OK, I will admit it. I am smitten!
Last year, after only one day trip in a friend’s kayak, I immediately purchased my own kayak, a Perceptionsport Conduit 13, a 13’ X 26.5" SIK that was an excellent kayak and a lot of fun. But, I have decided that I now want to branch out into two kayaks. One will be a SOT to be used almost 100% for fishing, playing, etc. For this kayak, I just purchased a WS Tarpon 120.
My next purchase will be a kayak primarily for paddling on the Ohio River and eventually building up to longer and longer distances. Here is where I would like some suggestions.
From everything I read and study, longer and narrower is better for distance and speed. But where is the point of diminishing returns or critically reduced stability?
I will not be doing any racing and although lighter is better, I am not wanting to spend the money necessary to purchase something that is highly technical in nature or extremely light.
I am a minimalist by nature and would like to keep the kayak as simple as possible and would prefer not to have a rudder, unless my thinking is 100% off, and in that case, hopefully someone here will correct my thinking. I am thinking a drop down skeg might be a good option.
What, in your opinion, would be some good length/ width considerations and/ or what kayak(s) would you suggest I consider as I begin this search and narrow down my choices?
What size are you…
…what height, what weight?
What is the Ohio river like where you intend to paddle?
The Perfect Height And Perfect Weight…
......of course! :)
5' 10" 170 pounds.
The Ohio River here is approximately 1/2 mile wide and during most of the summer months it has very little "noticeable" current.
However, if the wind is blowing upstream or downstream, rather than across, it can get too choppy to even attempt to kayak.
Also, there are the barges, cruisers, etc., to always watch out for because of their very large wakes. The barge wakes are usually manageable since they are a larger, wider, and rounder wave, whereas the wave put off by the large cruisers are a high and steeper pitched wave.
“longer and longer distances”?
Are you thinking about overnight or longer trips needing space for camping gear or are you looking for a day boat?
There Is Always The Possibility
That somewhere at some time, there might be an overnight or even a few night trip, but truthfully, I did a ton of hiking, camping, and backpacking in my younger years but now, whenever possible, I enjoy a hot shower and a nice, comfortable bed.
As I see this kayak now in my mind, it will be to make extended trips up or down the Ohio, and the many lakes across our state, and perhaps, may even make a trip to Florida with us, but most trips will be out and back the same day.
thoughts
You wrote:From everything I read and study, longer and narrower is better for distance and speed. But where is the point of diminishing returns or critically reduced stability?
That point varies by user. For some people, going from 26.5" to 24" wide is enough to throw them off. Other people can handle a 19" wide surf ski just fine. And boat shape also affects how stable it feels. In general, though, more experience means more comfortable with narrower and tippier-feeling boats.
Guess it comes down to how big a jump you want to take. You may want to try boat to see what feels good to you now.
You wrote: I am a minimalist by nature and would like to keep the kayak as simple as possible and would prefer not to have a rudder, unless my thinking is 100% off, and in that case, hopefully someone here will correct my thinking. I am thinking a drop down skeg might be a good option.
In general, the longer and faster a boat becomes, the more it needs a rudder. These longer boats can be more impacted by wind (something called weather cocking), and the rudder is used to offset the impact to allow the boat to go straight. Most boats above 16 or so feet come with a skeg or rudder as standard.
Ah, so you’re a little guy ;->
If you like the WS boats you might try a Tsunami 140 or a Focus 150.
See if you can find a local kayak specialist where you can try several boats out. There’s just no substitute for seeing how they fit, and how they perform for you on the water.
What I chose.
When I stepped up to a fast longer distance boat, I chose the Novus Composite Expedition and if I had to do it again the choice would still be the same. Take a look at nckayaks.com.
Oh, and by the way, you absolutely can go paddling on the Ohio, no matter how choppy it might get. The Expedition loves it rough and wild.
I’m not an expert and …
I haven’t paddled every kayak available, but P&H makes kayaks with skegs, and I’ve had good luck with their quality and durability.
The Capella is a versatile design. With your size and no need to large amount of gear you could use one of the smaller models. Then again, no matter your choice it is better to check it out in person for fit.
Trade the 120 for a Tarpon 160
and you are done.While a long way from a Tempest or a Capella, it is a relatively fast boat for a good paddler.
Actually String
the 120 will be “big” in some of the shallower and twisting streams in which I will be fishing.