best type of kayaks

[eng5]

This must be a frequently asked question. Which type is better, the sit in ones or the sit on top ones. If I get one I will be fishing Quincy bay and its estuaries. Also, what would be a good length that I could handle? Thanks, joev

[Flypaint]

Look in the FAQ

[ruge13]

Each has its advantages, and it will depennd on who you ask. SOT guys swear by them. SINK guys love theirs..mostly personal preference although the debates are endless. Try both.

Try as many different types and models as you can with what you plan to do with it in mind as Sam said in the FAQ section. Kayaks should "fit" you. Like a shoe, it should just feel right. When you try a bunch you will see what I mean.

"What I can handle" is a function of practice. Don't be afraid to get a boat you have to grow into a little. When I say grow into, I mean a newer paddler's preocupation with stability. Guys worry about how stable a boat is (function of length, width, and hull shape), but after a few hours/days paddling in a new boat you forget all about stability and start to worry about things like deck rigging and pfd buckles catching fly line..

When the store, or salesmen tells you to try a wide 12 or 14ft boat for fishing and says there is no other way, give the 17ft touring boat a try for comparison's sake. It might just fit better than the shorter wider boat, thats what I found anyway.

They laughed me out of the place when I got a 23" wide longer boat to fish from because I liked the speed. Company Rep told me I would be back, "fish wil pull you right over" he said. If I were to do it again, I would go longer and keep the dimentions but thats just because thats what I like. Your taste will vary.

Sounds like you will keep it to calmer waters and distance won't be a factor. Then you won't need a longer faster boat. But you may like it.

[kayakninja]

I am a sot user and it makes a nice fishing chair for me. I started out with a W.S. T-120 and worked great to start out with. I was a good choice for me and makes a nice stable fishing platform. Lots of flat surfaces to mount rodholders and electronics. You might even be able to score one under 500. Like ruge13 said look around and try out different styles and models sots and sik's. Most of us here are not kayakers but fisherman. Having a kayak that can perform and get us home safe is what it is all about.

I have since moved on to 15' class in the Malibu Extreme, it is pretty heavy but makes another great fishing tool and very happy. Next to try is the new Cobra Fisherman due out in 04, we will see.

Sot vs Sit each has its advantages and dis-advantages. For what I do the SOT does the job. I spend 50% of my fishing time trolling. 40% standing up in kayak sight cast on flats. 10% getting on and off the yak onto flats or other areas were fish are cruising in remote areas.

Picture of me on my old 120

[Ray]

I use a Pungo 140 (14') by Wilderness Systems. It's the best selling line of kayaks for good reasons. It's a great all around boat. I use it in rivers, bays, and open water. Very stable, light, roomy,..... Yes it is a bit slower than the narrower boats, I can't keep up with Shaun and Sam, but it's a great choice for a first boat. Checkout the Sakonnet Boat House in Tiverton RI. They're right on the water. No Tax!!

I live right near the Charles River Basin in Newton if you want to try it out.

Ray

[BluesCruiser]

P...P...Pungo that's right Ray those SOT's will never get it. --127-3-

pungo pungo~~ :brow

[FishHawk]

There is no perfect yak. I like my Necky Santa Cruz. It's a sink and very stable. Takes to the rougher waters very well. If I had to buy a sot I would get the Tarpon by Wilderness Systems. Next yak will probably be a touring yak. Just my .02