First Kayak, need an education

[Jonesdds]

Your message board is the first IÂ’ve registered for, IÂ’m in the market for my first fishing kayak. Seems this is a very west coast based board, which is helpful but may also not give all info I need. Hopefully, IÂ’m wrong, but if not suggestions much appreciated.

I live 40:60 Park City UT: Santa Barbara CA. The kayak is going to spend March- September in UT, maybe all the time. But, I will probably have years itÂ’s brought home to SB.

IÂ’m an avid fly fisherman and thereÂ’s a number of lakes(maybe Green River B section when conditions permit) I would find a kayak to be a great option in UT, WY, etc.. I donÂ’t love tube fishing and some of lakes IÂ’d frequent would benefit from increased water coverage and ability to get home in windy conditions.

IÂ’ve narrowed to Jackson Kayak Mayfly(great setup for fly fishing), native Watercraft propel slayer 10.6(light), Pescador pilot 12.5 ft or OldTown Sportsman 10.6. First has no pedals but very well thought out for fly fishing. But, I like the idea of pedals to stabilize my position more quickly. ItÂ’s going to be fly fishing almost exclusively and while I might do some calm water ocean fishing 80%+ freshwater.

One of the benefits of the Mayfly is its built for fly fishing and the floor is very open for fly line. One of the issues with it is I see the benefits of hands free movement and stabilization with pedals, not an option with it. But thereÂ’s the issue with line,pedal entanglement. Heaviest kayak is the mayfly of my choices, so getting on my lifted Jeep(4-5 inches above stock) is also a concern. Maybe 60-90 lbs range doesnÂ’t make too much difference but some of the easier loading options, Hullvater and the Yakima option have 70 and 80 lb limits so might make the difference.

Love to hear opinions on this and sorry for the length.

[Mahigeer]

1) Welcome to the board.

I have two kayaks (14 ft. Malibu X Factor/15ft Hobie Outback) that will be for sale early next year when I get back from my ice fishing trip to………. wait for it .......Utah!!! Look up my previously posted long reports here.

I will also have a special rack (Thule Hullavator) for sale too. Along with many related items. Just add water.

Currently I am too busy getting ready for my trip. PM me after January 20th for more details if you can wait.

2) Are you aware of funny A in your post?

3) Do you happen to know a ski instructor named Magic who lives in Park City for about 40 years? I will be visiting him on Jan. 4th.

Happy holidays.

[Jonesdds]

Originally Posted by Mahigeer

1) Welcome to the board.

I have two kayaks (14 ft. Malibu X Factor/15ft Hobie Outback) that will be for sale early next year when I get back from my ice fishing trip to………. wait for it .......Utah!!! Look up my previously posted long reports here.

I will also have a special rack (Thule Hullavator) for sale too. Along with many related items. Just add water.

Currently I am too busy getting ready for my trip. PM me after January 20th for more details if you can wait.

2) Are you aware of funny A in your post?

3) Do you happen to know a ski instructor named Magic who lives in Park City for about 40 years? I will be visiting him on Jan. 4th.

Happy holidays.

I don’t know Magic, enjoy your visit. I’m up on Deer Valley slopes, don’t go into Park City all that much(especially now)

No idea on that A, seems to be with don’t and doesn’t. Will see if happens again, I didn’t do it.

Hullvater i have interest in, depends on boat I get. The weight limit says 70 lbs, most the boats I have interest in surpass that. Have you tested the limits on that. I assume your boats for sale push 125 lbs or more, did you use the Hullvater for those? The Yakima version has 80 lbs max, might go that way due to max weight being higher.

Feel free to PM me too after the 20th, it will be clearer then what Kayak I’m getting.

[DanaPT]

Hullivator supports my 2017 OB.

You'll have to adjust the cradles on each rack/ arm so the width of the kayak fits.

Best platform I've used to load my kayak when I road trip!

Good luck.

[Mahigeer]

I loaded the 15 ft. Hobie Outback with the Hallavator.

It made the width of the kayak, but had to be set to Past maximum!

Without the drive I don't think the Outback weighs over 80 lbs.

I looked, but could not find answer from Google. You may want to look.

I will discuss it further later as to the pro and cons.

[jruiz]

Originally Posted by Mahigeer

I loaded the 15 ft. Hobie Outback with the Hallavator.

It made the width of the kayak, but had to be set to Past maximum!

Without the drive I don't think the Outback weighs over 80 lbs.

I looked, but could not find answer from Google. You may want to look.

I will discuss it further later as to the pro and cons.

I'm not sure if a 15ft hobie outback exists.