Can you get a reccomendation from where you are getting your training or better yet paddle in the conditions you anticipate?
The Cambridge boat looks good but a video isn’t a trial run.
And Welcome!
What kayaks did you use while getting your training, and what did you think of them? How suitable did you think they would be for what you are planning?
Can you try any of these out on the water? How you fit into a kayak and how much room it has will help you figure out which will work for you the best.
Yeah, I’ll ask there too, but just wanted a broader perspective.
I thought perhaps the Cambridge one may do the job, since we won’t be in rough conditions and won’t be out more than around 15-20 days a year. My main concern is whether the Cambridge kayaks is capable in mild/moderate conditions and there’s no reviews, yet.
We used P&H Leo and Virgo while training. Also tried a Venture Easky. Liked them all, but they’re expensive to buy new and hard to find second hand. Just what we need though.
You’re right, the fit is important. I much preferred the MV to the LV in the Virgo.
From what you’ve said, I’d get the Cambridge and use it as much as you can. I started with a boat I could afford at the time and had great times with it.
Can you test paddle the Cambridge? Or the others on your list? It may make a difference.
I agree that if you find the fit for the Cambridge good, and the price is within your budget (don’t forget you also need other gear, such as a paddle, PFD, spray skirt, pump, etc), then it will probably be a good first kayak. Often it takes a few years of paddling to really figure out what you want in a kayak.
The Cambridge kayak looks pretty good for an inexpensive sea kayak, have never seen in person in the US. I would also suggest that you paddle before you buy, and that you can find a good quality neoprene spray skirt that fits well.
I’m assuming you are in Scotland, the boat should be fine for coastal paddling in protected areas, but make sure you gets lots of practice paddling in high winds and breaking waves before you venture out on open coastline by yourselves. I was impressed by the volume and speed of some tidal flows in Scotland. Also it seemed like very rough conditions come up very quickly and without warning. We were going to paddle to Aisla Craig with a forecast of light winds and calm seas. Within about a half hour there were high winds and 1.5 m waves. Similarly we were supposed to go kayak surfing at Melvich Bay with some locals on a calm summer evening, when we arrived there were angry breaking waves and sea foam flying everywherel Coastal paddling in Scotland will require some good experience and sea skills.
willowleaf on this site thinks highly of the Venture Easky. I am not familiar with the other 2. you mentioned. The Cambridge looks like a good value.
I have paddled a P&H Cappella and liked it. I have paddled a plastic Valley Skerry the guy I borrowed it from said it was one of his favorites to surf. I loved how responsive it was. Used here in the states I have seen the Skerry for $300 to $500 but not often. I mention these 2 kayaks because I have paddled them, and they may show up used where you are. Like others here have said it is a good idea to paddle before you buy if possible. At least sit in it to check on fit.
If you can find a used boat that you think will be suitable for what you want to do, that is often the best way to start. A used boat will cost about half what a new boat will cost and boats do not change much over time. With minimal care a boat can last for decades. Few people stay with their first boat as they learn the pluses and minuses and see what suits their paddling style. No boat is perfect for everything. With a used boat you can generally sell it again for what you paid for it if you find something better.
Sadly there are no Cambridge kayaks around I can check out in the flesh, so it would be a bit of a risk of it were a poor fit.
I’ll keep hunting to see what’s available.
The other advice which may help, if anyone is knowledgeable on this, is about lifespan.
How long will a plastic sea kayak last? 20 years I’ve seen online, but may are being sold older than this, so I wonder about how much life they have left in them.
Depends on how they’re stored and used. Look for cracks, gouges, abrasions especially on the keel, discoloration frim UV exposure, as well as condition of the seats, and bulkheads. Bungee cords can last up to 15 years before they take a permanent stretched set when pulled. Hatch covers shoukd be serviceable.
Factor in the availability and cost of parts for older models that are discontinued, because replacement parts, such as skegs, rudders, seat covers, footpegs and hatch covers, could be hard to find, unavailable or expensive.
I have no experience with the brands you mentioned, but one advantage of local brands, such as P&H, is availability and suitability for conditions you may encounter. You also may find more kayakers who can share experieces, and replacement parts might be more accessible.
For big water and overnight trips you need length and carrying capacity. I like big boats over 16 feet with a beam at least 24 inches. I like some rocker. There are some pretty flat hull designs like Greenland kayaks. I like the more rounded ones which are more seaworthy.
Do you know that Venture is a division of P & H and they are made in the UK? Their kayaks are excellent. I’ve had an Easky 15 LV for 13 years and have found it an excellent boat in all conditions. Great secondary stability for a 22" beam hard-chined kayak and at 45 lbs is quite easy to transport for a seaworthy touring kayak. Mine doesn’t even have a skeg or rudder (it does have the fittings and cable routing built in if I wanted to add one) but it tracks so well even in wind and rough conditions that I have never felt the need to add one. British made, of course, and has some nice little features like the molded in security bar for a locking cable in the deck, a flip up seat back that folds down to fit under a spray skirt like a back band and an elastic paddle keeper alongside the coaming. I’ve owned over a dozen sea kayaks and this is one I will never give up. I’ve used in it the American Great Lakes (which are really inland seas) and along the Atlantic coast as well as many large rivers and broad windy lakes. I’ve even paddled it in mild white water rapids – it’s just a fun boat that’s always reliable and solid, no matter what the conditions are.
I have seen some owner reports on the Cambridge Adventure kayak which point out a couple of drawbacks. One that it is beastly heavy and another that it weathercocks badly. You won’t have either issue with an Easky.
I have never paddled an Islay so I can’t comment on that model though it surprises me that it is so much heavier than an Easky and lacks the Greenland lines. I was disappointed that P & H chose to drop the Easky since it is such a great model. Several people who have tried mine over the years (I have a fleet of kayaks I share and I often put beginners in the Easky) liked it so much they bought one for themselves.
I checked the specs and I would not do the Cambridge for anything coastal. The cockpit is pretty large so would be hard to get a seal with a spray deck. This boat looks to be a crossover between a recreational class boat and a sea kayak, and recreational class boats are not made for coastal environments. Issue #10 of California Kayaker Magazine had an article on basic different classes of kayaks and can be read online in PDF format at California Kayaker Magazine - South West's source for paddlesports information.
For kayakers entering the market, I recommend getting a used kayak. Buy it, paddle it, and then you can sell it for about what you paid when you figure out what you’d like as your next better kayak. Few people find the first kayak they buy is their life long kayak.
Venture Easky or Scorpio are both decent. If they fit you and your partner, they could be good. Test paddling is much recommended over just sitting in it to test size.
For coastal, I’d shoot for at least 14’ long (so the Islays may be out). For camping, longer could be better. But longer boats are harder to store and transport, so that could be a limiting factor (for example, my storage area is 15’ 2" / 462 cm long, so I don’t have any boats longer than that).
I’d go with whatever decent inexpensive used kayak you can find. If your trajectory is like most of the paddlers I know, they won’t be your last ones, and buying used will enable you to resell them without losing much (or any) of your investment. As beginners it’s hard to know what you’ll end up wanting eventually.