Starting research on Kayaks

[3db]

My wife and I were going to buy Kayaks this year and paddle around the huge lake and interconnecting water ways at our campground. I'm still going ahead with the plan and started looking into the many possibilities. There will be no white water kayaking but I do want to make sure that its stable in case I get caught out in the water by a storm. My criteria are these;

1. minimum 12' but most likely looking at 14ft with a rudder for better control in rough water
2. front and back bulkheads so she stays a float in case I cant keep her upright
3. adjustable seating, foot braces
4. padding support for the knees.
5. sit in

Then I realized that I have to get a roof rack for my Mitusbishi 2018 Outlander and looking at that now. Called the dealership to see how much they are and installed? Looked at a few Youtube videos for Thule and RhinoRack and the installation looks pretty simple.

 

[Swerd]

Have you paddled any kayaks before? If so, do you have any preferences? Will it be for day trips or overnight camping?

I once went through something similar, but for a canoe. I found a local Canoe & Kayak shop where I could get good answers to questions, and I could rent something for a weekend. I quickly learned light weight costs, but it's worth it. Sturdiness also matters, but that depends on the lake where you'll go. I know less about kayaks, but some very light weight canoes are fragile. If the water is rocky, get sturdy plastic.

 

[3db]

Have you paddled any kayaks before? If so, do you have any preferences? Will it be for day trips or overnight camping?

I once went through something similar, but for a canoe. I found a local Canoe & Kayak shop where I could get good answers to questions, and I could rent something for a weekend. I quickly learned light weight costs, but it's worth it. Sturdiness also matters, but that depends on the lake where you'll go. I know less about kayaks, but some very light weight canoes are fragile. If the water is rocky, get sturdy plastic.

Hi Swerd,

Yeah I've paddled sit on kayaks before and I didn't like them enough to buy a sit-on. The longer the kayak, the straighter it will track. The kayak I want to get needs to be comfortable enough for long day trips and possibly overnight camping. The polypropylene models tend to be a little heavier but they are also more robust. I've looked at several brands of 14ft models and they tend to weigh in around 50 to 55 lbs including rudder.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Hi Swerd,

Yeah I've paddled sit on kayaks before and I didn't like them enough to buy a sit-on. The longer the kayak, the straighter it will track. The kayak I want to get needs to be comfortable enough for long day trips and possibly overnight camping. The polypropylene models tend to be a little heavier but they are also more robust. I've looked at several brands of 14ft models and they tend to weigh in around 50 to 55 lbs including rudder.

Yes. Longer kayaks will definitely track straighter. And once you get it moving, will take less effort to keep it in motion. Those bigger ones are nice for cruising in.
We own three kayaks but they’re only 10’ and hull design makes a big difference. Two of ours are very nice to paddle, and cut through pretty well(for a 700 dollar plastic kayak). Then we have another that is just a dog. You can feel it slow down between each stroke I swear lol.
It sure I added anything, but just wanted to add that hull design makes a big difference. I don’t even know how many varieties they’re are(unlike boats which are varied, and many). Just that with outlet little ones, it matters a lot.
Paddle boards too.

 

[Swerd]

Yeah I've paddled sit on kayaks before and I didn't like them enough to buy a sit-on. The longer the kayak, the straighter it will track. The kayak I want to get needs to be comfortable enough for long day trips and possibly overnight camping. The polypropylene models tend to be a little heavier but they are also more robust. I've looked at several brands of 14ft models and they tend to weigh in around 50 to 55 lbs including rudder.

It seems like you already know what you want. Be sure you can lift it over your head to get it on the roof-rack, after a long day out.

Don't forget personal flotation vests, they also have to be comfortable enough for long day trips.

The same goes for paddles. My first camping trip was an overnight camping trip with my kids. After about 500 strokes with my cheap heavy paddle, I understood why people spend big money on paddles too.

 

[Bruce53]

I agree that you do not want a sit on, but rather a sit in.
I've had 4 kayak. 2 were 10 foot and 2 12 foot. 10's somewhat more maneuverable but agree that in general do not track as straight. 1 of current ones is hybrid with a rudder that can be retracted; it is more maneuverable with the rudder up.
I do not do anything above class 2 rapids, which is essentially nothing.

Aside from kayaking, whitewater rafting is a lot of fun to do occasionally.