Advice on choosing a new kayak - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

StumpFisher · 10-08-2018, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Saba

Perhaps the new outback then? I think you'd be okay car topping a PA on your car provided that you use kayak saddles to evenly distribute the weight. I've seen photos of people doing the same with PAs and their Sedans.

Thank you! I’ve looked at the outbacks and they do look nice but they seem to sit quite low in the water especially in the stern which worries me if I had one of my boys with me.

goldenglory18 · 10-09-2018, 06:12 AM

If you're dead set on having the ability to bring your kid with you, I think the PA is about your only option. It's not really designed for it, but the boat is so buoyant I think you would be ok until hes a teenager. What kind of rack do you have on your Santa Fe? Anything rail based (I hate window/frame mounted) should be fine with proper rigging.

Also, the 12 is liftable, but its going to be a bear after a long day on the water or on a breezy day. Just make sure you are 100% confident in your lifting technique and practice before going out solo.

No joke, for anyone that is considering car topping their fishing kayaks, I STRONGLY encourage you to take an entry level olympic lifting class. If you can learn how to comfortably snatch and clean/jerk, you can car-top a moderately heavy (anything other than a PA14) kayak....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xQp2sldyts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw0YyyJ8Tgw

Dingokevin · 10-09-2018, 10:07 AM

Have a PA 12 my wife love to sit in the tank well with my dogs 2 dachshunds. We do the bays and LJ by the cliffs handles fine.

kevbeer · 10-09-2018, 07:48 PM

dingo what size people are you out of curiosity?

what is the weight of PA 12 stripped down (i.e. drive train and whatever else comes off for transport)? 80 lbs?

drunkentiger765 · 10-09-2018, 08:43 PM

Going to hijack your thread

Considering either a Trident 13 or a Kraken 13.5. Coming from a old Tarpon 160, willing to give up a few feet to make it a bit more manageable. So really cant lose in comparison to my current yak.

I think overall I dig the Trident layout more, the new mod pod looks great, its a little bit narrower which I like, and like the hatch and track places a tiny bit more than the kraken.

The Trident seat will be an upgrade from the softies i use, but it does look like the kraken seat is really the defining feature and most kayaks seem to be going to the raised chair style.

Anyone got any input on if the chair style is totally the best thing ever and worth picking it over the similar style kayak, but with a more traditional seat style?

MrPukaShell · 10-10-2018, 03:43 AM

Getting it on your vehicle is easier than you think. I get my kayak on top of my RAM with a camper shell on it. First I put the kayak on the ground with the nose a couple of feet past the back of the truck on the side I am loading. Then I hook a road from the back of the kayak to the hitch on the truck so it doesn't slide back when I lift the front. I then get by the front of the kayak and lift it up and put it on the back of the rack. I then go to the back of the kayak lift it up, unhook the rope and slide it up on the rack. I have Rollers on the back and saddles on the front. At no time am I lifting the whole kayak by myself. Something that works for me and it will be easier on a lower vehicle. Good luck

Mahigeer · 10-10-2018, 07:07 AM

If you get a Hobie inflatable one, the loading problem is no longer an issue.

I spent about $1200.00 on Thule Helevator, and still not easy to do.

Depending on your age, health condition loading can become an issue.

Not everyone is able to lift heavy weights especially after a day of fishing.

10-09-2018, 06:12 AM	#2
goldenglory18 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Seattle Area Posts: 861	If you're dead set on having the ability to bring your kid with you, I think the PA is about your only option. It's not really designed for it, but the boat is so buoyant I think you would be ok until hes a teenager. What kind of rack do you have on your Santa Fe? Anything rail based (I hate window/frame mounted) should be fine with proper rigging. Also, the 12 is liftable, but its going to be a bear after a long day on the water or on a breezy day. Just make sure you are 100% confident in your lifting technique and practice before going out solo. No joke, for anyone that is considering car topping their fishing kayaks, I STRONGLY encourage you to take an entry level olympic lifting class. If you can learn how to comfortably snatch and clean/jerk, you can car-top a moderately heavy (anything other than a PA14) kayak.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xQp2sldyts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw0YyyJ8Tgw

10-09-2018, 10:07 AM	#3
Dingokevin Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: San Diego Posts: 267	Have a PA 12 my wife love to sit in the tank well with my dogs 2 dachshunds. We do the bays and LJ by the cliffs handles fine.

10-09-2018, 07:48 PM	#4
kevbeer Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: rancho bernardo Posts: 66	dingo what size people are you out of curiosity? what is the weight of PA 12 stripped down (i.e. drive train and whatever else comes off for transport)? 80 lbs?

10-09-2018, 08:43 PM	#5
drunkentiger765 Junior Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 13	Going to hijack your thread Considering either a Trident 13 or a Kraken 13.5. Coming from a old Tarpon 160, willing to give up a few feet to make it a bit more manageable. So really cant lose in comparison to my current yak. I think overall I dig the Trident layout more, the new mod pod looks great, its a little bit narrower which I like, and like the hatch and track places a tiny bit more than the kraken. The Trident seat will be an upgrade from the softies i use, but it does look like the kraken seat is really the defining feature and most kayaks seem to be going to the raised chair style. Anyone got any input on if the chair style is totally the best thing ever and worth picking it over the similar style kayak, but with a more traditional seat style?

10-10-2018, 03:43 AM	#6
MrPukaShell Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Ventura COunty Posts: 521	Getting it on your vehicle is easier than you think. I get my kayak on top of my RAM with a camper shell on it. First I put the kayak on the ground with the nose a couple of feet past the back of the truck on the side I am loading. Then I hook a road from the back of the kayak to the hitch on the truck so it doesn't slide back when I lift the front. I then get by the front of the kayak and lift it up and put it on the back of the rack. I then go to the back of the kayak lift it up, unhook the rope and slide it up on the rack. I have Rollers on the back and saddles on the front. At no time am I lifting the whole kayak by myself. Something that works for me and it will be easier on a lower vehicle. Good luck

10-10-2018, 07:07 AM	#7
Mahigeer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,908	If you get a Hobie inflatable one, the loading problem is no longer an issue. I spent about $1200.00 on Thule Helevator, and still not easy to do. Depending on your age, health condition loading can become an issue. Not everyone is able to lift heavy weights especially after a day of fishing.