Mike Poorman
Pacific Northwest
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Joined: 02/09/2011
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Deb and Ed M wrote:I think it boils down to how you want to carry the boat(s)?? I see you tow a TT - you could certainly carry a couple of hard kayaks on bedrails (and that's what *I* would do because I'm a paddle-holic). I'm sort of partial to my 12'6" sit-on-top kayak, because it handles lakes/oceans/rivers and it's super-stable. Also can not sink, in a worst-case scenario. Great for fishing/photography, etc. They generally hold a lot of gear, although not as much as a canoe can.
The downside to canoes/hard kayaks: lock them to your rack. They DO get stolen.
But if I was only going to paddle casually - the inflatables would certainly be easier to carry. My only caution with them is: never paddle when/where the wind could blow you offshore. Their higher profile can make them a bit harder to paddle if the wind really picks up.
My wife and I have been kayaking for quite a fedw years and we have ocean touring boats. Mine is an Eddyline Wind Dancer (17') and hers is a Mariner Express. Both of these boats weigh in at less than 50 lbs. Mine is quite wide (24") and is quite stable. I fly fish out of it on lakes and the sound out here in Washington. I would take a kayak over a canoe as to me they are more stable and handle better in the wind, less free board to act as a sail. We have had both of these boats out in the sound and in waves that we pushing 4 feet with no real issues. Do that in a canoe. We have a 50 lb lab mix that rides with me in my boat.
If you live in an area such as the puget sound there are numerous places to rent different boats and try them out. Also at the end of the rental seasons most of the outfitters have sails of their rental fleets so you can get a pretty good deal on a used boat. As to singles or double kayaks we chose to singles for safety and carrying capacity. In a double if one of you dumps you both get wet. In 2 singles most likey the other person can assist you in getting bck into your boat. Also 2 singles can carry more gear than a double. THest are all things you should consider in your selectio criteria.
One final item whether choose a kayak or a canoe take a class on paddling and rescues for yourselves.
* This post was
edited 02/23/12 05:08pm by an administrator/moderator *
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WHS
Waitsburg, Wa.
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Joined: 11/17/2004
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One other piece of advise. Send for a We-No-Nah Canoe catalog (www.wenonah.com). They have the best catalog ever, because 1/2 of it is dedicated to just educating you on terminology, styles, designs, etc... Well worth it.
Second, look up Verlen Kruger (www.krugercanoes.com). This guy has forgotten more than most will ever know about paddling.
Have fun!
skip
05' Layton Lite 170LT Cascade edition
06' Chevy Silverado K1500
We-No-Nah Rendevous, a Ljutic, a Remington, a Hard Rock Pro, a Polaris 550XP & Raleigh the Hunter
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mariajames01
Detroit
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Joined: 11/09/2011
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I’m looking forward to kayaking…our canoe needs replacement anyway.
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Johnworth914
USA!
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Joined: 04/27/2012
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My vote is kayaks... More maneuverable, easier to paddle and an overall better experience IMHO
Alaska is next! Still trying to fit the pontoons to the RV so We can get to Hawaii!
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HuckFinn410
Kansas City
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Joined: 11/16/2005
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We bought a couple of Kayaks a few years ago and have had a ton of fun using them on our camping trips. The kids love to mess around on the lakes and ponds and we've done a few great river floats with them (we also rented a canoe to haul the other two family members). The kayaks are easy to load and unload, fun to paddle, durable, and easy to transport on the top of the truck.
Downsides......they don't carry very much in the way or cargo and gear....most of them only hold one person and most of all, they are hard to get in and out of. Now that I'm a bit older and "larger boned" those little kayaks can be pretty tough to get out of. I know that my kids always have a good laugh when I struggle with it.
If I had to do it over again, I think that I would have got a canoe. I will try to post a picture of my rig loaded with the kayaks.....first time trying to post a picture, not sure if it will work.
2005 GMC 1500 Sierra Crew Cab Z71 4X4
2005 KZ Frontier 2405
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rexlion
Broken Arrow OK
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Joined: 04/01/2005
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I now have a Hobie Mirage Sport being shipped to me. It's a sit-on-top style, so it's easy to get on and off. Looking forward to pedaling all over the lakes in MN this summer.
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Larry Sanders
Sarasota, Florida
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Joined: 09/17/2003
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Great choice.
My Wife and I have had Ocean style sit on top Kayaks for a couple of years.
They are stable easy to get in and out of and can carry quite a lot of gear
depending on which make and model you purchase.
I live in Florida so I have many choices where to go.
Happy paddling.
Larry & Jamie Sanders
2008 Born Free
27 RSB
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justALnow
Ft Myers, Fl
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Joined: 02/02/2006
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I'm kinda partial to my 1949 Grumman aluminum canoe. It was MY Dad's high school graduation present from HIS Dad. It's a little heavy at about 80 lbs, but has lots of room. A group 27 battery sits under the rear seat powering a 40lb thrust, side mounted Minnkota trolling motor. I can go all day and barely break a sweat. I did get some dirty looks one time as I blew by a group of paddlers with a beer in one hand and a smoke in the other.
* This post was
edited 05/03/12 11:15am by justALnow *
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Bonefish
Midland, TX
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Joined: 01/08/2008
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First - think of what you want to use it for. Many of the above suggestions are better suited for certain types of endeavors.
Are you going to paddle alone or always together.
Go to a shop that specializes in kayaks and canoes. There are a number of shops in Texas that will let you try out their models or have a day at a local lake to show off and let you try their equipment. They also will give "how to use your boat" and most important "boating safety" course. This is important to be able to "right a kayak" and "reenter it in deep water".
I use mine mainly for fishing.
* This post was
edited 05/03/12 11:41am by Bonefish *
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rexlion
Broken Arrow OK
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rexlion wrote:I now have a Hobie Mirage Sport being shipped to me. It's a sit-on-top style, so it's easy to get on and off. Looking forward to pedaling all over the lakes in MN this summer.
My Hobie kayak arrived May 8, and it looks great. But I can't use it! 
I bought it on ebay April 30 from Adventure Sports/Kayak City of Sacramento CA as a slightly used demo. On May 1 I let them know by email that my state requires registration of the kayak, and please send a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO, the standard document). I called them on May 9 and they said they would get the MSO from Hobie. I tried asking Hobie if they could send it directly to me, but they said the dealer has to request it.  Called Kayak City again today, they say still no MSO. In the meantime I can't legally use this kayak... and my big vacation to the waters of northern Minnesota fast approaches! 
Isn't this a bit like selling an automobile without providing a title? Why would any dealer ship a kayak without an MSO?
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