Pick a New Kayak

mikeB · Post by **mikeB** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 3:25 pm

My brother will be getting a kayak soon as a birthday present. Sis-in-Law has asked for advice and although I have a Heritage Fisherman which I like just fine, I think if I were to buy a new boat today it would be the WS-T-140. And the reason being the ability to stand and fish. No way can I stand up in the Heritage. Although the WS is only 2 in. wider it has a flatter bottom. So if you had a chance for any locally available boat in the $1,000 range what would it be.

Todd · Post by **Todd** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 3:30 pm

If one of the things you want out of a kayak is to stand up you should also look at the Malibu line. I stand in mine all of the time with no problems.

Tree-Bone · Post by **Tree-Bone** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 3:40 pm

OK Drifter is wide & stable for standing.
This subject has been covered in a past topic about a week ago. Not sure what the title was.
TB

John · Post by **John** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 3:40 pm

I would wait a month or two and see the new t160 with the tankwell.

Rumours are it is very sweet and may have the 140 flat floor too.

Bald Eagle · Post by **Bald Eagle** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 4:24 pm

Standing in my yak (Hobie Outback) with RAM mounted outriggers is a joy. I have a nice flat hatch lid right in front of the seat and the outriggers make it real stable. But that's only the half of it. How good is your sense of balance? Also, will you use a pole or your paddle to propel the yak. I use a combination of the paddle and a Stake-Out-Pole but am thinking of making a sectional push pole like some of the older boys have done with their Outbacks.

A pedal powered Outback isn't for everyone. Especially serious yakers who will critize the Outback's paddling characteristics and need for 18" for the drive wings. However, I'd consider myself a serious fisherman just using a yak so I love the hands free, stability and ease of travel using my lower body.

I would assume the RAM mounted outriggers are added on other yaks also. You might consider that approach.

FishingDL · Post by **FishingDL** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 4:25 pm

Look at the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13

atljoe · Post by **atljoe** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 4:46 pm

Don't do it often but I have stood in my outback on the occasion it was called for; no outriggers. There are times to stand but for the most part I would not make that a key factor in choosing a yak. I also have a Tri-Balance and you can for sure stand in it (can fall out but never tip it over). I rarely found a need to stand in it. If you are a dedicated fly angler it will be easier to stand. I know it may help to provide a better view but you have to remember that when you stand the fish can also see you from further away.

Still nothing I would swap for my hobie (except a new hobie) but they are a little more than the $1000 range.

I would look for something that tracks and glides well. You are always likely to have some wind and even though yaks are less a target than a canoe making that paddle in after a long day or even deciding to paddle an extra mile to get to the better hole is more acceptable in a yak that reduces the effort involved.

DaveR · Post by **DaveR** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 4:58 pm

Prowler 13. My favorite boat to date. Ask me about standing 25 lbs. from now.

captjake · Post by **captjake** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 6:09 pm

Don't forget about the Prowler 15'4"...I love mine.

Not sure about standing in it though. Have not tried, but do not feel the need to do so.

If they are wanting to stand, look at the 140 or ask Erik and Toddle about their Malibu yaks...heard they are VERY stable.

The Prowlers are stable and VERY fast, but not sue about standing in their footwells

AlbertoOceanKayakRep · Thu Feb 10, 2005 7:21 pm

To stand on the Prowlers you do so on the seat well, which is were the center of gravity is. I don't do it on the regular basis but I know people who do it all the time. If I wanted to stand on the regular basis I will instal outrigers on my yak.

GatorTroutBoy · Post by **GatorTroutBoy** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 7:23 pm

I am also in the market to buy a new yak myself. Yup, thatâ€™s right. Mike is going to try to make a complete break from the â€œGrey Sideâ€

mauso1 · Post by **mauso1** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 8:59 pm

IMHO....T140...watch out for orange though...

Troy · Post by **Troy** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:13 pm

do yourself a favor and check out the malibu X-FACTOR. 14'4" long and 33" wide. great for standing. go to chuck at the oldsmar flea market. no over head and great prices. he also sells heritage and the red fish.

Ray H · Post by **Ray H** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:13 pm

My choice would be the Tarpon 140. Although it's not as stable as the Rides I used to own, I do stand and pole in my 140 pretty easily. As you've probably heard before, don't just listen to what you hear - try before you buy.

Erick · Post by **Erick** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:15 pm

I have been in a few different brands of kayaks and I have found the Malibu to be the most stable. Right now I have the eXtreme and even I can stand in it, without any problems. I have heard the X-Factor is even more stable....which is hard to believe, but I will find out soon enough.

AlbertoOceanKayakRep · Thu Feb 10, 2005 10:20 pm

Hey Spit the Hook,

Are you positive there is somebody selling kayaks at the flea market?
Can somebody confirm this?

Thanks in advance,

Alberto