Fishing kayak.

[top_dollar]

Thanks for all of the replies.  12 footer it is then.  I'll check out the various brands mentioned. One concern is being able to store a few rods horizontally but I think I can rig something up.  Seems like all the yak rod holders stick straight up in the air.  That would cause me all kinds of trouble. 

 

[top_dollar]

I like the Jackson bite alot as well.   The open storage in front and back is what I'm looking for.  Seems like too many have open in the back and a sealed box in the front.  

Regarding a solo canoe... I didnt even consider one until now.  I'm gonna be looking at those now too!

[Al Agnew]

Two things I don't get...the assertion that solo canoe seats are less comfortable, and the assertion that it's easier to get on or off or in or out of a SOT kayak.  I've paddled quite a bit now in both, and HATE getting off or onto an SOT compared to a canoe.  I can paddle the canoe right up onto the bank and just step out.  I have to keep the kayak in 18 inches of water and slide off it...maybe that's because I have pretty short legs, but I always feel like I'm about to fall off the SOT when I'm trying to get off it.  As for the seat, sure, a nice seat back on the kayak is comfortable compared to the bench seat with no back in a canoe, but you can get a bunch of aftermarket seat backs for canoes, and the fact that you're sitting in the canoe a lot more like you're sitting in a chair, rather than sitting within 6 inches of the floor like you are in a kayak, makes the canoe far more comfortable as long as I have a good seat back.

However, I agree with Ham that finding a good solo canoe has gotten more and more difficult, and that's a big problem.  The OT Disco 119 is a serviceable solo but there are far better ones out there.  14-15 ft. solos are about ideal in length.  You won't find any in Royalex anymore unless you get very lucky with a used one, but actually glass composite canoes are pretty useful, and still come in some excellent designs.  

As for stowing rods horizontally, that's another big advantage to the canoe.  Keep in mind here I'm talking ONLY about solo canoes, which is the only thing you should be comparing kayaks to.  A tandem canoe is doable by yourself but it's not FUN.  Solo canoes are FUN to paddle.  

 

[fishinwrench]

6 minutes ago, Al Agnew said:

Two things I don't get...the assertion that solo canoe seats are less comfortable, and the assertion that it's easier to get on or off or in or out of a SOT kayak.  I've paddled quite a bit now in both, and HATE getting off or onto an SOT compared to a canoe.  I can paddle the canoe right up onto the bank and just step out.  I have to keep the kayak in 18 inches of water and slide off it...maybe that's because I have pretty short legs, but I always feel like I'm about to fall off the SOT when I'm trying to get off it.  As for the seat, sure, a nice seat back on the kayak is comfortable compared to the bench seat with no back in a canoe, but you can get a bunch of aftermarket seat backs for canoes, and the fact that you're sitting in the canoe a lot more like you're sitting in a chair, rather than sitting within 6 inches of the floor like you are in a kayak, makes the canoe far more comfortable as long as I have a good seat back.

However, I agree with Ham that finding a good solo canoe has gotten more and more difficult, and that's a big problem.  The OT Disco 119 is a serviceable solo but there are far better ones out there.  14-15 ft. solos are about ideal in length.  You won't find any in Royalex anymore unless you get very lucky with a used one, but actually glass composite canoes are pretty useful, and still come in some excellent designs.  

As for stowing rods horizontally, that's another big advantage to the canoe.  Keep in mind here I'm talking ONLY about solo canoes, which is the only thing you should be comparing kayaks to.  A tandem canoe is doable by yourself but it's not FUN.  Solo canoes are FUN to paddle.  

 

Yeah I don't get the kayak thing either.  Nothing about them appeals to me over a solo canoe.  Not a single thing.  

I don't even understand why they were ever invented.   Where's the actual niche?

[Gavin]

My wife likes her 12’ Jackson Coosa allot. She enjoys all the comforts of floating it and never has to load that heavy SOB on the truck. It’s fine to tie in a truckbed. Loading high above the bed on my ladder rack is a chore. Uneven weight distribution. Takes 3 steps to load OYO, or another grown man to help, then strap. My canoes go on the racks in one step OYO, maybe 15 seconds to load, then strap. Canoe prices have gone through the roof. Kayaks are cheaper now. Used to pick up used royalex canoes for $300 a pop. Bought & sold em for $500. Most are asking $900 for used royalex now.

[tjm]

Initially I wanted a kayak for lighter weight, but as I learned more, I found canoes beat kayaks just about every time if carry weight and load capacity are figured in. Granted all I know about the yaks is what I read on the net, but most of it is from makers sites. If I were to buy another boat at this time, it would probably be a Sportspal/Raddison canoe - 11'6" -34# cap 500# - but that's a two seater; or their 13'6"  41# cap  800# another two seater.  If I found the kayak most suited to me it would be ~15' & 90#.  Size for size the cost of either canoe or kayak in comparable quality seemed close when I was researching them, and not a lot to gained over the old barge for my uses.  What ever I ride has to let me stand up occasionally, that eliminates a ton of kayaks. 

Another canoe I'd consider is the Nova Craft boats, particularly the Prospector 16" ~56# cap. 1000# bigger than I need but reportedly a very stable craft. But they have some  that are perhaps better for solo. 

If I was living in  Ok. I'd have my canoe rigged for sailing, but in Mo. I'd have title and registration stuff that kills that notion.

[top_dollar]

A tandem canoe is for 2 people correct? That's what my old one was.  I did it by myself all the time.  I'd put a big case of water up front in addition to my gear to weigh down the front end.  I'd lay 4 rigged up rods on the bars that are supposed to be used for carrying it on your shoulders and my backpack full of tackle in front of me.  It worked well for the last 15 years, but it was heavy and awkward.  I am seriously considering a small canoe now.  

My poor destroyed old boat.

[top_dollar]

Dang solo canoes are expensive!  I'm trying to keep it under 1000. 

[ness]

I kinda think the kayaks have become popular because they’re tricked out with cup holders, rod holders, covered storage, nice seats, fishfinder mounts, etc. They appeal to that inner kid in us that wants all the bells and whistles on our crap. They look cool. They’re the new, new thing, and the companies selling them, especially Jackson, have done a great job marketing them. To me, they’re too heavy to be considered and I’ve seen how awkward they are to load. 

The beauty in a canoe is in its versatility. 

[timinmo]

Top Dollar

Don't know where you live but I live just south of St. Louis.  I have an older aluminum canoe that you could have at a very, very reasonable price.  I just have too many canoes.  It is not perfect but it is perfectly serviceable.  Let me know if you want it and I'm sure we can work some thing out.