Lots of posts about kayaks on a previous topic 

http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t61694460/small-tinny-or-kayak/

 

There is a vast range of single & double, Sit On Top  (SOT) and Sit in Kayaks (SinKs) to choose from and at a wide range of prices.  There are also choices in power .. paddle, pedal, motor or wind.

The vast majority are very easy to propel and except for the really narrow ones, are very stable.  Not so SinKs.

You can pay anything from say $800 to $8,000 for a quality yak but a bit cheaper second hand one.

I prefer to paddle in a SOT solo  kayak about 4 m long at a cost of around $1200 new.  If my partner were interested I would have her use my spare.

I'm not a fan of two person kayaks as I find them a bit too heavy & long to paddle & lift on & off the roof racks.  Having said that there are lots of very good loading assistants available & I suppose if the partner is going to paddle too then she/he aught to be able to assist in loading.

I'd start by seeing if you can borrow or 'test drive' a double in your price range.  Try it/them in  both solo & with two up. Do the same with a solo model.  

I find it a bit of a pain to drag a non paddling person about the place & solo paddling a long two person yak is not so pleasurable either.

 

SWMBO sometimes says 'take me for a ride'.  My response is, 'hop into the spare one & I'll show you how to use it'.  End of discussion.  In our case a double would never work.

 

If you decide on single SOTs look for something close to 4 meters and weighing up to 30Kg.  Around 20Kg is better.

Hi Chips 58, we thought about buying a couple of the kayaks, as Dougwe says, a little on the heavy side, also being on the roof rack, we thought maybe too much trouble so went for the next best thing that works well for the 2 of us. Our inflatable only weighs 15kg, about 10 mins to assemble, excellent for creeks plus billabongs etc, not so good for open waters. We have owned it for about 5 years, no trouble what so ever, if you want to use as a single you can reposition the seat to the centre of the kayak,  packs into a small carry bag so doesn't take up too much room. Bessie

Dougwe wrote:

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I would not be like that Steve, not me, never ever. Well not today anyway 😎

Now come on Bessie, you been look'n at me when I go in the water when you say I'm heavy 😊

I like your blow up though Bessy. Kayak that is 😎

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 Sorry Dougwe, never had the glasses on, everybody knows that you are trim taut and TERRIFIC. Bessie

We have a Hobie , Odyssey 14ft , it's a 2.5 seat , sit on top , paddle Kayak , we tossed up between 1 double or 2x singles 

the seat can be moved to the centre , to be used by one person . 

It is quite heavy but I can load it onto the bars on the Dmax , ok . 

We are happy with our choice . 

as we travel in a motorhome, if I wanted to paddle the choice was easy because we could not take my fibreglass B-Line  ...... inflatable!  I did lots of research over a period of about a year and decided on the  Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite ......... I do not fish - just want the enjoyment of being out enjoying nature and a bit of exercise.  Easy to set up, brilliant design, about 15kg and packs into a bag for carrying inside the motorhome

Cheers

 

That's a nice looking boat , one of the reasons I went for a sit on top , rather than a sit in , I think they would be a hell of a lot easier to turn back upright and get back on , if you capsize .
It's very easy to get it back upright , getting back on that's a different story .

Yep that's the one.  The reason I prefer the sit-in over the SOT is really just what I am used to - I prefer a touring type craft .... have been using my old B-line for over 20 years and think I may even get buried with it ...... lol

 

cheers

Currently have a SOT 3m unit purchased brand new complete with back supporting seating paddle and rod holders and I paid least than $400.00 off the TV , have fitted a 24lb thrust Water Snake electric at a cost of $119.00. Mrs Wombat has one as well and I just hook hers to mine and the electric helps us get back home against the current or allows me to wet a line while underway . There are almost as many brands of yaks out here as there are cars on the road. To help you out try KFDU site there is a wealth of info on the site and very helpful members to steer you to the right one. Just watch the weight of some yaks if you need to roof load them to an SUV.

A Yak is the best fun you can have with your cloths on believe me

Very interesting thread as I'm currently looking at a kayak, I've gone past tinny's and all the clobber needed plus unloading/loading trailers etc. Been there done that.

I was initially looking at the Hobie 12' Pro Angler, but again fairly heavy to lift transport etc. and very expensive. Just wondering now about the mariner, but those pedals look very high to me ? but i suppose it's like a recliner push bike ?

Ha Ha just realised the pedal unit is not in place !

Do you have a pic of it with the pedals in the right position ?

The other alternative is a basic sit on paddle yak I suppose, but with a crook back it would be nice to have a proper seat, I've seen some of these sort of strap in seats, are they any good and give back support anyone ?

What would be a good alternative to the pedal variety ?

Questions questions.

Here's one Banjo model yak as mine.

The pedal position is similar to Hobies but I tend to chill out and lean back more so my back rest is not straight up like this pic.

We actually have 3 kayaks ....... a 20 year old fibreglass touring - the Advanced Elements and we also have a hobie peddle/paddle ..... unforgunately much too heavy to even try to get it up on the roof of the motorhome and then we have to consider if it inhibits the solar and other roof mounted stuff. the other half has opted to leave it at home so I can take the inflatable.  Regarding loading kayaks onto your roof racks .... we have a rack'n'roll system which makes it easy  to get onto the racks - no prob with 1 person and very easy and quick for 2. The rack clips on easily to your roof racks.  We have no intention taking them into the open water ....... not happy about what you can't see under the kayak!!!!