agreed - yukon expedition would be good
the yukon expedition is fairly decent for a wide variety of waters - from open lakes to twisty creeks… it also doesn’t do bad in ww up to about class II-III (depending on the paddler, and provided not many ledge drops - due to length)…
it is a very maneuverable kayak and does have a decent cargo carrying capacity…it will track decently IF paddled by someone who has some basic paddling skills…
it would make an excellent river boat for camping out of…
and almost indestructible…
River-runners
WW boats designated as ‘River Runners’ tend to be longer and less boxy than the very short squarish ww boats for play. Some, such as the Remix series, are reminiscent of old school ww boats.
The kayaks termed ‘general purpose’ boats in the UK are very like old school ww boats - some actually are. A lot of fun can be had in a Pirouette 
Great advise from all
Thank you for all the kind replies. Most of the my river time would be on the larger, wider and slower running rivers. I was also looking at the new “Etain” by Valley. Seems to be designed with more initial stability. I still like the Prijon Seyak, but a little concerned with how it responds in light to moderate winds. Any and all advice is greatly apppreciated.
Etain
I’d love to try the new Etain. LEt us know how you like it if you try one.
unsolicited advice
The thread is almost dead, it is time to revive it in a true p.net fashion - give you advice that you never asked for.
Long boats have potential for quickness, but sometimes speed is overrated ( that’s what she said)
A shorter livelier design can be a blast both for rivers and ocean play.
Anyways, try PH Capella 166 RM, should be a very good fit at your size. PH Scorpio is a newer design, still very maneuverable, very stable due to the hull shape.
"There’s nothing like a Valley"
Yes, indeed, try an Etain when you can. Douglas Wilcox has a useful review here: http://seakayakphoto.blogspot.com/2011/02/valley-etain-sea-kayak-test-preview.html
I would also recommend you try a Romany. Very reassuring and maneuverable. A blast to paddle, especially if you like to play in a boat.
Advice
Like I said, any advice is truly appreciated. I have been a professional in an entirely different sports arena and am looking forward to a new passion. I am currently recovering from a 3rd major knee surgery over the past 6 months…so its a great time to do some research and learn…It looks like the Scorpio & Cappella are in the 16-17 foot range. Is that considered to be a shorter boat or is that just a recommendation on a different boat? I do understand your point about speed, unless your in a race, its probably overated and largely unnoticed.
Speed May Not Be Your Priority
You may not be looking to go top speed, but you will notice efficiency.
In reality there’s no such thing as a ‘fast’ kayak, since kayaks don’t move themselves. There are efficient kayaks.
No kayak excels at everything, so think about your priorities: efficiency, stability, manuverability, durability, cost, weight, comfort, straight tracking, surfing, rough water capabilities, rolling capability…
More of one can mean less of another, so decide your priorities first, and then the pnet community can suggest the best kayak options for you.
different hulls
Even though some people take their racing hulls to rivers it is my belief that a shorter more nimble hull provides more fun.
Capella 166 RM, in particular, is a very playful design
And, I would ask you consider something even shorter, like PH Delphin 15.5 ft. That is not to say that other manufacturers don’t make excellent boats ( Zephyr 16ft, Alchemy 14ft).
Whatever you decide to get, make sure you try it on the river - any of these boats will work on flat water and ocean. The only problem that I see - you might not have enough skill to make your decision - a boat that feels fine first day on the water might be barge a few months later.
why nordkapp?
I’m curious how you settled on a Nordkapp for one of your choices? Based on what you describe as your priorities, I’d take it off the list. If you want a plastic tripping boat capable of efficiency, you’d be better off trying the Valley Aquanaut instead. It’s a touch smaller, got more stability, and it’s easier to turn. It’s still a tripping sea kayak though, and it will help you (require you) to learn good skills such as leaned turns, bracing, etc. Great boat if you’re looking to get into ocean kayaking.
If your heart isn’t set on something designed to cover miles on the ocean, then I agree that getting something shorter and a little more playful would make more sense. Some 16’ sea kayak designed to be more maneuverable. The difference in speed will barely be noticeable, but especially as a beginner you’ll definitely notice that you can turn it without developing your skills as much as something like an Aquanaut.
Is that considered to be a shorter boat
Most sea kayaks range from around 15.5’ to 18’ (and 19-24" wide) Those around 16’ or less are often termed day boats. Those over 17’ are often termed expedition boats. Those called play boats are usually of the day boat length or less (e.g. Dagger Alchemy, P&H Delphin).
Many paddlers have more than one boat as different hulls are better suited to different uses/conditions. Besides it is often useful to have a ‘guest boat’.
To follow wilsoj2 message…
I have a glass Nordkapp 18. This a GREAT boat meant to be loaded. I am only 5’8" and not much heavier that 165 and this boat is huge on me. (I was 35 pounds heavier when I bought it)I have paddled this boat on Florida’s narrow rivers and lagoon canals and it does good. You will feel the boat a bit tipsy specially if not evenly and heavily loaded. If you are about 200+ pounds, this boat would work well. I tested the Nordkapp in plastic and for some strange reason, it felt more stable and perhaps a little slower but I was still impressed with the plastic version! I also have a Romany. How I love my Romany. This for me is one of the most versatile boats ever made. Decent speed. Very maneuverable and enough space for week-end camping but specially great for a day play boat. If I could only have one boat, the Romany would be in my short list.
one of the most versatile boats ever…
– Last Updated: Apr-21-11 4:31 PM EST –
I have a Romany, an Aquanaut, a Nordkapp LV, and an Elaho DS (as well as 2 ww kayaks). I enjoy them all and regularly paddle the Nordlow, 'naut, and Romany.
I probably paddle the Romany more than the others combined. Sometimes I feel that anyone who wants to play and develop skills in a sea kayak should have a Romany. It is our guest boat, and everyone enjoys it no matter how unskilled or inexperienced they may be. I know it is a nearly 20 year old design, but it is such a fun and confidence inspiring boat, that if I were a coach I would have a few Romanys for teaching. (Of course that is exactly the purpose for which Nigel and Aled designed it.)
lots of fine boats
– Last Updated: Apr-21-11 4:43 PM EST –
OPer seemed to be interested in PLASTIC boats.
Romany Surf RM is, of course, plastic,
Aquanaut RM is also plastic, a little different from composite version
Avocet
If he’s looking at plastic and he’s looking at Valley, then an AvocetRM might work. Very fun and very playful and popular.
on the big end
The OP is probably on the big end for an Avocet (at 195#), especially if overnights are planned. Worth a try though.
interested in PLASTIC boats
True he noted plastic. I don’t recall if that is because of cost or some other reason. If it is cost, one can often pick up a used composite boat for the price of a new plastic. If his note of plastic is for durability/ruggedness, composite boats are tougher than people usually think.
For plastic, a poly Tempest 165 might be a good all round boat to consider. The plastic Romany S has been plagued with problems. A Scorpio is a good beginners boah that a paddler won’t outgrow. And the Etain is to be available in plastic.
Thank you & Happy Easter
All of the replies have been very kind and helpful. There is a shop near where I live (Sacramento Ca). Your posts (current/future) will go to good use in my decision making process…Thanks, I hope you all have a great Easter
Lower Volume
– Last Updated: Apr-24-11 9:48 AM EST –
I agree with the suggestions that you try out some lower volume boats. I have a hunch that you might appreciate how a boat behaves more than how much it can hold. I really liked that 'Avocet' suggestion. Try before you buy.
And of course the Tempest 165 suggestion is also very good!
Valley Etain
took one out today. paddled a 3 knt pace, looked at the shore and I was doing at least 4 knts. great boat. only negative–the deck box i think could get knocked out in rouch conditions, especially if the bungees are loose. so dont’ put your wallet in there.