Careful with that Ice9…how do you know
I can tell you that many a small so called specialty shop is full of low paid, mis-informed experts…NOT all…some are excellent, but I’m amazed at how lousy some of the shops are. In contrast some of the larger stores like REI and EMS get some decent training. It would suprise some of you I think.
I’m not going to totally disagree with you, as in some cases you are correct…rather just put a caution in there.
REI & EMS
These places even hire some paddlers - I’ve spoken to some knowledgeable ones there. You’re right - no generalization applies 100% of the time and I do know one truly awful small shop. The warehouse clubs selling Pelicans next to the pallets of toilet paper are another story - surprised there are not more drownings…
or try a “WTB” ad in classifieds here
and at cpakayaker.com under the “gear swap” forum (Chesapeake Paddlers.
I see lots of WTB ads for rec kayaks on craigslist - no idea if they are successful.
For the same money as a cheap new boat, you should be able to get a better performing hull design used.
I’d take a longer used boat…
– Last Updated: Jul-28-07 9:16 PM EST –
over a short new boat any day of the week. Forget the Prodigy/Zydeco/Otter class if your aspirations run greater than simply dunking around on a pond out back, and put the $300-400 into a 7 or 8 year old 13-15 foot boat instead. As long as the used boat hasn't been totally ripped by the previous owner, you'll get a boat that won't be new, but WILL paddle a helluva lot better. When it comes down to it, what you're buying is the paddling experience, not the new plastic kayak smell, so buy accordingly.
Still waiting
Yeah I’m still waiting for my account to get approved over on CPAKayaker.com. I agree used items are great so long as they’ve been taken care of. I buy used race car parts all the time.
I could give it a shot.
Don’t get discouraged
You can have a lot of fun in a decently made $350 “rec” kayak. I waited several years to get a boat because I couldn’t afford/couldn’t handle/couldn’t find what I wanted or thought I needed. Finally decided the important thing was to just get on the water. Bought a Perception Swifty 9.5 foot rec boat. This enabled me to get more paddling time, meet more paddlers, learn more about what I really wanted. After 4 years, I got a 16 foot sea kayak. But I still play with the Swifty (good for small rivers, especially rocky ones). As you look at the boats in your targeted price range, look at the shape of the bottom (those that are totally flat generally are harder to make go straight), consider the comfort of the seat (important if you intend to spend more than a hour or so in the boat), look for deck bungees (convenient for clipping things on and having them handy), look for adjustable foot pegs. These are all things I’ve seen vary among boats despite being similar in price. I would recommend taking a kayak lesson. You will pick up valuable safety tips, learn how to maneuver more effectively and paddle more efficiently (thereby getting the best out of a less expensive boat). This is probably getting too long. I hope you find the information helpful.
Used
Go for more boat at a used price - longer as a first improvement. You’ll have an easier time paddling against wind as the boats get a little lower profile and sleeker, something that you will run into in that area even if the water is relatively flat. Particularly don’t go spending new money on something like an Otter or Swifty (now available as a Prodigy at EMS). If you like it you’ll be out of those boats in nothng flat anyway, if you don’t there’s no harm in a few scratches.
craigslist!
Buy used boats! On both the baltimore and DC craiglist, lots of nice kayaks are available.
I hate Craigslist.
I’ve been looking on Craigslist, man that place pisses me off. I’ve e-mailed TEN people about their car for sale, have gotten zero replies. E-mailed about a couple kayaks too but no reply so far. >:|
Check out the Montour 11 or 12
Good advice on here regarding renting, classes, buying used, spending more money, etc but I’ll give you a suggestion on your original question:
Check out the Perception Montours sold at Dick’s. Compared to the Swifty class of boats, I think it offers more room for skill development but still w/in your price range new. Rear bulkhead, storage compartment w/ hatch, skeg, cockpit is not ridiculously supersized, edges decently.
I bought a Montour 15 months ago and have since progressed to other boats, but it was a great first boat for me. I am living proof of both sides of the argument - I have since purchased a used WW boat, used 14’ rec/tourer and just today an 18’ fiberglass tourer; have taken group and private lessons and paddling has become a critical piece of my life . . . but had I not plunked down $350 for the boat, $50 for a vest and $60 for a paddle at Dick’s I would never have discovered all the rest.
The truth is that for what you want to do at your pricepoint, most boats in the class are pretty comparable. The Montour was a good match for me and now is my wife’s boat. I wrote a review a few months back if interested.
opinions
are like er…elbows…everybody has two at least.
a couple of points.
No matter how calm the conditions, mother nature has a quirky side and could easily dump lots of wind and water on you on a moments notice and if the boat and your skill levels are not up to it you could capsize. Given that it is not a question of “if” but rather of “when” you will capsize (even if weather or conditions are not the issue but you are pushing your skills) you need to think of the following:
Most entry level rec boats are comfortable seating with high backs…great for the conditions you describe you will be paddling but horrible for trying to get back into the boat.
Most entry level boats are a shell and if you do capsize, are next to impossible to get back into simply because any flotation such as a foam block in the front will only allow the coaming to stay level with the water. If you tried to get into it you would simply sink the boat completely into the water. This is the reason for compartments or flotation bags because they displace water and allow you enough clearance to be able to get back into your boat. So if you do buy a kayak such as a Rush )I have one) get the oversize flotation bag that would fit right behind the seat and blow it up. then get another large flotation bag and put it in front of your footpegs and this will at least get the boat high enough so you can maybe pump some water out. Remember though that those cockpits are cavernous and you will get really tired trying to pump out one of those babies.
I own ten boats and started with an Old Town Rush and like JackL’s keowees or swiftys I still have mine and enjoy it sometimes and it is a great boat for company and the kids friends so I am trying really hard to not give a response that is unusable to you. I will agree that for three or four hundred bucks you have some options such as maybe a couple of good used sit on tops? By nature they are all flotation and if you fall off you just climb back on (please practice that too). If it was me, and bear in mind that when I started I did not follow this advice, I woudl look for at least a twelve footer to 14 footer with compartments and a narrower beam. No question that the Rush or similiar boat will be a pig compared to a longer boat in terms of tracking and speed but as I said I still have mine and like it for what it is.
BTW, I agree that paddleshops are a much better source for information than any big box store but again they also have two elbows…
My recommendation? forget aout any store that makes you pay ten bucks to demo a boat…that just sucks. (I will probably be blasted for that comment) However do rent boats on the weekends for several months before deciding what to buy and I bet you will do the same thing you do with your racing car parts…you will get the best you can get for the money that you have, and just like anything else, you opinions about what is “best” will change over time.
Good luck
Paul
We have 2
Pelican Pursuit Ulitmate 100’s and we’ve been very happy with them for starter boats.
They:
track well
are comfortable
are stable
are easy to lift onto roofrack (40lbs)
came with decent deck rigging and paddle keeper
have a small hatch (but not watertight)
didn’t cost a fortune
If you outgrow them, you can always keep them for friends/kids/guests to use.