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JenniferandJosh

texas

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Posted: 01/23/12 03:30pm

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Looking into purchasing one or the other since we're in the prairies and lakes region of Texas. Any advice on one versus the other? What about inflatables? Is it realistic to haul around a non- inflatable?

“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” -Jack Kerouac

Crowe

Billerica, MA USA

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Posted: 01/23/12 03:33pm

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Kayaks can make it into places that canoes can't. They tend to be more maneuverable than canoes. However, it's easier to carry gear in a canoe and when when get's lazy (i.e., ME!) the other can paddle. Try both out if you can before you buy. Can't say much on the inflatable.

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1mtnman

Colorado

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Posted: 01/23/12 04:18pm

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I have a Old Town Camden 106 Angler Kayak that I use for fishing. It is 10' 6" and has rod holders and a sealed rear compartment for storage also a small sealed cylinder in front of the cockpit for small electronics. It has an anchor system also. The weight is 51 lbs. I carry it on top of my truck cover on a rack. Works well for me.
I previously had an Old Town canoe which was 14' 6" and it was nice but a bit heavy to load/unload for me.

1mtnman

Colorado

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Posted: 01/23/12 04:23pm

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Here is a picture of my Old Town Kayak.

lizzie

Unaka NC &Sopchoppy FL

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Posted: 01/23/12 04:24pm

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I do not agree that kayaks are more maneuverable than canoes. It depends entirely on the type of canoe/kayak that you have and the skill of the paddler. That said, we carry both "hard canoes" and inflatables. We have an inflatable kayak (an Advanced Elements StaitEdge2) and an inflatable canoe (Grabner Outside). We use them for different purposes. If you are thinking of paddling on lakes or on smooth water and you are beginners, you might prefer a small kayak. The learning curve seems to be pretty fast. If you are considering whitewater, you might be more comfortable in an inflatable. We consider it very worthwhile to have the Grabner inflatable with us as it will handle big water and we are old people. It is a very dry boat for cold water. The AE Straitedge2 is NOT a dry boat but we enjoy it on NC whitewater in the summer. Our solo canoes are perfect for tight, "intimate" streams in the southeast. The advantage to having an inflatable with you at all times is the opportunities for stopping by an attractive waterway, pulling it out of the truck, blowing it up and being on the water in 20 minutes. Try to find an outfitter who will let you try out a variety of boats. Best of luck. lizzie

JenniferandJosh

texas

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Posted: 01/23/12 04:36pm

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I guess I should add that we are beginners and being so, would probably stick to calm waters.

Thanks for the advice thus far. I think it will be a nice addition to our regular RV activities like napping and eating.

skipnchar

Topeka or somewhere else

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Posted: 01/23/12 04:53pm

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Consider the differences between a sports car and a limo. One is very maneuverable and quick to respond and the other is kind of slow and less maneuverable but very comfortable and usually hauls a lot more.

It really depends a LOT on where you're using it. My preference for lake use would be the canoe but for use in current or narrow channels, the kayak would be the way to go.

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camperpaul

Wherever I park my travel trailer

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Posted: 01/23/12 05:03pm

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skipnchar wrote:

You beat me to it...

In "whitewater" I want a kayak; when camping in BWCA I definitely want a canoe to carry all of my stuff.

Paul
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