Can anybody give me advice on a kayak to putz around on a lake with?

Question

I am particularly looking for an inexpensive kayak to meander around a little lake with my family. I would prefer Made in USA, but I realize that may be expecting too much. Ultimately this is for family fun and I would like best advice possible to save money, we are definitely OK with used kayaks.

Answer 1

Hi,

First, the made in the USA is going to be a challenge - most of the recreational boat manufacturers are building hulls off shore.

If you are on a small lake, and want to put multiple people in the boat (2 adults and 1 child, e.g.), you could look at a few different options:

Cobra makes a triple sit on top kayak.  Very stable platform, and the kids can have fun jumping off and climbing back on with little worry: http://www.paddling.net/buyersguide/show...

Look for a used one on Craigslist or Ebay for the best $$.

In a recreational kayak, the Pamlico 160T has a child's seat, these are usually pretty easy to find used:

http://www.paddling.net/buyersguide/show...   Please note, that this kind of kayak doesn't have sealed bulkheads, so you would need to put flotation bags in it to ensure it's boyancy in the event of a capsize.

The Loon 15T is usually readily available used too:

http://www.paddling.net/buyersguide/show...

Again, float bags would be needed for the bow (you'll see the rubber hatch in the stern, indicating that there is a rear bulkhead).  

You could also look at a canoe instead... they'll typically have a higher weight capacity, and depending on where you live, you may find used canoes more readily than kayaks.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The easiest way to find a used kayak is to search out your local area and find out if there's a paddling club nearby.  If you have water in the area, likely there will be some sort of paddling club.  Someone in the club will know where the used boat stash is.  Many times universities will unload their used boats either by sealed bid or large yard sale. Craigslist is a possibility, but ebay shipping costs would be prohibitive, unless you found one within an hour's drive.

A good used boat list is on www.paddling.net and lists boats by state.

If you're just paddling around the lake, I wouldn't be too concerned about hull designs, but maybe stay away from the whitewater hulls as they turn much quicker and are harder to get to go in a straight line..

My daughter has a Perception Carolina 14.5 and other than being a little heavy, she likes it just fine. Made in the US FWIW.  For that matter, most any of the used boats are going to be made in the US.  The Dagger Crossover is a good river/flatwater kayak, but not made anymore.  It's like 12.5' long and could handle class 1 rapids if so desired..

Prijon would be made in Germany, but they make good boats too.  Perception,  Dagger, Liquid Logic, and Old Town to my knowledge are all made in the US.  I would stay away from the discount store/Sam's club short squatty kayaks with the wide open cockpit holes. That $400 "package deal" is c**p.

Good luck

Max

Answer 3

Try the local news stand...Kayak and Canoe magazines. Each has an annual equipment issue. A standard 13'2" slalom type kayak sounds right for you. It can be plastic or glass/resin. Don't forget: PFD, Helmet, Flotation bags and paddle. Check with local canoe and kayak groups for used boats. Run a classified  ad in yoiur major newspaper.

Answer 4

look before you jump out there and spend a truck load of money try looking on the web look up boater talk .com then go under gear swap you can find real i mean real good deals  these are used boat but they have alot of life leftin them for the money i have bought three boat there and  when i need another that is where i willl do my shopping

Answer 5

A great way to get into kayaking is with a simple lake boat like the Swify by Perception or the Otter by Old Town. They are inexpensive and give you a feel for kayaking. They are lightweight and can be put on your vehicle easily.  My advice is to head to Craigslist.  Type in "kayak" in your area and see what's available.  These boats should go from $250-400. You can get used paddles and PFD's too.  Enjoy!