Need some insight on a Kayak purchase.

[njjeepthing]

Ok so here's the history. We rented a few times in back bay areas, we liked it quite a bit. Been throwing around the idea of getting our own boats for recreational use, mostly back bay, lake, etc. We have no kayak experience other than the rental times we went. We want to get boats that we will feel comfortable on and at the same time not outgrow in a year. We are small people! 5'6 & 5'2 both less than 140lbs, so we don't need something huge and heavy!

I am looking at three used boats, all seam to be what we are looking for.

One is a Hobie Lanie.
One is a Cobra Play.
And the last is a Spirit by Dimension


Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[njjeepthing]

Hmm, 44 views not one comment, just because it's snowing outside doesn't mean we can't talk watersports!

[Scott39]

Are you looking for a tandem or single kayaks?

[JerryYukon]

I've also been in the market for a new to me kayak (tandem). I've been scanning Craig's List for the past two months but it seems as though each one I've liked is beyond my budget. I live in the mountains and there are plenty of used whitewater kayaks available (I've already got 2 low end ones). It seems as though the best options / availability for me (tandem expedition kayaks) are along the Chesapeake Bay.

Anyhow, I usually Google the kayak that captures my attention and check out the reviews from users of that particular kayak.

[njjeepthing]

Are you looking for a tandem or single kayaks?

Singles

[njjeepthing]

I've also been in the market for a new to me kayak (tandem). I've been scanning Craig's List for the past two months but it seems as though each one I've liked is beyond my budget. I live in the mountains and there are plenty of used whitewater kayaks available (I've already got 2 low end ones). It seems as though the best options / availability for me (tandem expedition kayaks) are along the Chesapeake Bay.

Anyhow, I usually Google the kayak that captures my attention and check out the reviews from users of that particular kayak.

I do the same, http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/ has some good reviews.

[Scott39]

Singles

I have this boat. I can put my wife in it and one child or paddle it by myself with the sliding seat. They do have solo smaller models that would work well for what you want. These boats are great for recreational paddling, but they are also kind of like a touring kayak for some speed.
I might be getting a sit-on-top kayak this summer for when I go by myself. I will be looking for something narrow and long for speed.

http://www.wildernesssystems.com/pro..._recreational/

[XJINTX]

I have 3 different purpose boats and a canoe. I love them all for their specific uses. My Prijon is a great open type water boat and it's rudder makes a lake trip a lot more fun.

For you I might suggest a good shop that let's you rent or test drive different type boats they sell. I love buying on the Internet and CL but I also think we need to suppport local businesses that promote sports/hobbies we love.

I know I could find boats and bikes less expensive elsewhere but I always try and support the local "Experts" at the local shops. Just my .02

[billwilson]

hi
we have an inflatable
http://www.advancedelements.com/adva...ncedframesport

two person
20 min from top of rig into water

takes up space of one of those LARGE rolling suitcases
75 lbs w/ paddles

i have been out w/ my buddy and his wife
in thier sleek racers with steering blah blah blah

we got to the destination 5 minutes after them ( 45 min paddle )

oh, and my wife pretty much just holds the dog and doesnt paddle

[njjeepthing]

I know I could find boats and bikes less expensive elsewhere but I always try and support the local "Experts" at the local shops. Just my .02

I did just that yesterday, visited the Jersey Paddler in Brick NJ, they invited me to their Paddle Sports expo in March for some one on one time with multiple boats and vendors. Along with a ton of new boats, he said he usually gets a ton of trade ins around that time as well.