What kayak should I buy?

Question

I need a 2-person kayak with a non-sit-on-top (sit-in?) design. I am a beginner and want to spend less than US $500, what specific models should I look into.

Answer 1

Sit on Tops are called "SOTs" and Sit Insides are sometimes referred to as "SINKs."   Are you Sure you need a tandem boat?     Two solos might be easier to come by, and tandem kayaks are often referred to as "divorce boats."  Believe me, there's a reason for it.  

The most important thing you can do is to not buy a boat just based on the price.  Buy the boat that fits your needs that is at a price you can live with.  

What you want in a boat depends on some very important things: Where will you paddle?  (ponds, big lakes, slow rivers, whitewater river,  bays, open ocean?)  Figure out what you will be able to do the most often, that's really important.   Boats are designed for different purposes - so buy what will suit your needs MOST of the time.   Keep in mind, the body of water closest to home is your most likely locale.

Do you see yourself sticking to the sport? If you buy the cheapest boat out there now, it's very likely that you will not be happy with it next season - you'll outgrow it as your skills improve.  Now, if you're in a tandem boat and you really take to the sport, and your paddling partner doesn't, can the tandem boat be paddled solo comfortably?   Some tandems are more suited to that than others.  That's important.

Finally, for a first boat - buy a used one.  Believe me, after one season, a brand new boat will look just like the used ones anyway, and you won't have to go through the agony of putting the first scratch in the hull.  

Read up on the first link below - search the message boards on that website for more input.  Then scroll thru the dealer listing in the second link to find a good kayak shop near your home. Take your paddling partner and go to the shop and ask if you can try some boats out.  Lots of places have free paddle demo days where you can try a lot of boats out.  Ask about their inventory of used boats.  

Figure out which hulls work for you and find your ideal boat that way.  Learn the names of boats that you feel will fit your needs, and scan Craigslist, the local classifieds and of course, your local boat shop.

Have fun!

Answer 2

My favorite kayak by far for a beginner would be Oldtown they make great kayaks with great reliability and three layers to prevent scratches.

Answer 3

$500 ?

try used. check out places that rent kataks or put ad in paper.