Sit on Top Kayaks and Kayaking

[Fl0und3rz]

Looking through the search results, there are not a lot of posts here regarding kayaking, specifically, about non-whitewater kayaking. 


I have been looking into getting a sit on top kayak, to take advantage of some of the local opportunities.


I would be looking to get 2-2+ (up to two adults plus stuff or child) out in Puget Sound tidal areas and calm bays, calm lakes, potentially fishing, and generally just exploring and getting outdoors and on the water, and a boat is not in the budget right now.  I don't expect I'll be hunting out of it, as I don't waterfowl hunt. And I don't think I need a pedal or powered kayak.

I am interested in any thoughts and experiences on:

- Suggested lengths
- Stability experiences
- Brands and models experiences
- Flexible outfitting for fishing
- What to look for and what to look out for
- Tips and suiggestions on associated gear such as PFDs, paddles, caddies, etc.


Some models that I have been drawn to are:

Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL and
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Angler
Ocean Kayak Zest 2

https://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/tandem_kayaks/

But that is mostly based on price (yeah, I drive a 25 YO truck, because I am that way) and flexibility.

Some other brands I have looked at are Old Town and Hobie, although those are at the high end, price-wise, and seem to come with all the bells and whistles.


So what does hunt-wa say?

[fowl smacker]

I have and emotion stealth angler 11 all decked out with fish finder and all.  I use mine in lakes and in the ocean, it does great everywhere and was fairly inexpensive(until accessories were added).  I've even used it on I'd say light white water and did ok there too. Ocean Kayak makes some decent SOT kayaks as well.  Good luck on whatever you choose, welcome to the addiction.

[Fl0und3rz]

Thanks!  Yeah, I am pretty sure I wI'll be in rehab, within the year.

[Rainpaddle]

I've been a kayaker for almost 20 years, sea and whitewater. I don't have much experience with SOT brands, so no help there. A couple things you will want to get knowledgeable about are current in the Sound and what that does when wind opposes and have an immersion apparel strategy. That means wet suit or drysuit. This topic gets hammered thoroughly on kayak forums like paddling.com.

[Fl0und3rz]

Thanks for the tip on paddling.com.

My immersion strategy at this point is sitting on top. 

[gasman]

I use a Sit On Top for duck hunting love it. Very sturdy and easy to get in and out of, even in 3 feet of water.

I bought mine at Bass Pro Shops, got the FS12. Weighs about 76lbs and has a 350lb weight restriction. Lots of area to store hunting, fishing, beer, etc.....

[Machias]

Thanks for the tip on paddling.com.

My immersion strategy at this point is sitting on top. 

Just like riding a motorcycle, dress for the slide not the ride.  Dress for the swim, because you are just paddling in between swims.

[swanny]

Unless you will be fishing from them, I'd much rather have a sit in kayak than sit on top. The sit on tops are big, bulky, heavy, and clunky to paddle when you get them in tandem size. I had a 16ft Ocean Kayak that I fished in some, which was fine, super stable. But when my wife and I just wanted to go for a day paddle, that thing was like paddling a barge trying to keep up with everyone else.

[Fl0und3rz]

Good points.  I/we will likely be fishing from it at some point, and stability, with a furtive child aboard, is a paramount concern.  Speed, not so much, at this point. 

Plus, I have an unnatural aversion to rolling upside down in something I would have to climb out of, and I am not ready to take the training and practice it would take to get comfortable with that prospect.

[rainshadow1]

I've had several of both kinds, I've gone mostly to sit on top. Not in the salt much anymore and I haven't got into river kayaking... yet! (I have two but haven't used them, just bought good deals.)

Honestly, I've found it hard to beat the 12' tandem at Costco for the price to usability ratio. It's not fast, but it's not bad. It's not lite, but it's not bad. It's not fancy, but who cares. It's a solid stable, and capable rig.

I also got two 10' fishing kayaks for my kids, same specs... not bad, and who cares! They're very usable for the money.

I have a 13' solo SOT "fishing kayak" that I love to fish out of, and would also waterfowl out of, but I got a deal at a garage sale, I wouldn't have paid sporting goods retail, not compared to the general purpose stuff at Walmart and Costco.

Now I do so much together with my wife that I installed rod holders and line grabbers onto the Costco tandem boat. Now it does everything... with two seats and plenty of storage! (I do recommend buying "Dry bags", they can make your general purpose cheap-o into a very usable vessel!)

I've had plastic sit in kayaks, some nice ones. But I hated fishing from them.

I've had a couple beautiful fiberglass sit in expedition sea kayaks, and they're so fast and smooth... put on a skirt and learn a few skills and you can pretty much take them anywhere through anything for any distance. But that's not my deal.

Dinking around in the lakes and salt chuck, the low budget SOT's are just dandy! And you don't feel bad about "customizing" a $300 boat!

[Fl0und3rz]

Thanks, especially for the 12' length suggestion. 

Lifetime/Emotion, which appears to be the primary brands at Costco and other retailers for their entry level line appear to be made in the USA, which is good, as are the Ocean Kayaks (and Old Town, if I recall correctly).

Otherwise, I don't think I will be paying retail, which suits me fine and opens up the world of options on sizes and brands, because the equivalent retail will get quite a bit of Kayak on the used market.

[theleo]

You need to register on NWKA. I'll bet you even money there are members on there near you that will let you paddle and check out the rigging on their fishing kayaks. It's a good group and probably the best resource for learning about kayak fishing the PNW. 

[Fl0und3rz]

on NWKA.

[Fl0und3rz]

Also looking for recommendations on try before you buy retailers in W WA.


Saw this and thought it was a good addition on lessons learned for newbies and reminders for vets.

[Fl0und3rz]

Another good how to on anchoring in a kayak, for fishing, obviously.

[Fl0und3rz]

Good primer on safety equipment.

[Uravei]

I use a sit in, and Insearchofish uses what I call a "hybrid". His is technically a "sit in", however his legs are mostly exposed, which makes it easier for him to get into and out, not like mine where my legs are hidden. All things being considered, stability is going to be about the same. Remember, most sit on tops are made for the ocean, and they do very well out there.
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It seems, in fact, as though the second half of a man`s life is made up of nothing, but the habits he has accumulated during the first half. All the best Kayak Master