T-NEW: YOU’RE NOT JUST GETTING A BOAT…
– Last Updated: Mar-26-09 9:54 PM EST –
...you're getting a kayaking SYSTEM.
There's the boat, of course, which you've been focusing on. Lots of good points raised. Couple of additional points. If you and your partner are at all nearly as 'addicited' as you seem in your original post, you'll spend more than merely a bit of time on the water. If you get a boat that's too "easy", too comfortable, to begin with, you just might outgrow it sooner that you think. If you find others with whom you paddle, you might also find yourself either working to keep up if they're in sleeker, more efficient boats, or getting discouraged, and drop out. We went the former route, starting out in very good but not quite efficient paddling SOTs, and struggled to keep up with even a close to 70-year-old woman on one paddle who was in a better boat. ANd she wasn't a world champ or anything close -just an average paddler, and we were in far better shape than she. A good -or better -boat goes a long way to paddle better, faster, and keep up, but there's many who feel no need for speed, efficiency, or going with the group flow, so that's your decision. ANd what was noted about plastic deformation -tghat's for real, and it's called oil canning. It's a concern in places like Vegas (and down here in Miami), but it's something you can work around easily enough.
Then there's the paddle. Don't get the cheapest one on the block. You won't need an ultra-light carbon fibre infinitely adjustable model at $400+, but somewhere between $100 and $150 will get you a decent starter paddle that'll be more than a heavyweight two-ended oar. You and your wife may -or may not -be looking at the same paddles, it depends on how you like them and how they feel. And don't feel like you need yo buy a long one, even with a "wide" (say anything 24" and over) boat -225 will probably cover all the boats you'll look at.
Then there's PFDs for you two. Here's one place where you want as good as you can get in terms of fit and comfort, because a good, comfortable one will be worn. There are women's specials made with bust cut-outs that make for more comfortable fit for her. My wife has a Stohlquist Betsea that she likes a lot.
And then there's the transportation angle. WIth 2 boats, I think you'll best be served by a good, standard roof rack. It will hold your boats steady and securely at highway speeds and long trips, as most on this board will attest. We started out with foam block carriers but went with a roof rack soon thereafter -it offers much more ease of transport and peace of mind. Thule, Yakima, Saris all make rack systems, and they, and Malone, make holders that attach to the crossbars to more securely hold your boats, and all are good.
Don not be afraid to go used. You'll get a lot -a LOT -of bang for your buck, and as you note, VALUE, if you carefully check used items before you buy. We've had 8 boats, 6 paddles, 6 PFDs, and 4 roof rack systems. Six of the 8 boats were bought used; 5 of 6 paddles were bought used; 3 of 6 PFDs were bought used, and 2 o, 2 of 4 roof racks were bought used. Of the 2 new boats, one was bought at 50% off, and of the 3 new PFDs, 2 were bought at more than 30% off. All used items performed well, and all were terrific values.
Both of you should get as much seat time in as many boats as practible; ditto for palm time for paddles. You'll get a far better feel for what you're looking for, comfotable with, and what might be best for where you are and what and where you want to do, paddling wise.
And remember, the 2 best things you can get are being smart on the water, and some experience.
Finally, put together a profile so we know a little bit about you and post it -you'll see a little head along-side our names when we have them. Click on them and you'll see a little bit about us.
Good luck with your search and may you and your wife find great boats and gear, and great places to, and great times together as you
PADDLE ON!
-Frank in Miami
