Thinking about a solo craft but really have no idea what I really want/need

[Brian Jones]

Currently considering an Old town 119 or something similar. But I've also been looking at the Feel free angler kayaks. All of my looking has been done on line so I'm open to any and all suggestions. Looking to stay under $1,000. I'll be using whatever I purchase in upper Big River and similar type water.

THANKS!!!!

[Gavin]

Height and Weight? Would not want a solo canoe shorter than 14' and a Jackson Coosa works fine whenever my wife is not floating it. Me 5' 11" and a buck 80.

[moguy1973]

A buddy of mine has a Feel Free Lure 11.5 and it's a pretty nice kayak. It's really wide and has a nice standing deck and it's easy to stand in. Nice seat too. Not much storage inside though. It is rather heavy compared to my Ocean Kayak too. New, they are more than you want to spend also. I think he spent $1250 or so for his.

[Gavin]

Paddlers do have favorite boats. Might take a few transactions before you find your it. Buy used if you can find a model you would like to try, Easy to get your money back if you want to sell it.

[Moswimb8slinger]

My Emotion Stealth 11 Angler runs $499 retail. Good kayak so far, I've beaten on it threw several tournaments and many more outings on Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals. Add a hatch to the front area like i did and there's plenty of storage. The seats comfortable with a great back rest.

[Brian Jones]

Height and Weight? Would not want a solo canoe shorter than 14' and a Jackson Coosa works fine whenever my wife is not floating it. Me 5' 11" and a buck 80.

5'10" and 220 to 235ish depending on the time of year.  

A buddy of mine has a Feel Free Lure 11.5 and it's a pretty nice kayak.  It's really wide and has a nice standing deck and it's easy to stand in.  Nice seat too.  Not much storage inside though.  It is rather heavy compared to my Ocean Kayak too.  New, they are more than you want to spend also.  I think he spent $1250 or so for his.

I think I like the lure 10 and sticker price on the ones I've looked at on line is around $1,000.  I like the seat on the Lure kayaks and their width.  Wasn't sure about how they handle and track.  I may want to paddle whatever I purchase upstream occasionally and I wasn't sure about what boats paddle the best either.  I guess what I'm saying is that i know completely nothing about solo crafts.  Storage isn't a big deal as I doubt I'll ever take any long trips in the boat.  

I appreciate any and all opinions. 

[moguy1973]

He said it handles the river a lot better than his old Ascend kayak, as in it turns a lot easier, but it is harder to paddle since it's a lot wider. He takes that though in order for him to be able to stand.  

[Gavin]

The Coosa does not track at all but a great downriver boat. Would rather pole my 17' tandem  than take that up river.14' 8" solo canoe is my favorite. Does everything well but needs some new wood work. Coosa will have to do for now till I get that done. 35 year old canoe. perception pescadoer 12" comes,to mind. Knock off off the old Wilderness Tarpon 120. Good boat! Lots of keel so some effort to turn, but will go up River easy

[Al Agnew]

Brian, as you may know, I'm a canoe guy through and through.  I think a good solo canoe is a FAR superior craft for Ozark rivers than a kayak.  But, since the demise of Royalex, it's a lot tougher for me to recommend any particular canoe.  The 119 you said you were considering is serviceable, but is not as good as several of the old Royalex models that are now hard to find and expensive.  If you came across a used (or unsold "new") Wenonah Vagabond, Wenonah Wilderness, Mohawk Solo 14, or any one of several other 14-14.5 ft. Royalex solos, you'd be really happy with any of them.  But if you can't, it's almost a toss-up between the poly canoes like the 119 and any of several good "fishing style" kayaks.  Old Town has come out with the Next, a plastic solo canoe that they are marketing to the kayak crowd as much as anything, but I know nothing about it.

[Gavin]

Agree with Al. My friend Kally Sue has a Next. Her guy has a new OT fishing kayak. They like them but who does not like their new boat? Discovering that it's a bitch to be handicapped by your boat. Can't figure out how to fit 5 I rigged and ready rods  in a Coosa. Comfy ride but cant wait to jump back in a solo canoe. Heavy turd too.