MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Kit_e_kat9 on December 08, 2011, 12:59:23 PM
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Hi,
The BF and I have been considering some form of floatation device since camping out at a Scout Camp and using one of their canoes for a little while. Much Fun!!
So we've been looking at various forms of over water floatation and we just aren't sure what is best.
Canoe - Sit inside so don't get so wet. No storage for water sensitive items. Rather heavy-ish (well the ones we tried were). Suits 2 people. Bit uncomfy on ones rear.
Feet got cold on the bottom of it - probably because they got wet on the way in, it was Winter and did forgot the thongs though socks helped a little. The paddles were one ended with worn handles which was a little hard for me to use. Can you tell I haven't done this all that much, but would like to?
Kayak - No idea what's what here. I see some have back rests (would be nice?), some don't, some you sit on, some you sit kinda in, they are either 1 or 2 people, some have storage hatches, some don't, some have elastic on them, some don't ...
So I'm a bit confused. I'd like something with storage for my precious camera & yuppie car keys so they don't fry in the wet environment and perhaps my phone if it's getting signal that day. I'm not really into starting an engine. So I guess I'm just looking for something that would be kinda lightweight, rather buoyant, for fishing or just paddling over a lake or up a creek, while I take some photos ... that sort of thing. We aren't joining any Olympic Team in the future.
What do you have and how does it perform?
What suits you best ... 1 or 2 person? Which is easier?
Is the storage water proof or is there a better solution?
Does price really matter?
Help me out please.
Kit_e
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Hi,
single/double; double with 2 will always be easier/faster - less weight, longer waterline, more power.
Kayak/canoe; kayak will have less space for storage, canoe you can load up with drums/dry bags etc.
Kayak is more sea worthy, i.e. if the weather gets up you will be less affected by wind/waves, but if it is calm, the canoe has a lot going for it as far as freedom of movement goes.
You tend to 'wear' a kayak, where as canoe is more a vessel to sit in.
You cant Eskimo-roll a canoe!
cheers
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We have an old Canoe, and a slightly newer 2 seater Kyak. Both 2 flaming heavy.
Have tried out my mates 2 seater sit on Hobie Outfitter with Mirage drive, that the way to go IMO hands free, feet do the work.
http://www.hobiecat.com.au/kayaks/mirage/outfitter/ (http://www.hobiecat.com.au/kayaks/mirage/outfitter/)
Just need to find one cheap on ebay now, I believe theyre about $3k new.
:cheers:
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From what you have written I would suggest kayaks. The sit ins tend to be more comfortable. The sit ons have drainage holes to allow water to pass through. Water can come up through them or in rougher water can come over. Most kayaks will come with some type of storgage but a water proof bag gives extra protection. The longer the kayak the faster it tends to be but is less stable and not as suitable for fishing. The shorter kayaks are more suitable for fishing and are better in creeks and faster water. You also have to be able to transport your kayaks, so you need roof racks etc. Kayaks vary in price depending on materials etc. with plastics cheaper than fibreglass. A good entry level kayak will cost between $500 and $1000 new. Make sure it either has a fairly pronounced keel, a skeg or rudder to make it easier to steer. The weight of the paddler also make a difference to performance. A heavier person will need a heavier kayak to get good performance. Try and get a paddle in a few different types to make sure you are comfortable. They are great fun and can a real difference to a trip. You will start looking at every creek you pass to see if it is paddleable.
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Kit e, I'd be leaving the good camera at home or making sure it was in a pelican case and only removed once arrived at a location. The tendency for these things to tip over AND get a bit of water in them is massive. Well, too much of a risk for me anyway.
The other recommendation is find a shop who does "trials" (most will if asked) and get them to take a few to a local water way for you and "BF" (I assume that's BEST friend?!?!) to try out. There's a LOT of good craft out there, and some very expensive ones too. Also, keep an eye on Fleabay and Gumtree and Trading Post, etc, they come up pretty often.
Good luck!
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With a Sit-On-Top it doesn't matter if you tip it and have everything tied on because you will basically just get wet. And after the shock of falling in you just turn it up the right way and clamber on.
If you tip a canoe or Sit-In Kayak, you will have to empty it before getting back in and with out any assistance, this can be a PITA
:cheers:
Mike
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We have an old Canoe, and a slightly newer 2 seater Kyak. Both 2 flaming heavy.
Have tried out my mates 2 seater sit on Hobie Outfitter with Mirage drive, that the way to go IMO hands free, feet do the work.
http://www.hobiecat.com.au/kayaks/mirage/outfitter/ (http://www.hobiecat.com.au/kayaks/mirage/outfitter/)
Just need to find one cheap on ebay now, I believe theyre about $3k new.
:cheers:
We've been interested in one of these, I think they would be a lot easier to drive, particularly for kids
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G'day kit e,
I am a sit in enthusiast but there are some very good sit on top alternatives around.
Everything in cayak/canoe is a compromise. In an ideal world there would be one boat that does all but this is simply not the case. it would help if you told us where you would like to paddle and where you will be using said kayak/canoes and in what conditions. ie quiet inland waterholes or out on the bay or sea.
At a holliday this year, we stayed at the island reach caravan park in Imbil and would highly recommend it. it is on the banks of Yabba Creek and is an ideal paddling destination. There were couples and kids paddling everything from canadian style canoes to sea kayack, specialized sit on top fishing kayaks but by far, the vast majority were using shorter, plastic and more basic sit on top recreational kayaks similar to these in the single version.
http://www.vikingkayak.com.au/single-kayaks/nemo. (http://www.vikingkayak.com.au/single-kayaks/nemo.)
These are a superb all round, entry level kayak. if you decide to go this way, I think it is money well spent to invest in hatches for dry storage and also a back band.
The important thing is to get a boat of some sort that you can mange on your own. Doubles are fine as far as they go but truth be told, they can also be a recipe for divorce. is your boyfriend a bit handy? if so, for a fraction of the cost, he could build a couple of these.
http://www.unclejohns.com/boat/default.htm (http://www.unclejohns.com/boat/default.htm)
These are considerably lighter, faster and generally a better paddle craft than the plastic sit on top jobs.
Mick
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We've been interested in one of these, I think they would be a lot easier to drive, particularly for kids
Both my brother in law and partner, and sister in law and husband (my mate above) have a mirage drive outfitter. We thought they were mad to spend $3 on a Yak, but after 5 minutes on it my wife and I were converted. Granted, they seem best for estuary, flat river and lake use (sheltered waters). The distance you can cover on them in a short time is amazing!!
(Dammit, another competitor on fleabay looking for an outfitter!)
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I bought my wife and i the sit on ones with the back rest from annaconda and we love em best of both worlds
You can go down a river and keep your stuff dry as they have asealed off area in the hull that you access with a screw on lid
Or as they are kind of like a surf ski we have mucked around in the chop at hamlin bay and rode a couple of little waves.
As they are the same model they interlock and stack 2 high quite well on the roof of the car and have the holes in the bottom to slot the torlley in to wheel it around
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We have a little sit-on-top kayak for the girls and they love it.
I am looking for a cheap Hobie Mirage, but they are far and between.
We have test driven one a few years back and it was great. Especially for me as I can't use one arm.
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Hi Kit_
I picked up a 2nd hand plastic ex-hire canoe several years ago, it's great. Being ex-hire it's bomb proof, almost can't tip it over :-[, room for 2 ,just slides over rocks etc., with no damage and if you did happen to damage it, just get out a gas cigarette lighter and weld up the break ;D
I found it a bit low to paddle from so I got a couple of stackable plastic chairs and cut the legs down, threw away the single paddle and got doubles, dropped in motor cycle battery for my fish finder, good water-proof container (tie it to the canoe) for camera and keys etc. works well for me, but strictly on sheltered water
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Thanks Swaggers! I knew a few of you would have a great opinion to share with me. Thanks so much. It's giving me ideas on what and how as well as the where.
Pod, BF = Boy Friend ... maybe bestie if he wouldn't argue with me so much ;D but I guess that's half the fun of it.
As I said it will just be for fishing or (slow) paddling over lakes or up creeks. I certainly don't want to do any white water stuff but if it's a very calm day on the ocean, maybe there too. We won't be competing in the Olympics at any stage.
Keep those opinions and ideas coming please.
Kit_e
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heaps of choice but ide stick to sit on top yaks as apposed to sit in yak basically because the sit on yaks will not sink . yes sit in yaks or canoes float with water in them but for my money a sit on yak is the way to go . there are heaps of different ones on the market so it would be hard to go wrong . hobies with the mirage drives are ok BUT the hulls do have a tendency to crack around the drive area . a problem that they seem to be unable or un willing to fix . on saying that they have a great warrentie and generaly will replace any yak that splits .
i didnt go that way and bought a native watercraft marinner 12.5 . for me they are superior to any other peddle yak on the market .
http://nativewatercraft.com/ (http://nativewatercraft.com/)
viking yaks from queensland are also a great option .there aussie built and very affordable . http://www.vikingkayak.com.au/ (http://www.vikingkayak.com.au/)
i had the tempo and its a great fishing yak though heavy .
no afiliation
craig
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Canoe or Kayak you can keep your gear dry with a dry bag
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i didnt go that way and bought a native watercraft marinner 12.5 . for me they are superior to any other peddle yak on the market .
http://nativewatercraft.com/ (http://nativewatercraft.com/)
They do look good, the drive set up looks well made.
Do they make a two seater peddle yak, doesnt seem to list one on the website.
Are they a comparable price to the Hobie?
:cheers:
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http://www.unclejohns.com/boat/default.htm (http://www.unclejohns.com/boat/default.htm)
Thanks HairyMick,
The BF is a carpenter, so should be able to make one of these, but if he was a plumber, mechanic or electrician I'd probably have a better chance of actually getting him to make it. ;D They do look good though.
Kit_e
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Kite,
Tell BF, "two sheets of ply (per boat, One build will never be enough) ;D some clear hoop pine for gunwhales and a little epoxy. A carpenter could knock one up in a week-end.
it would probably help if you promise to be real nice to him too. :cup:
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They do look good, the drive set up looks well made.
Do they make a two seater peddle yak, doesnt seem to list one on the website.
Are they a comparable price to the Hobie?
:cheers:
no i dont think they do make a tandem propel drive yak .
they are dearer than an outback and revo but cheaper than the P.A . .they are better built so the price reflects that .
craig
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Kit-e,
We've got 5 SOT's (sit on tops) the kids are short and wide and track (go forward in a straight line) very well with two keels.
Mine has as someone announced scupper holes which ,in choppy water, lets the water out not in. Water comes in over the side. I also have scupper plugs (obvious usage) for use in smooth water when the water doesn't come over the sides.
I stay relatively dry depending on how much "fun" we are having. I also have a small barrel (water tight) that fits perfectly on the back and I keep a dry bag for the phone, electronic keys and camera and store internally. (always gets wet inside)
I added two rod holders on mine and try to go fishing often. Its very stable and can't tip it easily during normal operation.
I've also added a bigger seat back wich makes it much easier to paddle for extended times.
Our 6 - 8 year old have no trouble travelling for 6 - 8 Kilometres in a couple of hours.
I can't speak about the other types other than to say each type has its pros and cons.
You can get wheels to travel from the car park down to the water and if he's handy he can make a set that will flip up and travel on the back of the (whichever type you choose).
If I had the money I'd be getting the Hobie with all the trimmings. (they have a set of flip up wheels and they're stable enough to stand up.)
Good Luck
Try a Kayak and/or canoe club.
But get on the water.
:cheers:
Steve.
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This'll get you motivated Kit e
http://yakass.net/ (http://yakass.net/)
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We have a hobie 2 x seater with mirage drives and take it with us all the time. Mr Hargs is a mad keen fisherman, We got it 4 years ago ( cost 3 grand then ). We are in our 50s -
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Hey Duchess!! Nah sorry, amnesia, wrong again - kit-e-kat.
To save BF you could also try here:
http://www.graysonline.com/search.aspx?q=kyak (http://www.graysonline.com/search.aspx?q=kyak)
:cheers:
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Hey Duchess!! Nah sorry, amnesia, wrong again - kit-e-kat.
I've learned from Speewa ... never hold a grudge ... too busy holding a beer :cheers: :cheers:
Thanks will check out all leads ...
Kit_e
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Hi Kit-e,
We had a plastic 2-person kayak for a few years, which was ok, but found it very heavy to get on the roof, and a PIA if using solo - have to reposition seats etc and too big.
Traded it for 2 solo kayaks, plastic, and very pleased. Lash out on the ones with backrests, and a watertight compartment if you can. Also ours have padding where your kness rub against the side, which sounds a bit g@y but is actually a great idea.
You'll scratch the cr@p out of the bottoms in no time on rocks etc so go used if you can find them. Oh, and kayak being a pallindrome, you can paddle backwards easily too... 8)
Happy paddling,
Kayak Cam
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Noting all this stuff down ... 2 sounds better I think ...
Kit_e
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Just picked up a Finn Gizmo - Fisher @ Rays Outdoors today on sale @ $525 (RRP $1049). Already reduced to $699 with an additional 25% off for VIP members with a letter.
Versatile craft that comes with everything you need: Paddle,clips to hold and leash, back rest, bottle and bottle holder, knee straps, rod and net holder, tackle box, twin storage areas and an anchor with rope.
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Hi Kit-e
We have two sit-on kayaks. We tested lots of different sorts before we bought them. Our local kayak shop has regular "have a go" days on the river where you can go and paddle different types - I think you'll find most kayak shops do this locally and is worth checking out.
The brand we have is "Ocean Kayak - Prowler 13". Although initially we used them for fishing a lot (ocean, river and estuary) we have found we use them more now for fitness and sightseeing. So, our choice was good in that they aren't as wide as some of the big fishing kayaks, but have good tracking (one paddle stroke gets you a fair distance and they maintain their course) and cut through ocean chop quite well. They also have a rudder operated by foot pedals.
We have the back rests which also include a padded seat. Under the seat we have put some high density foam (like the blue foam roll-out camp mats, approx 15mm thick) which makes the seat much more comfy if you are out for a whole day. If you know you will be paddling in calm water, you can put foam rubber stoppers/bungs into the drainage holes and it stops any water coming back up - but we have found you're better off to not use them as you do get a few splashes from your paddle that can easily drain away if the drainage holes are clear.
Our kayaks have a small, secure hatch in the centre with a screw top lid but we also use an aqua-pack to keep phones and keys etc safe inside this hatch. There is a main hatch at the front where we store flares, torch, spare rope and emergency paddle. At the back is an open rear well and we put soft eskies in here with ice or water to put the catch in.
If you are planning on doing lots of fishing, I would definitely recommend something like the Hobie as they are wider, more stable and if you can move using your feet rather than a paddle, you will have hands free for fishing rods. We have found juggling rods and paddles a PITA at times. If you're in calm water and happy to drift, no problem, but if you want to trawl or maintain a position in a current, it's hard without putting down your fishing rod, picking up the paddle, paddling for a bit, then swapping back to the fishing rod - if you see what I mean.
We have rigged up little anchor trollies on our kayaks - which means we can anchor from the front or rear of the kayak depending on which way you want to face and fish. We put a float on the top of the anchor line and then clip that with a caribiner to the anchor rope. This means if you catch a big fish and want to tow around for a bit, you can easily and quickly unhook from your anchor, go chase your fish, and then come back to your anchor. Or if you get a big fish aboard the kayak and start squealing like a girl, your husband (or BF) can unclip from his anchor, paddle over, and help take control of the birds nest of fishing line... (My husband has to deal with this issue quite a bit...)
Also, with the anchor you can stop, jump over with your mask & snorkel, explore around and then come back to your kayak.
Edit: In winter, we wear "Sharkskin" wetsuit pants - they are made for paddling which means they are a bit higher at the back so when you sit down, your lower back is still covered and warm. The inside is like polar fleece and the outside is wetsuit. And we wear wetsuit booties. All toasty warm :D
Hope this helps.
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Have a go on the river day up here and you'ld be dodging Crocs... ;D
:cheers:
Steve.
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We have a 2/3 seater sit on top from BCF, got it for approx 500 on special and love it, its a Dragonfly Angler 3.0 Fishing Kayak, they still stock them... tracks great and the storage isnt too bad. have put the seats in so nice and comfy (forked out extra $ for deluxe ones) we go fishing and paddling with it, great thing is you can use it as a one or two seater easily... Only negative is it is a bit on the larger size but thats no hassle for us as we have a 4x4 to put it on top of and it makes it really stable, i can stand on it easily when out in the water....
It can take a fair old beating too ;D me and a mate took it up a river that we got so sick and tired of pulling it over trees down that we woould try and paddle fast enough to get over them ;D hahahaha it was a funny day and the kayak is still living!!
I keep dry bags as suggested to keep things dry, My favourite item though is our waterproof camera which you can pick up a decent one for around 300 or so these days, I NEVER have to worry about it getting wet!!!! phone and stuff goes in a water proof clear case that I have attached to the kayak by a cord and caribener.
I would also recomend forking out the extra biccies for a decent paddle, it makes a hell of a difference to your day and fatigue levels.
:cheers:
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My wife wants to take up Kayaking/Canoeing but would be more of a hobby thing, when we are camping somewere. Getting them on and off the roof would be a pain and I wondered what people thought of the inflatable ones.
I notcied that BCF has a couple of them on special.
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We have the dragonfly angler 3.0, not into serious kayak fishing so could not justify 2-3k on a yak. This is a cheap option to get on the water and it can take a beating.
Its good for the kids or a couple of adults, fishing, paddling, whatever.
We have a waterproof camera as everything usually gets wet anyway.
This yak is only 3m and sits on top of the Jayco just right, about 28kg, so not too bad to lift on or off.
(http://www.myswag.org/gallery/d/35322-2/DSC02088.JPG)
(http://www.myswag.org/gallery/d/35315-2/DSC02150.JPG)
:cheers:
Terry
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We have the dragonfly angler 3.0, not into serious kayak fishing so could not justify 2-3k on a yak. This is a cheap option to get on the water and it can take a beating.
Its good for the kids or a couple of adults, fishing, paddling, whatever.
We have a waterproof camera as everything usually gets wet anyway.
This yak is only 3m and sits on top of the Jayco just right, about 28kg, so not too bad to lift on or off.
That's a nice looking Yak Terry, looks stable enough to go skiing if you hooked a big Barra.
I see you've got room for the main motor sitting up on the back. Always make s for easy fishin.
:cheers:
Steve.
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My type of Kayak. I can paddle this one all day with one hand. ;D
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c321/TOY80ST/14foottinny.jpg)
Seriously though. When I am on my own I prefer a kayak but when I have the kids it is a canoe all the way.
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I wondered what people thought of the inflatable ones.
Hi,
I paddled a 2 seater on the Picton River (white water) years ago. Different to what I was used to (normal fibreglass kayak), not as blancmangey as the inflatable raft, but it was capable of cutting in and out of an eddy, almost enough speed to get where we wanted without too much drama.
Very wet, there was water draining out all the time.
Inflated hard, it was quite capable, but not sure how it would handle being taken out of water at about 8°C and left in the sun on a river bank.
That is how I lost my raft when the kids were careless with it.
cheers
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That's a nice looking Yak Terry, looks stable enough to go skiing if you hooked a big Barra.
I see you've got room for the main motor sitting up on the back. Always make s for easy fishin.
:cheers:
Steve.
Thanks Steve, It is very stable even with two fat blokes onboard, we would struggle trying to tip it.
(http://www.myswag.org/gallery/d/35324-2/DSC02106.JPG)
I have fished from it by myself and hooked a big cod which took me for a bit of a ride, good fun.
We didnt actually buy it for fishing, more so the kid can get out and paddle while were camping, I agree with TOY80ST and his type of Kayak!
Cheers
Terry
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I have a Pelican Bayou 160 (the new but not improved version of the Coleman Scanoe). It is a pain to load on the car, it tends to be a bit tippy and does not negotiate white water all that well. Having said that, it does fit a big esky in it, as well as a chainsaw, firewood, swag (all teh essentials for a day on the water) and can take a 5HP motor. By the sound of what you have described you would be using your water craft for - a kayak might be best.
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Does anyone have an inflatable kayak?
I have looked at these before and couldn't see anyone mention them here.
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Father in law and brother in law have a double hobie mirage drive each - incredibly stable - you can both hang your legs over 1 side and fish without it even looking like tipping. They are comfortable to fish out of and the mirage drive system is great. There seems to be a lot of stuffing around to inflate and deflate and they are a bit precious about taking theirs into oyster lease areas. All in all, I would say they are a good thing.
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Kit_e_kat9,
I actually picked up this Hobie on ebay, after listening to my wife and waiting to purchase it after the xmas holidays last year.($900 cheaper than new)
It weighs 29kgs and can carry 280kgs,it has 3 great storage port holes and 3 very comfortable padded seats with very stable backrests.
The guys have mentioned a great range of kayaks although canoes have a great storage advantage.
Good luck, there are plenty of bargains out there.
Mike
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Does anyone have an inflatable kayak?
I have looked at these before and couldn't see anyone mention them here.
Bought one the other day, will get its first run after santa visits
GG
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Just picked up a Finn Gizmo - Fisher @ Rays Outdoors today on sale @ $525 (RRP $1049). Already reduced to $699 with an additional 25% off for VIP members with a letter.
Versatile craft that comes with everything you need: Paddle,clips to hold and leash, back rest, bottle and bottle holder, knee straps, rod and net holder, tackle box, twin storage areas and an anchor with rope.
You got all that for a bargain. My gizmo only came with a paddle and water bottle for $750.
great little yak though. Nice and lite and easy to paddle. I've even surfed a few little waves with it.
I tend to think 2 singles is much better than a double. No arguments about where to go. Also if paddling by yourself, a double is hard work especially if theres any wind about.
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Our double hobie is ok for 1 person too. Mr Hargs puts the full 20litre water container in my front seat ( when I want to sleep in ) and goes off fishing. Manages ok with just his mirage drives. Ours is 35kg bare weight I think, increasingly I am asking if we can put it on top of the cub and not on the HiLux ............not because I can't !!!!!!!!!!!!! He threatens to trade me in if that happens.
We are both on the short side. :angel: :angel: :angel:
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Thanks so much for all the replies. So VERY much appreciated! MySwag Members are :cup: Loved the photos as well ... shows that some people are far more serious about getting that elusive fish and some just love the relaxing paddle.
Now we just have to settle a difference of opinion here at home. Twin or 2 singles. ;D So I think we are going to go sit on top with "Brand X" so far. Just something easy to paddle (best we can afford), with back rests (best we can afford), and possible something to put under our rears (best padding we can afford). ;D
Kit_e
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Kit_e, if you can, sit on a prospective purchase in the water.
Some have upper deck shapes that catch the drips from the paddle and run them into the seat area. The deck should slope quite steeply away from the inside edge of the cockpit.
Also dont take the paddles they offer as part of the deal, mostly rubbish.
Pay a little extra and get a good fibreglass paddle, much lighter.
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Pay a little extra and get a good fibreglass paddle, much lighter.
That too!
Will try a few out before we do the spend though. As been suggested ... Test for Best is how we'll go.
Kit_e
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I like the Finn Gizmo that I bought. Stable enough, light and easy to paddle. Not an ocean going yak though.
(http://i44.servimg.com/u/f44/14/64/23/13/dscf2410.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=70&u=14642313)
It seems to handle small rapids Ok as well. Mine has taken a beating so far and has only got some scratches on the bottom. The plastic holds up well.
(http://i44.servimg.com/u/f44/14/64/23/13/p8290010.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=71&u=14642313)
And its easy to pack on top of the camper. Pictured here stacked with my wifes yak(cant think of the brand but I like mine better)
(http://i44.servimg.com/u/f44/14/64/23/13/p9260010.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=72&u=14642313)
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Looks like the Finn is getting some good use Whitey... Glad to see it's holding up well and that you like it.
I'm not permitted to use mine until Christmas :'(
How do you find the storage hatches? Do they leak at all?
:cheers:
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I havent had any water inside the yak at all. And thats even after being dumped by a wave at shark bay! You can surf them but once you get sideways thats it! I think the hatches seal prety good
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Whitey, your wifes yak looks like an Outdoor Expedition "Escape" very stable.
I added a couple of Rod holders just behind the seat (High Back Seat).
Love it.
:cheers:
Steve.
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Loving the photos!
Well I've asked a few places that sell Kayaks and no-one here seems to do the "take her for a spin" thing >:( Bit weird as there are dams aplenty around here as well as largish rivers and a whole "coastal" thing going on here. ??? Not sure what we can do now. Might have to head down the Gold Coast to do a trial?
Are there such things as "Clubs" for this sort of thing ... yes? Would they allow us to trial their kayaks or is that asking too much? Might have to look into that.
Kit_e
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The clubs around here don't generally focus on the type of kayak's you are interested in. There is one bunch of white water nuts, and another who focus on racing. I suspect you will encounter similar issues with clubs in your area.
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Is there a local kayak/canoe hire place where you could pay to try a few sorts?
Just an idea.
Good luck!
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south east queensland kayak fishing
http://members.optusnet.com.au/aus-kayak-fishing/index.html (http://members.optusnet.com.au/aus-kayak-fishing/index.html)
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Kit_e_Kat9 if your ever down our way you're welcome to try our 2 seater hobie.....just got 1 new seat...other on order, and upgraded Mr Hargs flippers too, as he does most of the hard work. We have the whole Snowy Mts dam system to explore here !! We recently had it out on a Bay ............near Streaky Bay SA and have been up your way too. It never misses a camping trip............so as you may guess we nearly always camp on some kind of water. :angel: :angel:
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Found a pic ............................OMG it worked!!!!!!!!!
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Excellent thread. I will be building a customised one of these; http://www.unclejohns.com/boat/photos.htm#width (http://www.unclejohns.com/boat/photos.htm#width)
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We got one of these, it has three seats and padded back rests, plenty of room and is so much fun.
http://www.finnkayaks.com/indexf92c.html?page=shop.product_details&category_id=15&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=36&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=49 (http://www.finnkayaks.com/indexf92c.html?page=shop.product_details&category_id=15&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=36&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=49)
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Goodtime surf at the gabba will hire if the boat is in there hire fleet- we bought second hand and were very happy with the saving.
we got 2 double spirit sit on top kayaks, these are a touring kayak complete with rudder and a whole lot easier for me and the wife to handle when the 2 under 10 kids are in the front and "helping"
They are reasonably light (I can man handle them onto the roofrack by myself) and track pretty well.
Me and the 9 year old boy traveled around Coochiemudlo Island in Moreton Bay
We had lined up to test a craft from cabulture cannot remember the name- maybe extreme- but they renigged on the Sat morning we had organised- wife had organised a hair appointment or something, but may be worth a call.
rosco canoes/ kayaks also hire but are at the expensive end of the market with there craft for sale.
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G'day Kite,
I have 4 sit in kayaks that I am about ready to sell. I will be listing them here shortly.
1. is a Natureline Mermaid expedition sea kayak with full expedition fit out including sail.
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c32/hairymick/BigWoody25-01-05006Medium.jpg)
2, is a Natureline Wanderer, flat water kayak
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c32/hairymick/BURRUMHEADS027.jpg)
3, is a Perception Contour sea kayak
http://www.perception.com.my/contour450large.php (http://www.perception.com.my/contour450large.php)
Will post a piccie of this one soon.
4. a Rosco TK1 flat water kayak
http://www.roscocanoes.com.au/productdescription.aspx?Sec_ID=271&fulID=16#1 (http://www.roscocanoes.com.au/productdescription.aspx?Sec_ID=271&fulID=16#1)
All boats are in very good, used condition and well worth a look.
Mick