a ton of gear to fish all day long. The plastic boats also weigh a ton. If you can launch close to your fishing grounds, probably the way to go though if fishing is your primary purpose for being out there. If you do need to travel on the water, upgrade to a foot pedal powered sit on. Pricey but if you know the cost of power boating, kayaking is pennies.

You can fish with a sit in but you do have to know what you are buying beforehand, something beamy with beginner type stability would be best. The intermediate and advanced sit in's need the paddle in hand for balance in busy waterway's. Not impossible though, for the experienced.

With either type of boat.....you need to be proficient at self rescue. It is hot outside and the water is warm...this is the time to practice self rescue and all the other handling skills you will need.

 

[Yaksick]

Fishbust wrote:
A sit on, you are going to get "nowhere fast". If you are looking to cover any distance, you will need a sit in. People do cross oceans in them ya know. If you have paddling skill with your sit in and with the inherent low center of gravity a sit in provides, whitecaps and 20 knot winds are not hard to handle, a good exercise in stamina.

Most of the kayaks I see out east in the open waters are sit in's. The only sit on kayaks I have seen out east were in Carmin's River before they closed Glacier Bay Sports out there and posted the property off limits to everyone.

With a sit on, they are super wide, hard to flip, and you can bring a ton of gear to fish all day long. The plastic boats also weigh a ton. If you can launch close to your fishing grounds, probably the way to go though if fishing is your primary purpose for being out there. If you do need to travel on the water, upgrade to a foot pedal powered sit on. Pricey but if you know the cost of power boating, kayaking is pennies.

You can fish with a sit in but you do have to know what you are buying beforehand, something beamy with beginner type stability would be best. The intermediate and advanced sit in's need the paddle in hand for balance in busy waterway's. Not impossible though, for the experienced.

With either type of boat.....you need to be proficient at self rescue. It is hot outside and the water is warm...this is the time to practice self rescue and all the other handling skills you will need.
Fishbust
I agree with you. Like you said,"With a sit on, they are super wide, hard to flip, and you can bring a ton of gear to fish all day long. The plastic boats also weigh a ton".
Normally it takes me about 30mins to paddle 1 mile out on the ocean with the winds on my favor. If winds are against me, it takes me even longer than 30mins. I love my sit top yak, as I've been thru some ruff waters and thank God my kayak has been there for me when I really felt at danger of capsizing.

 

[Hooper]

Best instruction on Long Island is from SKSA Ltd

Check out their training classes. Training Classes

Hooper

This post edited by Hooper 09:30 PM 06/24/2008

 

[Captjc]

Hooper is giving you great advise. SKSA is now working out of the new Captain Kayak shop in Sayville. The shop has a schedule of upcoming lessons.