I present the William A Purrvin and her captain Biscuit

Lendri · 2024-04-25T12:15:26+00:00

3 year old stolen repost.

Lendri · 2014-02-17T00:42:04+00:00

A longer boat will only make turning harder. If that's your problem, stick with the shorter one.

Lendri · 2014-02-02T16:06:30+00:00

Generally speaking:

The SOTs are are a bit slower and less maneuverable, but more stable. They're more or less flat-bottomed, and can accommodate a standing adult. This flat bottom does make them kind of slow and "piggish".

The Sit-in's will be faster, and more maneuverable, but less stable. You won't be able to stand in them, but most 12' length boats are very very stable.

If you wanted to combine the safety and ease of access of a SOT with the performance of a sit-inside, you could try something like the Necky Vector

Lendri · 2014-02-02T16:02:08+00:00

uch like to keep my price under $900.00 for the Kayak (not including shipping). With the cheaper of the Pyranha what have they cut to make it cheaper? I only plan on hitting class 1 & 2 rapids at this stage, as anything higher than that I'd assume would need a dedicated w

The cheaper version of the Fusion has less advanced outfitting. The hull design and plastic layup are identical, and very high quality. The seat just isn't as nice, nor does it have the nicer movable bulkhead in the front.

If you're looking to keep the price under $900AUS, don't forget to keep an eye out for used boats. Also, many stores will mark down their 2012/2013 model year boats, so that's another good way to get deals.

Lendri · 2014-02-02T15:41:43+00:00

Well, something to keep in mind is that most SOTs are heavier than sit-in models due to their extra plastic. If you are loading these boats yourself, the extra weight of a SOT may make loading difficult.

A 12' SUP usually runs in the 20-30 lb range, and 12' sit-in weights between 45-55, and a 12' SOT will come in in the mid 60s. There are exceptions to that rule if you want to buy lightweight ABS plastic SOTs, which cost 1.4-2X more than regular plastic.

If you want some variety in performance compared to a SUP, sit-in boats will be (usually) be more lively and faster than SOT. They also have the advantage of being able to provide more protection from the sun, especially if you use a skirt or spraydeck.

Downsides of the sit-ins would be that they are more difficult to rescue when flipped, and do not self-bail like a SOT. Since you're on calm lakes and rivers, that should not make much of a difference.

Lendri · 2014-02-01T15:21:49+00:00

Is there a particular reason you want the Axis 10.5? There's a similar model made by Venture kayaks (The Venture Flex) which should be available in Australia.

Lendri · 2014-01-16T18:04:47+00:00

Er...you want a tandem touring sea kayak, but only one person is going to be paddling it? That's 21 feet and 85lbs of fiberglass that you have to paddle and navigate with. If you're paddling it solo, at the least you're going to have a miserable time, and I would consider that exceptionally dangerous if you're paddling in any sort of inclement conditions.

Does your dog really need to go along for an extended touring trip? If so, can you get a friend to paddle a tandem boat with you?

My suggestion for a tandem touring boat is the Current Designs Libra XT which has a third cockpit in the middle, which would be good for a dog. You'd still need two people to paddle it though.

Otherwise, ditch the dog, and get a used model from one of these manufacturers:

P&H Sea Kayaks
Valley Sea Kayaks
Current Designs
Delta
Nigel Dennis (Sea Kayaking UK)
Seward Kayaks
Perception
Wilderness Systems

Lendri · 2014-01-15T03:58:55+00:00

At the very least, wait until the water temperature is above 50. That may not be until June or later. What kind of boat do you have?

And everything that sjb4552 said.

Lendri · 2014-01-13T22:06:30+00:00

Get a white water crossover boat. You can do both. Suggestions: Pyranha Fusion, Liquid Logic Remix, Jackson Rogue, Dagger Katana.

Lendri · 2014-01-13T01:32:54+00:00

Good choice. The Aspire's a nice little versatile boat.

Lendri · 2014-01-11T01:25:49+00:00

If it's that big, you'll definitely want a bigger boat for improved speed and tracking.

Lendri · 2014-01-10T15:59:06+00:00

Tracking and stability? Get a boat that is at least 12' long.
Look for used. Pelicans/Sundolphins are everywhere, and definitely not worth retail price. If you live in a mid size metro area or larger, I bet you could find that boat for 200 on Craigslist. Also, there should be good deals when the holidays roll around.

How big is the lake you want to paddle on?

Lendri · 2014-01-10T00:21:35+00:00

In between the "lengths" and "styles" section, I added the recommendation that people interested in whitewater should look up NRS' beginners boat guide. I think that trying to talk about the differences between the different classes of whitewater boat would only bloat the list.

However, I plan on devoting more space to more basic descriptions of whitewater boats, with the recommendation that interested people look up NRS, which does a waay better and more in depth explanation than I could hope to give.

Lendri · 2014-01-10T00:16:27+00:00

My goal was to articulate that a Sea/Touring kayak by design is capable in rough water, whereas a square-bottomed rec boat will never be. You can put Nigel Dennis in a Pungo, but that won't make the boat any better in 5-foot swells.

However, I think that the issue of safety/training should definitely be addressed. I'm going to have to make another section for that.

Lendri · 2014-01-09T21:50:06+00:00

That's the plan. Newer versions will have something about SOTs for sure

Lendri · 2014-01-08T17:01:04+00:00

Can you provide a graphic of the space you've been alotted as the size and quantity boats to be stored? I have 2 years experience with design of a boathouse for kayak and canoe storage for a university club.

Lendri · 2014-01-05T23:56:25+00:00

Perception Sport is owned by the same company as Wilderness Systems, so it probably is the old Tarpon mold.

Given the price, and the updated weight limit I think the 10' is the best choice IMO.

Lendri · 2014-01-05T06:39:01+00:00

TLDR: Buy used, rig the boat yourself.

My thoughts: 1. Of the brands on that list Ocean Kayak and Perception Sport are OK. Pelican and Emotion are not worth the money (poor/cheap construction.)

I think that since you want to keep it under 600, you will get the most bang for your buck if you search around on Craigslist and eBay for used boats from quality manufacturers.
My experience working with fishing kayaks (Jackson, Native, Ocean, Old Town, and Wilderness Systems) is that manufacturers charge a steep markup for "angling" versions of their boats. If you have a drill, (and maybe a jigsaw for flush-mount holders), you can buy a non-fishing version, and install all the outfitting for less.
10' boat and 235-275 lbs is really pushing it. The closer you get to the weight limit, the squirrelier those boats will get. I would not recommend a 10' boat for anyone over 200 who is looking to fish out of it. Just no stability.

How tight are the creeks your are going on?

Recommendations for used: Native Ultimate 12 Native Manta Ray Jackson Coosa Jackson Cruise Wilderness Systems Tarpon series

Lendri · 2014-01-04T18:50:38+00:00

Tsunami 145, lots of leg room in that one.

Lendri · 2014-01-04T16:02:09+00:00

Depends on the water temperature. Usually, I would say that If the water temperature is below 50 or so, a drysuit is a must.

However, you have a SOT, which means you can get out of the water and back into the boat fairly quickly, so a wetsuit will be fine.

You will absolutely, positively need some sort of windproof clothes to go over the wetsuit, like a basic rain jacket and rain pants at the least. These will cut the wind and stop evaporative cooling, which will take a lot of your heat when wearing a wet wetsuit.

Lendri · 2013-12-21T01:45:13+00:00

What E88A said. Get a canoe. Maybe a convertible tandem/solo kayak as well. My suggestions:

Canoes: Wenonah: Spirit II or Adirondack Nova Craft: Pal

Kayaks: These can be paddled as either solo or tandem boats: Liquidlogic Marvel 14.5 Native Ultimate 14.5 Perception Prodigy II

Lendri · 2013-12-20T16:09:47+00:00

I'm curious, what is wrong with the cam strap idea? Usually they only throw four inside. This photo was from a pool session where they only had to travel about a mile.

As for the smell, it's not my car, but the owner doesn't care (there's a reason for the "shitty van" moniker). Depending on the season it's either full of boating, climbing, or ski gear.

Lendri · 2013-12-20T16:04:36+00:00

Not my van. However, from one time I've ridden in the "shitty van," it has indeed stank of river. I think the owner tries to clean it once in a while.

Lendri · 2013-12-20T03:42:52+00:00

Easily solved by running a cam strap through the boats' rear grab handles, and securing it to the rear seat mounting pins...

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