I am looking at buying a kayak for river/estuary use. How do sit ons compare to sit ins for stability & speed?

Question

I am looking at buying a kayak for river/estuary use. How do sit ons compare to sit ins for stability & speed?

Answer 1

I think it's a matter of safety.  If you are going to be kayaking in some esturary where there are snakes and alligators, you MAY just want to do so in something you can sit completely inside of.

Answer 2

I myself LOVE the sit on tops.  They are awesome.  I also get alittle claustrophobic in the sit ins.  It would really depend on the type of river you are running.  If you are on alot of white water then you might want to stick with the sit-ins.  You do not have the means to stay in the boat with the sit on tops.  

As for speed and stabilty.  Speed is about the same with both types.  The sit on tops seem to definitely sit higher in the water.  And I think that they are both stable.  Like I said earlier, I really really like the sit on tops.  

I would suggest that you try out both before you buy and ask your rep which he/she would recommend depending on they type of paddling you want to do,  maybe even get more than one recommendation to make sure they seem to jive.

As for critters getting in with you...seems to me that they could get into either if they wanted too but I don't think they like to paddle very much and would rather just leave you alone..lol.

Whatever you decide....enjoy.   Paddling is great anywhere.