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All About Kayak Diving Here is a place to discuss the growing travel mode of kayak diving.

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Old 02-04-2017, 03:29 PM   #1
SeaHunter3
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Kayak Reccomendations

Hey everyone,


I have finally decided to invest in a kayak when I get home from college this summer. I will mostly be using it along the pacific coast, so I want something pretty rugged and capable of handling swells and rocky shore launches.

What sort of features should I look for, width/length? Or if you have any suggestions about specific kayaks that would be even better.

Also, side note, if the Kayak is on Amazon its a big bonus for me because I get free shipping through prime, but that is not a necessity.

Thanks!

Last edited by SeaHunter3; 02-04-2017 at 10:51 PM.
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Old 02-05-2017, 03:06 AM   #2
hydroid
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Re: Kayak Reccomendations

When I started looking, I went back thru and read most post here on SB and really liked the Ocean Kayak Scupper Pro. About a week later I was lucky enough and was given an older Scupper Pro and for me it works great. I would check out craigslist as there should be a good chance you may find a pretty good deal on a garage kept yak. Hope this helps
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Old 02-05-2017, 09:33 AM   #3
frankt
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Re: Kayak Reccomendations

Malibu stealth 14 would be my choice if I bought it new
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Old 02-05-2017, 06:59 PM   #4
Ron S
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Re: Kayak Reccomendations

The first thing I would suggest is to buy used, like from Craig's list for a fraction of the cost of a new yak.

As to kayaks, they're like cars or spear guns. All have a different feel and different ride. What's great to me might be terrible to you. That said, there are some yaks that are very popular for spearos and would do well on our coast.

In the Ocean Kayak brand, the now discontinued Scupper/Scupper pro is a fast, light boat that's easy to carry but has little primary stability. That's what I paddle and love. Also made by OK are the Prowlers and Tridents. Heavier, but more stable and with more storage capacity.

Wilderness Systems brand Tarpons are very popular, ride nice, and are nicely outfitted.

Malibu, Necky, and many others make good yaks. Used, most go for half or less of the cost of new, and can be found in very good shape.

Just avoid the little short stubby boats sold at Costco, etc. Gonna be really slow and not good choices for spearing rough water.

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Old 02-05-2017, 09:13 PM   #5
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Re: Kayak Reccomendations

I'm 6'4" 220 and paddle a OK Prowler 15. I dive and RR it maybe 12 times a summer in RI&CT. Stable and fast (3mph cruise,6mph WO) I have a Garmin hand held GPS & a sonar on it. Good rig, you can find them for under $400 on CL. I like the OK Big game II for new. A little slower but I can put everything in the hull through the rod pod while sitting in it. It is the only kayak with that ability.
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Old 02-05-2017, 11:23 PM   #6
Ron S
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Re: Kayak Reccomendations

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Originally Posted by MeTo View Post
I'm 6'4" 220 and paddle a OK Prowler 15. I dive and RR it maybe 12 times a summer in RI&CT. Stable and fast (3mph cruise,6mph WO) I have a Garmin hand held GPS & a sonar on it. Good rig, you can find them for under $400 on CL. I like the OK Big game II for new. A little slower but I can put everything in the hull through the rod pod while sitting in it. It is the only kayak with that ability.
I've looked at that 15. If I didn't have to shoulder carry my yak from time to time that's probably what I'd be paddling. Nice big, stable, fast yak indeed.
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Old 02-06-2017, 12:01 AM   #7
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Re: Kayak Reccomendations

I've also got the Stealth 14 and for the most part, love it. It's got tons of storage, is super stable, tracks well and is an overall great dive platform for my fat ass. On the downside, at a dry weight of 68lbs, she's a wee bit heavy. Not the heavily favored Scupper Pro, but a great diving yak.
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Old 02-06-2017, 12:49 AM   #8
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Re: Kayak Reccomendations

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I've also got the Stealth 14 and for the most part, love it. It's got tons of storage, is super stable, tracks well and is an overall great dive platform for my fat ass. On the downside, at a dry weight of 68lbs, she's a wee bit heavy. Not the heavily favored Scupper Pro, but a great diving yak.
The scuppers are indeed a favored boat, but it should be noted that they are not a very high volume boat and as such are not the best choice for large or heavy folks, or if you really want to carry a lot of weight. Still great boats, but I'd recommend paddling one first if you're planning to buy.

I came from a more traditional kayak background and was used to long skinny sit inside boats. I then started paddling my son's Prowler 13, which is a good boat, but wide, and with a lot of primary stability. It was OK, but I couldn't control it with my hips, like I was used to. When I first paddled my Scupper Pro, I had to have it. \

My wife on the other hand, hates it and finds it "too tippy".

Different kayaks behave very differently...
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Old 02-07-2017, 09:02 PM   #9
hectordlt_26
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Re: Kayak Reccomendations

Look into Jackson Kayak The Kraken 15.5. I've been looking into it

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Old 02-07-2017, 11:54 PM   #10
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Re: Kayak Reccomendations

If you want to surf down waves and get out to your spot quickly look at the Stealth kayaks. Where I live on the Oregon Coast, everyone owns Hobies. Look into the Outback. I have a Wilderness systems Tarpon 12 for guests and a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 16 for myself, which is like having the mothership. I paid $ 400 for the smaller boat used and a couple hundred more for the 16 foot boat. If I had any boat I would go for the Stealth.
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Old 02-24-2017, 12:14 AM   #11
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Re: Kayak Reccomendations

I have an Ocean Kayak Trident13. bought it mainly because of the middle storage compartment. its called a rod pod- or something like that, I can put my 55" gun inside (and safe) and pull it out while sitting on the boat in the water. Actually I put all my dive gear in there- great hatch. A two piece paddle easily fits in there also. The boat is a little heavier than some but its made with extra material around the hull (so OK says)- I'm alright with that because many of my beach launching spots are rocky.
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Old 03-20-2017, 03:36 PM   #12
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Re: Kayak Reccomendations

Just picked up a prowler 13.t and wow. The front hatch held my 95 Euro fins float line weight belt. There is a small hatch with a cover in front of the big hatch that holds my mask and snorkel nice also makes a great seat to sit on while digging through front hatch. I was worried due to size how well it would paddle since I had a Tarpon 140 and it was so bad without a rudder so I sold it. Man this prowler is smooth dry and quick. I don't think you could hold more than a 95 in the hatch. My tarpon couldn't hold anything close to that mold gets in the way. Just my thoughts mine is a 2011
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