Kayaks
Apr 12, 2005 | 09:58 PM
#2
Trailblazer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Kayaks
So many variables it is hard to answer. most people go with plastic as it can be mass produced and is tough as nails.
If you have the time and some woodworking skills you can build your own for not a whole lot of money. I have a wooden Chesapeake 18. They are beautiful boats, quite fast for their size and will carry a heck of a load and can be a work of art depending on your woodworking skills. The only downside is they are a bit tender around the rocks.
check out their website --- esp. the builders forum and pictures of home built boats.
http://www.clcboats.com/index.php
If you have the time and some woodworking skills you can build your own for not a whole lot of money. I have a wooden Chesapeake 18. They are beautiful boats, quite fast for their size and will carry a heck of a load and can be a work of art depending on your woodworking skills. The only downside is they are a bit tender around the rocks.
check out their website --- esp. the builders forum and pictures of home built boats.
http://www.clcboats.com/index.php
Apr 13, 2005 | 11:33 AM
#3
Weekend Warrior
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Kayaks
I agree with Tangier. THere are so many variables that several books have been filled with information on what to choose and what it is good for.
I have two plastic kayaks that are very different from each other in handling and sure will not come close to the charming looks of a wooden or fiberglass boat. The upside to plastic that it is very hard to kill and it is cheaper. I mean you can drag it on rocks (bad idea, but you can) or run into them and it is likely to get through it in usable condition.
First you have to decide what you want to use it for. If you want to go fishing or shorter distances (let's say 5 miles or so max.) than get a boat 11-13ft long that is about 24-32" wide. That will be stable and comfortable enough for leasurely paddling and fishing ect. If you want to get really far let's say 12-20/mi on the regular bases, than don't even consider anything less than 16ft length and more than 23" wide. Those long boats are very unstable for the beginner and are not too stable for fishing and such. The middle ground between these sizes that is neither this nor that. It's like buying a set of all season tires and using it in deep snow and dry conditions. It is not perfect for either one, but will work if not put to the hard test.
My shorter boat is 13ft long 26" wide. It is a Velocity made by Sun (Canadian made not very well known) I can turn it 180 degrees with two paddle strokes and it is very stable. I have paddled 16miles in it one time and it made for a long day (it was not designed for that) but it is a great boat for exploring swamps and such.
The other one I have is 17ft long and 21 1/2" wide. It is a Perception Eclipse, pretty popular in the North -East. It is much faster and easyer to paddle on long distances (yet again fiberglass, kevlar and wood is best for this purpose but you pay much-much more). I take it on many 15-20 mile daytrips. It is still a good workout but it will not kill me. This took a little getting used to given it is more tippy, but I love it. It is much more effort to turn it in tight spaces (it was not designed for that kind of use) .
I would say, look at boats made by Old Town, Perception, Current Design, Necky to start out. They have a variety of designs and more importantly prices. Talk to as many people as you can and most importantly: Do not get caught up in the twists and turns of the technical stuff. Get a boat that fits you and your needs.
Happy paddling
Easygo
I have two plastic kayaks that are very different from each other in handling and sure will not come close to the charming looks of a wooden or fiberglass boat. The upside to plastic that it is very hard to kill and it is cheaper. I mean you can drag it on rocks (bad idea, but you can) or run into them and it is likely to get through it in usable condition.
First you have to decide what you want to use it for. If you want to go fishing or shorter distances (let's say 5 miles or so max.) than get a boat 11-13ft long that is about 24-32" wide. That will be stable and comfortable enough for leasurely paddling and fishing ect. If you want to get really far let's say 12-20/mi on the regular bases, than don't even consider anything less than 16ft length and more than 23" wide. Those long boats are very unstable for the beginner and are not too stable for fishing and such. The middle ground between these sizes that is neither this nor that. It's like buying a set of all season tires and using it in deep snow and dry conditions. It is not perfect for either one, but will work if not put to the hard test.
My shorter boat is 13ft long 26" wide. It is a Velocity made by Sun (Canadian made not very well known) I can turn it 180 degrees with two paddle strokes and it is very stable. I have paddled 16miles in it one time and it made for a long day (it was not designed for that) but it is a great boat for exploring swamps and such.
The other one I have is 17ft long and 21 1/2" wide. It is a Perception Eclipse, pretty popular in the North -East. It is much faster and easyer to paddle on long distances (yet again fiberglass, kevlar and wood is best for this purpose but you pay much-much more). I take it on many 15-20 mile daytrips. It is still a good workout but it will not kill me. This took a little getting used to given it is more tippy, but I love it. It is much more effort to turn it in tight spaces (it was not designed for that kind of use) .
I would say, look at boats made by Old Town, Perception, Current Design, Necky to start out. They have a variety of designs and more importantly prices. Talk to as many people as you can and most importantly: Do not get caught up in the twists and turns of the technical stuff. Get a boat that fits you and your needs.
Happy paddling
Easygo
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