Getting a kayak...(finally)

[wiseshanks]

I have always hunted rivers for artifacts. The worst feeling in the world is knowing where gravel bars are and not being able to get to them. I finally made up my mind to save some money and buy one. They're actually more affordable than I originally thought. Any of you kayak guys have any thoughts on where and what kind to get. I'm thinking about a 10' sit in. I found a nice used 10' for $125. Your thoughts please.

[Fluff effect]

Well I imagine they are alot easier to carry than a canoe so acccessing areas to get to the water should be alot easier. Congrats!

[ghost recon]

I prefer a 9' or 10' footer in the price range you listed. I've got a standard Pelican 10 footer that gets the job done. I'm pretty rough on mine, drag it through rocks , drop it down banks, etc. It tracks as well as some expensive yaks I've paddled and I don't have to worry about beating up a 900 - 1500 $ yak.

I've been thinking about getting a kayak dolly to make those long hauls easier.

[Bobby]

I found on Craigs list an Emotions 10 foot sit on top. I prefer them better, just easier to get on and off and if you do flip over you don't feel trapped. I got mine with the paddle and buckle in seat for 300 but new the Kayak alone was over 500.
Don't get one of the long slender ones because you can't turn very good at all. In the shorter ones you can spin around on a dime to get to a gravel bar and they are much easier to navigate through log jams.

[Scotto]

Originally Posted by Bobby

I found on Craigs list an Emotions 10 foot sit on top. I prefer them better, just easier to get on and off and if you do flip over you don't feel trapped. I got mine with the paddle and buckle in seat for 300 but new the Kayak alone was over 500.
Don't get one of the long slender ones because you can't turn very good at all. In the shorter ones you can spin around on a dime to get to a gravel bar and they are much easier to navigate through log jams.

Take this advice, IMO. I had an Aquaterra Prism, sit on top model and I loved it. You can get on and off quickly, and if your legs get cramped they hang over the side.

[wiseshanks]

My only worry with a sit on is that I want to use it in colder weather too. I don't know if a sit on would be great in the cold.

[Wichita]

The water is gonna get on you no matter what. I have a sit on, and love it. It's a Pelican Apex 100.

[Bobby]

Originally Posted by wiseshanks

My only worry with a sit on is that I want to use it in colder weather too. I don't know if a sit on would be great in the cold.

When the cold weather hits get a wet suit.

[fldwlkr]

Really like my Old Town Otter. I would recommend this brand to anybody. It's good in the mellow stuff and can handle a class 3 w/a skirt.
p.s. Buddy has the pelican mentioned above and he's good with it.

[John G. Scoggins]

You know what they say?Once you go yak, you never go back.I have a 10 ft sit in Pelican.It has enabled me to go to areas I would have never been able to on foot.I wish I would have started using one sooner.