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S

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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Hello every body
I am looking to purchase a kayak, and figured this might be a good place to start. I am not looking for anything to crazy, this is going to be my first kayak, and would just like to get use to using it. I think I want a 1 person sit in kayak. I don't want to spend more then $400 on it. Like I said I am not looking for anything crazy just something to get started. I am probably going to use it in the bay, and maybe in the sound if it isn't to rough. I am around 5'10" and 200 pounds.
Any ideas anybody?? I saw that Dicks Sporting Goods has them on sale right now. But maybe someone knows a better place to get them.
Thanks for all your help everyone.
SF
 
Fishbust

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#3 ·
first kayak...

At almost 6 foot and 200 pounds, $400 is going to be a stretch to locate something appropriate for you and you will still need to gear up. A minimum 16 footer (more likely 17) with a high volume ****pit. More important than the size of the outside of the boat, they are also sized by ****pit size...low, medium and high volume ****pits. A sit-in kayak should fit you snug, not cramped and you shouldn't be lost in the ****pit either. Honestly, closer to $600 is what you will find out there for used.

With a plastic boat, I would also opt for a rudder. The rotomolded boats have rounded hulls, don't track quite as well as hard keeled hulls. The rudder will save you many corrective strokes while paddling.

Give Glacier Bay Sports a try. They do sell leftovers and closeouts. buying new has advantages, you can usually get a deal on a gear package.

Your paddle sizing is also important, see the attached pic for how to size a paddle.

See you out there!
 
T

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#8 ·
you can get away with not spending much at all at the sports authority on a pelican kayak. thats what i did being it was my first one. i am 6' tall and 215#'s. i bought a tandem sit on top model which i think is around 14'??? it has worked out perfectly. beat the snots out of it in the breakers of moriches with luckily no problems. it worked out to be extremely durable and extremely stable. been in monster swells and took them broadside intentionally to get the real feel over 1 mile out and never once felt like i was going to tip over. it was an awesome investment for fishing. now i am far from a kayak expert and do not make a claim that the pelican brand is any better than anything else. but they are extremely cheap for what you get. i can only imagine how awesome the higher end yak's really are in the water. i think i only paid around $300 or so brand new for mine on sale at the sports authority. my next yak will be purchased from either mike at glacier bay or the hobie people out at shinne. i am sorry i forget there names. they have been at teh farmingdale show for the past few seasons. i also have to mention i have a few ruptured disks in my back. it has not been a problem. it has actually helped out a bit. the paddling helps strengthen your lower back amongst other areas of your body. if u go sit on top u may want a tandem. for more cargo space. i never got the chance or time to really rig mine up for fishing. but i can't wait. just one crappy rod holder installed and that was it. you can try mine out if we are ever in the same area. good luck.
 
S

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Discussion Starter · #9 ·
hey tide thanks for the reply. I was at Dicks Sporting Goods and saw them, the pelican brand. I was really leaning towards that cost it is right around 300 like you said, and if I really get into it then I would look into purchasing something better and more capable of fishing rougher waters. I think I am going to go back to dicks, or maybe sports authority like you said and see what they have.
Thanks everyone!
 
Hooper

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#11 ·
A 700 dollar budget opens up a lot more possibilities. Both in new and quality used boats. I still think the Sports Authority/Dicks Boats are not what you really want. For one thing they don't have watertight hatches and bulkheads. You swamp one of those boats and you are in real trouble. Sit on tops have self bailing ****pits so water over the side or even a capsize is not really a problem. The better sit in boats have at least a rear watertight compartment and the best have them front and rear. You are heading in the right direction trying different boats. There are night and day differences between boats. Try to be patient, get a feel for different boats and keep your eyes open for someone with a quality used boat or some of the better boats your expanded budget will allow.
My advice don't buy a boat without having at least tried it on the water.

Good luck and see ya out there soon.

Hooper
 
kabeth

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#14 ·
Glacier Bay is next door to northport rod and reel.I purchased two tarpons from them one new,the other a demo in great shape.Go in and ask if they have any demos for sale.I picked up my 160i from them at a good price it was a demo.Good Luck!
 
Hacker

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#15 ·
I did alot of research online as well as going to stores and decided to go with the OK prowler13. I had found a really good deal online at a place http://www.austinkayak.com/ have been very happy with my purchase.
 
T

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#17 ·
if u go cheap to start off with and u find that u really like the sport u can purchase a high end one later on. the nice thing about that is that u will have an extra yak around for a family member or a friend if u want someone to tag along. worse case scenario is that i fu do not like going out on a kayak or don't get to use it that often u are not out much money.

i have had my pelican a few miles off shore a few times with no problems. if a problem ever does arise thats what the pfd is for. but one day i will probably break down and buy the hobie with the pedal to keep the hands free for fishing.

thanks for the reminder. capt kayak is the name. she looks like she is in dynamite shape! the kayaks are good for several things. ;) they are very nice people. when its time i'll stop down there.
 
LIbodyboarder

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#18 ·


I got this yak for $600. Its sells for 400 but 200 is shipping. I couldn't find it in stores. For me this yak is awesome for the price. Its lite (46 lbs), comes with two rear and one front swivel rod holder. The two hatches have a gasket on them so for the most part i think there waterproof. Its fast but that just might be me. I dont get wet in this yak unless its super choppy/windy out. I've had waves go over the yak and haven't come close to rolling, ever. If it did roll over you would have to try to get stuck in it. Im 6'2" 185lbs. only complaint is i need to get a cushion for the seat, after 3 hours my butt hurts/numb.
 
PaddleOn

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#19 ·
You should look into getting a flotation bag for the front area.It will make life much easier if you do turn the kayak over...
the flotation will keep the yak from filling with water and being to heavy to turn back over.

NRS has a good assortment of kayaking equipment.They outfit river runners (rafting etc) and everything I've bought from them over the years is top notch.
Seat padding is a must

I'm due for a new one in my rec yak.

http://http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/assets/images/640x75_header_040308.jpg
 

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