These days lots of 'vanners carry kayaks on top of their tug.
The video & commentary on this link gives good advice on how to paddle correctly to avoid strain on the arms. Have a look at the second guy on the paddling technique video.
I use an exaggerated 'stiff arm' technique for the first 10 min or so of every paddling trip, just to get into the habit of correct stroking (reinforcing 'muscle memory' I suppose). Correct technique is important with my larger Viking Fisherman kayak, especially if carrying a grandchild & fishing gear.
My Fisherman takes an electric motor, but I haven't used the very old motor for a long time.
It was great when staying at Kingscliff (NSW north coast). I used to motor right up the river past Salt & then snorkel back down with an outgoing tide with the Kayak on a leash attached to my wrist.
Salt water in the fresh water Min Kota motor & an ageing 50AH deep cycle battery has taken its toll.
Paddling? I fitted an elec motor and a fully sealed deep cycle small battery, both from BCF, paddle are for emergencies lol......
Same in the river fishing yak.
(Will post pic when I get home tonight - something this new windows on the work computer won't let me do).
I've upgraded the motor from 18lb thrust to 34lb.
For offshore fishing I use the Hobie AI and use wind power to get me where I want to go but if need be I'll peddle a little but I'd rather wait for the wind.
-- Edited by Bryan on Thursday 14th of August 2014 12:02:03 PM
-- Edited by Bryan on Thursday 14th of August 2014 12:14:10 PM
-- Edited by Bryan on Thursday 14th of August 2014 07:00:56 PM
Kept on falling out with a fish on. Its hard to paddle and play fish at the same time, except with a hobbie yak with foot pedals, which cost thousands. Bought a tinnie - much more stable and easier to fish. As I have a slide on, I can tow tinnie behind ute. Bill
-- Edited by bill12 on Thursday 14th of August 2014 12:31:05 PM
Kept on falling out with a fish on. Its hard to paddle and play fish at the same time, except with a hobbie yak with foot pedals, which cost thousands. Bought a tinnie - much more stable and easier to fish. As I have a slide on, I can tow tinnie behind ute. Bill
-- Edited by bill12 on Thursday 14th of August 2014 12:31:05 PM
Hobies are great ... Mirage drive pedal system is very efficient. They are certainly hard to beat if you are a serious estuary fisher.
Lots of those fishers going outside use rather long Sit In Kayaks, possibly because of their ease of speed thru the water with minimum effort. The top ones cost more than Hobies.
I often fish sitting side on .. more comfortable.
Too old & stiff for SinKs.
-- Edited by Cupie on Friday 15th of August 2014 07:25:47 AM