Need some insight on a Kayak purchase.

[INSAYN]

If I may, I would suggest going with something at least 11 foot long, and with some form of a keel along the rear section. 12-13 foot would be better IMO for bigger waters that may have decent chop or wind. If you plan to surf, or run creek rapids than that's a different story.
Short flat bottom kayaks actually function better and safer in those conditions.


With the shorter yaks, you will exspend a lot of energy just keeping the dang thing going straight between strokes. Add wind, chop, swells, and/or current and those boats are a handful, and quickly become not fun. Sure they are physically lighter, and shorter for storage reasons, but where does it matter most? On the water, right? Loading and storage are only part of the equation. If you are not happy with the control, or stability of a said kayak it will spend more time at home than otherwise being used.

Be sure to explore the option of buying two different brands, styles or lengths between you and your wife. One kayak does not fit all. Most kayak shops that are near water, will allow for demos. I highly recommend do so, to get a good feel for several models. Make sure she likes what she is paddling, even if you don't find that model good for you. Nobody will think anything of it if you show up to the water with two completely different kayaks.

My suggestions are as follows (no particular order):

Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11
Ocean Kayak Caper
Ocean Kayak Trident 11
Ocean Kayak Trident 13 (I have this one, and love it)
Ocean Kayak Prowler 13
Hobie Maui
Hobie Quest
Malibu Stealth 12
Cobra Escape
Cobra Explorer
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
Wilderness Systems Ride 135


Now if you wanted to spend a bit more and have the option to pedal or paddle:
Hobie Outback
Hobie Revolution (I have this as well, and love it even more!)


If you like fishing along with touring around scenic water holes, there are plenty of kayaks out there that are designed with fishing in mind. Many of them listed above!

[njjeepthing]

Thanks, great info there.

[njtaco]

These are all shorter boats, right?

I rented 10 foot Loons by Old town for a while, then rented a 13 foot "Adventure" for a camping trip. When it came time to buy, I got the 12 foot Old Town (I forget the model) and the ex got an 11 foot Loon. There is a huge difference in just a foot or two in how they handle. The shorter boats fatigue me much faster, it is harder to keep a straight line.

If you are paddling the back bays, I'd suggest some longer boats. I use mine (12 foot) on the Wading River, Egg Harbor River, Bass River, and Mullica River and don't have any trouble turning it about or paddling long straight stretches. It gets pretty shallow and tight in the upper Mullica, especially putting in at Atsion. If I were on back bays more often I might want an even longer boat. I've paddled parts of the middle Delaware (by Bull's Island) and the "rapids" (at lower water) on the Lehigh river around Jim Thorpe without any trouble, so the boat isn't too big either. Everyone else on the Lehigh River trip swamped their smaller boats, and not because they were any less experienced paddlers.

You're in Manahawkin...I'd have no problem paddling to the Island from the end of Bay Ave in my boat or one longer, but would consider it torture in a 10 foot boat.

Now if you also plan to kayak the surf on the island, different story. I'd likely drown myself trying that in my boat!

Oh, all my references are sit IN boats, not sit ON boats. I think the principles are the same though.

One last thought...weight. Consider when you are shopping how you will transport the boats, and whether you can load/unload by yourself. My ex's boat is much lighter than mine because mine is compartmentalized and a foot longer. Lifting it to the roof of the Cruiser myself can be a chore at the end of a long paddle. She is not tall or strong enough to help much, either. This really wasn't a problem until I hurt my shoulder, but it is still worth considering.

My 2c...

Oh, if you want to take a few boats for test paddles before buying, Bell Haven in Green Bank let us take 10 or 12 boats out of the racks and try them out on the lake right there on the property. Their prices were fair too. Well,at least 8 years ago they were. I'd think the dealers on the island (or near it) would be more expensive as well.

Jersey Paddler has a PaddleSport show at the end of March, too.

Edit: INSAYN beat me to many of the same points while I was "composing".

[njtaco]

You mentioned you are "smaller" people...they means your reach is likely shorter, and you may want a narrower hull so you don't paddle too flat. It's hard to "dig in" when you have to tip the boat to port and starboard just to reach the water. Make sure you get the right length paddle for your reach and size boat.

[njjeepthing]

Thanks, that's great info...and yes, we will be going to the Paddle Sports show.

[Jeepin_D]

I'd suggest checking out the Jackson Kayak Journeys if you're looking at smaller touring kayaks, or the Day Tripper 10 or 12 for general all around recreational use.

http://jacksonkayak.com/jk-kayaks/re...ayaks/journey/

http://jacksonkayak.com/jk-kayaks/re...s/day-tripper/

They make a bunch of other models now as well.

As said before, find a retailer, demo some boats, buy the one you like, and have fun on the water....

[Ozarker]

IMO, you won't get the answer here since there are so many variable that we don't know. First the size should be considered for the waters more than your size, IMO. If you're talking lakes with open areas to cross I would want something longer than 12', more like 16' with a good keel design and rudder. Even at 16' the beam should not be a problem for you to paddle.

I'd suggest you look in the areas to be traveled and see what others use. Go there, rent some and get local opinions for the waters in the area. You need to narrow down your intended use some more too, as to what kind of rivers, class I to III or IV in your area where the right craft for that will not be right for any larger lake.

I'm in the Ozarks and started with a Wilderness Systems 16' single and it tracked very nicely on open waters, even in chop on Lake of the Ozarks. Sailed it on Table Rock Lake and it did fine on the Current River where most would be in an 6 or 8' rocking horse. While not real quick in rapids, it worked and was a good all round kayak.

I would not suggest an inflatable starting off unless portability was really an issue. A rotomold job will be less and will take the hard knocks starting off and give economical performance ofr various uses. IMO