Kayaks ... Canoes ... Which is Best?

[Kit_e_kat9]

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

[austastar]

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

[Mace]

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/

Just need to find one cheap on ebay now, I believe theyre about $3k new.
 

[Blue Bravo]

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.

[POD]

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!

[Manjimike]

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

 
Mike

[Sharshebelle1]

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/

Just need to find one cheap on ebay now, I believe theyre about $3k new.
 

We've been interested in one of these,  I think they would be a lot easier to drive,   particularly for kids

[hairymick]

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.

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

These are considerably lighter, faster and generally a better paddle craft than the plastic sit on top jobs.

Mick

[Mace]

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!)

[chester ver2.0]

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

[WilSurf]

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.

[xcvator]

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
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

[Kit_e_kat9]

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    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

[craigtempo]

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/

viking yaks from queensland are also a great option .there aussie built and very affordable . http://www.vikingkayak.com.au/
i had the tempo and its a great fishing yak though heavy .

no afiliation

craig

[Manjimike]

Canoe or Kayak you can keep your gear dry with a dry bag

[Mace]

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/

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?

 

[Kit_e_kat9]

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.     They do look good though.

Kit_e

[hairymick]

Kite,

Tell BF, "two sheets of ply (per boat, One build will never be enough) 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.

[craigtempo]

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?

 

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

[Alesco]

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.
 
Steve.

[scoot]

This'll get you motivated Kit e

http://yakass.net/

[hargs]

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 -

[Mace]

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

 

[Kit_e_kat9]

Hey Duchess!!  Nah sorry, amnesia, wrong again - kit-e-kat.

I've learned from Speewa ... never hold a grudge ... too busy holding a beer     

Thanks will check out all leads ...

Kit_e

[camdyson]

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...

Happy paddling,

Kayak Cam