What kind of Kayak

[pupmama]

Try first -- absolutely.

I've been called a 'kayak snob' by DH on more than one occasion ... lol. I have kayaked for some time and own 3 Wilderness Sys boats, different sizes/types for different purposes, from 12' play boat to 17' sea kayak.  I would not buy a boat from Costco or other non-sport/kayak store, they just are not equipped to provide reliable expertise or advice. I guess if you tried the model elsewhere and knew you liked it, then saw it at a good price at Costco, et al, that's a different story ... then you already know what you are buying.

I thought I would never own an inflatable, but am now seriously considering an inflatable tandem to throw in the PUP. When I take the kids camping on my own, I cannot load and unload our tandem WS by myself, but could handle an inflatable no problem.  It would allow us to get out on lakes and rivers with a minimum of effort and add a new dimension to camping trips.

I second (or third, or ...) that you check out www.paddling.net.  Great info available there on all types of boats and equipment.

Good luck in your search.  Kayaking is a lot of fun.  Always wear your PFD and whistle.  Be safe.

[The Sod Father]

I have two 10' LLBean Manatee flat water boats.  It is a simple rec boat made by Perception.  Fun, lightweight and easy to store since they are 10'.  The plus is that they were cheap (under $500 each), have adjustable foot pegs and comfortable seats.  The down side is that they do not offer sufficient floatation.  If you swamp the boat, you have to drag it back to shore or be really good at pumping out water and getting back into the boat.

Last Summer, I had the opportunity to try out Geodude's boat - a 14 Necky Manatee.  I fell in love.  It is an outstanding boat.  Very stable, fast, comfortable with plenty of storage.  I also tried his neighbor's 14' Wilderness but it paled in comparison.  So, now I am in the market for $2k boat.  Now all I need is some $$.

[Geodude]

Slight correction, mine are the Manitou 14 model (we have a matched set).  At 14'4" the downside is they are a little long to make carrying them on the truck overly easy (at least now that we have the 5th wheel), and they won't quite fit inside the camper, not that DW was big on that idea anyway.  All in all the pros outweigh the cons with these boats.  JP/SF I don't know they were $2K unless you want the 'glas version?

BTW, they are also good for overnight trips, but you have to pack really light and/or have a buddy with space in his canoe.  They do have two good sized hatches and watertight compartments.

[The Sod Father]

Manitou, manatee.... 220, 225..... whatever it takes.

[The Sod Father]

Oh, and $2k is for the composite boat.  Me likee because it is lighter.  The boat you have is under $1k.

[beacher]

I prefer Hobie kayaks, but this Mokai will do!

[Geodude]

Oh, and $2k is for the composite boat.  Me likee because it is lighter.  The boat you have is under $1k.

How do they do vs. rocks, sand, etc.?  They are a great looking boat and I always had the notion that I'd be changing to one of those once the kids aren't using ours.  But will they take a beating and still look good?

My dad used to rent and sell canoes and I have personally returned a brand new canoe to him after a week in Algonquin Park, with a leak in it.  I was the company test pilot, after all. 

[The Sod Father]

The composite is made up of the same stuff they use to make football helmets.  Far more resilient that fiberglass and lighter too.  I suspect it will be just fine with rocks but probably not as durable as good ole plastic.  The price point is a bit bothersome though.  Aaaand, it makes a $995 boat, look a bit more reasonable.  Hmmmm......

Damn you Geodude!  You always end up costing me money.  New kayak, a Hensley, new skis..... I gotta stop hanging out with you.

[Geodude]

What, we got new skis?  I didn't get that memo, and the ski sales are now on around here.  Must... resist...   Imagine if we actually lived less than 10 hours apart?   

[The Sod Father]

Dude, you're the one that does all the research.  I just spend the money.  Let me know what skis we are getting.  Sales start soon in my area!

And now, back to our regularly scheduled discussion already in progress.......

[Geodude]

DW is sitting across from me on the couch, about to pay the first semester's tuition to Ottawa U.  The tuition looks a lot like my skis.

[The Sod Father]

It could be worse.  Tuition at Drexel University looks exactly like a BMW 5 series.  Every year.