PA or Zodiac? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

yotasan · 10-19-2011, 11:29 AM

BWE familia,

Got a little issue here. A friend of mine is in a little pickle.. Here's what he has to say:

" The problem I have is launching on exposed beach breaks near my house where we often get short period sets in the 2’ to 4’ range. Despite what my buddy told me, it DOES NOT launch well in these conditions. Never had a problem when there’s a break between sets but that’s not always the case, I want to go no matter what the conditions are!!!

I don’t know, I’m having a lot of mixed thoughts about it and ’m not 100% convinced on selling it but probably would for a decent offer. I’m starting to think a Zodiac / inflatable might be better suited for my intended use. What do you think? Do you think there’s a fishing kayak out there that would handle my surf conditions better or is that just too much to ask a kayak loaded with gear to handle? "

Ok guys, what do you think? Being a REVO guy my self, I suggested give the REVO a try. Any suggestions out there.

The Kid · 10-19-2011, 08:17 PM

I would say the revo gets the knod from me as well. Prangler is not going to be fun to launch in 2-4 ft waves.

TCS · 10-19-2011, 08:31 PM

Handles surf well when pointed at the beach as well.

bubblehide · 10-19-2011, 08:37 PM

I used to use Zodiacs a lot back in the day. They can be damn nice, but they can also be a whole lot of maintenance; not just the motor, as you have to consider that there still a ridged floor rubber boat. They don't always handle sharp things like hooks well, and then there is the wear of beach launching and landing; you'll be patching her in no time at all, and the patch simply wont hold if you anything less than a totally professional job. If you want to get more mileage out of her, simply stay away from or limit the beach launches and landings

Then I'll add that beach launching and landing is not always an easy task, and as were all aware, conditions can change very fast, making way for accidents, i.e., capsizing in the surf. Thus, your not just risking your gear, your also risking a very expensive outboard. If your buddy gets the Zodiac, I'd highly recommend that he find and take a Coasty course that includes such use and experiences.

I can't speak for SD county, but up here in LA county, it is not legal to launch nor land a motorized boat from the public beaches, just one more thing to consider.

But given my choice, I'd go with both, as it's always better to have options.

10-19-2011, 11:29 AM	#1
yotasan Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: south orange county Posts: 84	PA or Zodiac? BWE familia, Got a little issue here. A friend of mine is in a little pickle.. Here's what he has to say: " The problem I have is launching on exposed beach breaks near my house where we often get short period sets in the 2’ to 4’ range. Despite what my buddy told me, it DOES NOT launch well in these conditions. Never had a problem when there’s a break between sets but that’s not always the case, I want to go no matter what the conditions are!!! I don’t know, I’m having a lot of mixed thoughts about it and ’m not 100% convinced on selling it but probably would for a decent offer. I’m starting to think a Zodiac / inflatable might be better suited for my intended use. What do you think? Do you think there’s a fishing kayak out there that would handle my surf conditions better or is that just too much to ask a kayak loaded with gear to handle? " Ok guys, what do you think? Being a REVO guy my self, I suggested give the REVO a try. Any suggestions out there.

10-19-2011, 08:31 PM	#3
TCS Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 478	Adventure Handles surf well when pointed at the beach as well.

10-19-2011, 08:17 PM	#2
The Kid Loves Surface Irons Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 455	I would say the revo gets the knod from me as well. Prangler is not going to be fun to launch in 2-4 ft waves.

10-19-2011, 08:37 PM	#4
bubblehide Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 552	I used to use Zodiacs a lot back in the day. They can be damn nice, but they can also be a whole lot of maintenance; not just the motor, as you have to consider that there still a ridged floor rubber boat. They don't always handle sharp things like hooks well, and then there is the wear of beach launching and landing; you'll be patching her in no time at all, and the patch simply wont hold if you anything less than a totally professional job. If you want to get more mileage out of her, simply stay away from or limit the beach launches and landings Then I'll add that beach launching and landing is not always an easy task, and as were all aware, conditions can change very fast, making way for accidents, i.e., capsizing in the surf. Thus, your not just risking your gear, your also risking a very expensive outboard. If your buddy gets the Zodiac, I'd highly recommend that he find and take a Coasty course that includes such use and experiences. I can't speak for SD county, but up here in LA county, it is not legal to launch nor land a motorized boat from the public beaches, just one more thing to consider. But given my choice, I'd go with both, as it's always better to have options.