Old Town Loon 111 Opinions

[AKR28]

Hello Kayakers ! I am in full search mode for a Kayak to get me from place to place around the coast and bays, no major swells or open watrer for me. I plan to wade fish mostly and not spend toomuch time actually fishing from the Kayak. Looking at the OT Loon 111, the Dagger Delta, and the Walden Scout.

I like the size and weight of the OT but am looking for some user feedback.

Thanx,

Kent in NH

[joev]

AKR Look for A SOT (Sit on Top) Much easier to get on and off.Hook a anchor to it with 4-5 feet of line then tie yourself off with 20-25 feet of line.I use this method for fishing flats and submerged shoals.Works great.
I have a Tarpon SOT and a Pungo (sit in ) and can tell you its so much easier to get in the Tarpon.

JoeV

[Clark]

Go try some of the ones your interested in. What may seem nice to others may not be for you.

[bluewatr]

I think Joev is right on the money,
The S-O-T is great! Much safer and all around just easier.
Yes during early Spring and Fall it can be chilly but a wet suite will keep you nice and warm. And like joev said if you want to jump out and wade the flats a S-O-T is the only way to go.

It works for me but like what Clark says, try them. What works for me may not for you.

[Mark Cahill]

Haven't looked at them, but Spag's in Shrewsbury is advertising sit on top kayaks for a little over $200.00

I can't remember exact price, but I do remember it was close to the same amount I plan to spend on batteries for my boat...

[Bob Parsons]

Mark need to watch the weight factor. I sat on someone's SOT and sank it

[bluewatr]

I don't think you can sink mine I don't recall the exact # but mine is rated for aprox 300lb.s

[fly_fool]

I have a loon 138. Pluses-Stable;Roomy cockpit;Tracks well, keeps the spray out (water too cold for SOT in Maine!) Minuses - weight

[Ktaflyfish]

Kayaks are challenging but good tools for geting close to fish or shallow area's. good feedback so far, but really think about boat weight especially if carrying it any distances. SOT's dont offer much, if any back support, important if paddling long trips.
I have a Poke boat Kevlar 22#'s very stable, super light, fairly open cockpit, good protection. pretty expensive!!
also comes in fiberglass.............if you are looking for a boat you can handle on and of the car when you become an old man this is it..............think about the future and how much you can carry. if you want more info let me know.

[Coof]

No question that a SOT is a lot easier to get in and out of.......I've crashed into shore and jumped up on the run many a time to wiggle out of my wet suit when those beers come callin'! Certainly weight is a huge consideration.My Cobra F'nD STARTS at 55 lbs. It's probably up closer to 90+ at cast-off. Consider adding my weight to that and now I'm up over 300 lbs! That's alot to push against waves coming at you with 2 skimpy paddle blades. Yea, it has a 600 lb. capacity, but no one wants to get close to that figure in the surf! If you've got to drag that kind of weight over land, then invest in some kayak kart wheels. They really help. Some models fold up small enough to put below deck.
One thing I'd like to mention that I've always found to be a big plus with my Cobra. It has FLAT areas from bow to stern which makes for easier and
more water tight areas to add things like rod holders and other items.......

[bluewatr]

Ktaflyfish,

In reference to the comment about back support and SOT yaks. If your seat is not properly set up you will have back discomfort, Lehs will go numb ect.... I took me a couple attempts to get it right. I had issues with the seat sliding back and fourth. I but some industrial strength velcro under seat and now it does not budge. It is very comfortable.

Checked out the W.S. Tarpon at North Cove Outfitters demo day in Chester CT this past Sunday.

Sweeeeeeeet!

[Wes]

Just added a Tarpon to the fleet today, 2nd kayak and an alternative to a 17 ft sink sea kayak. Besides paddling nicely it's also pretty well priced. Wanted an SOT that could keep up with the sink on family outings and this one will do it.

[kayakfish1]

I fish a Walden Scout and have been for the last 3 years. I really like the extra efficiency that it has over the Loon. This is really nice when paddling against the tide. The built in paddle
holder is also a nice feature. All in all it is very stable and comfortable. You should give one a try.

Kittery Trading Post is doing a demo this Saturday. It may be a good chance to test paddle several models.

Good luck.

DH

[bluewatr]

Wes,
Where did you get your Tarpon and how much if you don't mind me asking?

-mike

[Tom Dunlap]

as I was told a few years ago pungo,piungo,pungo... drier than sots, get a skirt and you can use year round. 48" cockpit so you can jump in and out easily. and it has a double chined hull that tracks well in wind. Tom D