Kayak vs. tin boat comparison - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

pbb · 06-03-2018, 08:17 PM

So I've been kayak fishing in LJ and the bays for a number of years now, first on a Stealth 12 and now on a Revo (13).

I've been thinking of getting a outboard powered skiff, not to replace the kayak fishing, but to supplement it.

As I look at my budget (small) and what is available out there, I am trying to get clearer how much boat I really need.

I know for instance that in The Baja Catch, Neil Kelly and Gene Kira recommend 14 foot aluminum boats for Sea of Cortez and 16 foot for the Pacific side.

Basically I am wonder if I am used to fishing the Pacific side in a 13 foot kayak, am I going to feel like a 13-14 foot aluminum skiff (Valco or Gregor) is too small?

I mean I expect I will feel like it limits my ability to go further out, but for fishing the LJ and Point Loma kelp is there reason to think 13-14 feet is considerably too small?

makobob · 06-03-2018, 09:40 PM

I have a Gregor 14 with a 20hp Honda that I use in Baja, it would be just ok for up here. The 15 Bayrunner would be better because of its high bow. We have both in mako-ville and they get about the same fuel consumption each day. Usually less then 3 gallons a day to fish the islands there. The Gregor is 2 persons max while the Bayrunner fishes 3., the Bayrunner also has a 25 hp engine. We also have two Solo Skiffs and they all fish very well in Baja. All the kayaks there serve as great fishing platforms just slower then the motorized vessels. Hope this helps.

pbb · 06-04-2018, 10:23 AM

Thanks, Bob.

Right now, if I could find one, the Bayrunners seem like the best choice. I just missed out on a Bayrunner 18 on Craigslist that seemed pretty nice (and not outrageously priced).

pbb · 06-12-2018, 11:24 AM

I just bought a 1995 Valco 14 footer, in pretty good shape at an awesome price.

Now I need to find a trailer and a motor for it.

makobob · 06-12-2018, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbb

I just bought a 1995 Valco 14 footer, in pretty good shape at an awesome price.

Now I need to find a trailer and a motor for it.

Congratulations, please check you rivets, specially if you plan on taking it off shore. Tight Lines amigo.

vanphuccity · 09-17-2018, 02:59 AM

Congratulations

octico · 09-18-2018, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbb

I just bought a 1995 Valco 14 footer, in pretty good shape at an awesome price.

Now I need to find a trailer and a motor for it.

Let me know how it goes. I have an Alumacraft 14 footer, with a 15hp Honda engine.

PapaDave · 09-19-2018, 08:30 AM

Based on my personal experience, get a 15-16 foot skiff for this area. And I would recommend at least a 20hp outboard, might get away with a 15, but I would go with a 20.

06-03-2018, 08:17 PM	#1
pbb Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 149	Kayak vs. tin boat comparison So I've been kayak fishing in LJ and the bays for a number of years now, first on a Stealth 12 and now on a Revo (13). I've been thinking of getting a outboard powered skiff, not to replace the kayak fishing, but to supplement it. As I look at my budget (small) and what is available out there, I am trying to get clearer how much boat I really need. I know for instance that in The Baja Catch, Neil Kelly and Gene Kira recommend 14 foot aluminum boats for Sea of Cortez and 16 foot for the Pacific side. Basically I am wonder if I am used to fishing the Pacific side in a 13 foot kayak, am I going to feel like a 13-14 foot aluminum skiff (Valco or Gregor) is too small? I mean I expect I will feel like it limits my ability to go further out, but for fishing the LJ and Point Loma kelp is there reason to think 13-14 feet is considerably too small? __________________ 2008 Olive Hobie Revolution 13

06-03-2018, 09:40 PM	#2
makobob Baitless on Baja Join Date: May 2013 Location: Vista California, Gonzaga, San Quintin, Asuncion, Mag Bay Posts: 4,250	I have a Gregor 14 with a 20hp Honda that I use in Baja, it would be just ok for up here. The 15 Bayrunner would be better because of its high bow. We have both in mako-ville and they get about the same fuel consumption each day. Usually less then 3 gallons a day to fish the islands there. The Gregor is 2 persons max while the Bayrunner fishes 3., the Bayrunner also has a 25 hp engine. We also have two Solo Skiffs and they all fish very well in Baja. All the kayaks there serve as great fishing platforms just slower then the motorized vessels. Hope this helps. __________________ http://www.mako-ville.com Home 760-630-4470 Cell 760-520-2514 YES YOU CAN

06-04-2018, 10:23 AM	#3
pbb Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 149	Thanks, Bob. Right now, if I could find one, the Bayrunners seem like the best choice. I just missed out on a Bayrunner 18 on Craigslist that seemed pretty nice (and not outrageously priced). __________________ 2008 Olive Hobie Revolution 13

06-12-2018, 11:24 AM	#4
pbb Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 149	Update: I just bought a 1995 Valco 14 footer, in pretty good shape at an awesome price. Now I need to find a trailer and a motor for it. __________________ 2008 Olive Hobie Revolution 13

09-19-2018, 08:30 AM	#8
PapaDave Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Menifee, CA Posts: 1,473	Based on my personal experience, get a 15-16 foot skiff for this area. And I would recommend at least a 20hp outboard, might get away with a 15, but I would go with a 20. __________________ So long and thanks for all the fish...

09-17-2018, 02:59 AM	#6
vanphuccity Khu đô thị Vạn Phúc CITY Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Vietnam Posts: 10	Congratulations