Waterfowl kayak speed/range

[Pete112288]

So I am hoping to get some first hand experience and opinions when it comes to using waterfowl specific kayak style boats. I have been looking a lot at the Beavertail stealth 1200. I want plenty of stability and ability to pack some extra weight compared to the run of the mill kayak.
My only question is what is it realistically like to row longer distances or deal with current? I don't really want to have the extra weight of a motor and battery. A spot off two I hunt it's less than 1/4 mile at farthest to hunt. But into have a spot or two that is more like a mile or a little more. Is it reasonable to row one of these that far?
Thank ya!

[Special T]

Join the Washington Waterfowlers Association  for a chance to win a boat u could  put a motor on.

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[ghosthunter]

So I am hoping to get some first hand experience and opinions when it comes to using waterfowl specific kayak style boats. I have been looking a lot at the Beavertail stealth 1200. I want plenty of stability and ability to pack some extra weight compared to the run of the mill kayak.
My only question is what is it realistically like to row longer distances or deal with current? I don't really want to have the extra weight of a motor and battery. A spot off two I hunt it's less than 1/4 mile at farthest to hunt. But into have a spot or two that is more like a mile or a little more. Is it reasonable to row one of these that far?
Thank ya!

What kind of current?

Lakes or salt?

I have two H12 Asends. We use for hunting and lake fishing.  Great for inland waters. I wouldn’t use in salt unless it was glass smooth.
Asends have 450 lb capacity. Duck hunting I store 24 dekes forward and my hunting gear rearward.
Paddling up current,depends on weight of yak, your strength ,speed of current,wind, and your stamina.

[Pete112288]

No salt for me. Mostly lake. The current I am talking about is the lower Columbia around Longview. No main channel. But backwaters/side channels, etc.

[gasman]

I have a Asend FS 12 and my buddy has a H12 with camo cover., both work excellent.  He had a beavertail,  but sold it and bought the H12. He is very happy with his decision.  The H12 is lighter weight, and maneuvers better. We each carry about 2-4 dozen deeks and a few goose decoys, the amount of deeks all depends on goose decoys we bring, as well as gear. I normally toss my decoy bag in the back of my FS12 with about 2 dozen deeks.

[ghosthunter]

I think there is a lot of worry about camo that is unnecessary.

I was thinking of the blind, but a little shadow grass front and back and a mat over ya maybe and you can kill ducks. Hiding I. The reeds lot easier with the yak.

[kselkhunter]

Another option if range and speed is a goal, is pedal powered.  They're more expensive than a traditional kayak, but make the longer traverses a bit easier (and faster).  My wife got me the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 for my birthday last year.  Works well for duck hunting and fishing.  I carry my decoys in the back storage area, and my shotgun fits perfectly in the side rod holders inside (no need to buy the aftermarket gun holder accessory).   I bought a cheap camo cover on Amazon that fits the boat for extra camo when needed.  I typically park it in the reeds, and have the small anchor to hold it in place.


The skeg and two rear hulls give nice stability.  The downside of that stability is the weight....too heavy for most roof racks nor would I want to attempt to lift one up there solo.  I put mine in the bed of my truck with a bed extender (similar to ghosthunter's photo above).  Will upgrade to a trailer one of these days.  If I were going to put it in the Sound or other saltwater, I'd want to add the SideKick outrigger attachment.   Otherwise it's been fine in the upper Columbia and large lakes.


The light shaft accessory is handy for when crossing a big lake in the dark so boaters know where you are.  Although I need to upgrade my forward lights to be more powerful for those early morning dark paddles. 

[ghosthunter]

Another option if range and speed is a goal, is pedal powered.  They're more expensive than a traditional kayak, but make the longer traverses a bit easier (and faster).  My wife got me the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 for my birthday last year.  Works well for duck hunting and fishing.  I carry my decoys in the back storage area, and my shotgun fits perfectly in the side rod holders inside (no need to buy the aftermarket gun holder accessory).   I bought a cheap camo cover on Amazon that fits the boat for extra camo when needed.  I typically park it in the reeds, and have the small anchor to hold it in place.






The skeg and two rear hulls give nice stability.  The downside of that stability is the weight....too heavy for most roof racks nor would I want to attempt to lift one up there solo.  I put mine in the bed of my truck with a bed extender (similar to ghosthunter's photo above).  Will upgrade to a trailer one of these days.  If I were going to put it in the Sound or other saltwater, I'd want to add the SideKick outrigger attachment.   Otherwise it's been fine in the upper Columbia and large lakes.


The light shaft accessory is handy for when crossing a big lake in the dark so boaters know where you are.  Although I need to upgrade my forward lights to be more powerful for those early morning dark paddles.

I use the bed extenderwhen taking on yak. When I take two I use a trailer.

[Call em in]

I would highly recommend an Aquapod. I’ve tried several makes and models of duck boat/kayaks. The pod paddle and track the nicest, haul tons of gear, able to portage solo, hide the best, etc. they are extremely stable, I can stand up in mine and bow shoot carp or catch fish with no problems.  There are cheaper boats out there but these are the best all around IMO

[Fungunnin]

I use a fishing specific kayak, Ocean Kayak Prowler 13. I rattled canned it and I can haul 2 doz deeks hang my legs off either side or side saddle. I paddle it two miles in the salt each way.

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