Kayak recomendations

Dave M

Dave M

Well-known member
Guys ,

I am looking for a kayak type boat to get me into some small rivers , the problem with a kayak is that i cannot get my 60 pound lab in it . I know there are other boat out to fit the bill , what do you guys recommend ? Picture would help my decision Thanks !


Dave M
 
Dave,

I've been happy with my Old Town kayak. It is more stable than one would predict. I've used it extensively for fishing but haven't hunted from it yet. I did buy it with the intent to do some hunting from it when the main boat ramps froze up. Figured I could slip this in from shore and still access the open water. I went with a 12 footer because I also wanted to be able to easily portage it for fishing trips. This link will take you to the one I have, http://www.oldtowncanoe.com/kayaks/recreation/loon_120.html

I have a lab that also weighs 60lbs. If I wanted to bring a dog along this is the model I'd buy, http://www.oldtowncanoe.com/kayaks/huntingFishing/predator_k140.html

I tried out both of these before buying. The biggest differences are the larger one weighs more, sits higher in the water (lightly loaded) and is more stable. The 14 footer also carries more and has a larger cockpit, (room for the dog behind you).

If you have any more specific questions fire away and I'll give you my opinion. :>)
 
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I have an Old Town Predator 14' and I'm a Big Guy. It will easily hold Dogs Decoys and your Butt. I recommend that you try one first, any reputible dealer will let you. kayaks are strange and sometimes unforgiving animals if you haven't used them before you might not feel comfortable. I looked long and hard before I got my Predator it sacrifices some of the paddling attributes of the more performance oriented kayaks but it is more forgiving and handles much more gear. Doug
 
I use a mainstream stalker 2 man kayak with the rear seat removed It works great. My 55 lb WHPG. rides on the back deck like a pro. I can get a lot of gear and decoys in it. I don't know if its still made but another option would be the Old town predator in the larger of the 2 14 ft models. Heres a pic of Tarrin and her Kayak.DSCF0009_4_1.JPG
 
Dave,

I also recommend looking at the Old Town line for kayaks. I've got 3, the Otter (for the kids), 120 Loon and the 160 tandem Loon. The 120 is kind of handy for throwing a few dekes and the shotgun in for quick walk in hunts. The 160 is big enough for quite a few dekes and the dog. The seats in the 160 both adjust fore and aft so you can put the dog in front or back of you. I usually keep Moose behind in case we have a shot while we're paddling.

The Predator line is based on the same hull as the Loons, they are very stable. I don't know if I'd shoot out of the 120 but I have shot out of the 160 with no problems.

If I knew how to post pics I'd post a couple but I haven't had time to figure that out yet.

Jim S
 
Dave,

You can always borrow mine and see if you like "kayaking" first. It won't hold a dog, but it's free and you can keep it all season if you want.

Mike S from Scituate has an Old Town like HDaveM, he swears by it and his lab rides in it with him.

I'll keep my eyes pealed. A.
 
Dave, take a look at that Carsten's Bluebill in the classifieds, it's not a kayak, but then again, how can you go hunting without me? ; )

Pup is growing like a weed. He's sitting and kenneling now. They learn fast.

A.
 
I have an OT K140 Predator. I love it! I have had it for 2 seasons. I use it when I solo hunt with my AWS. I can get my fat butt - 6'2" 280lbs along with my 35lb AWS, dry gear bag, gun, 2 dozen puddle ducks and 6 bigfoot canada floaters (under deck and strapped on top of decks) thermos, wading staff, spotlight and coffee thermos in it. EXTREMELY stable and comfortable. Slips easily through the cattails and easy to get into and out off (especially important if you ever were to roll it). ALWAYS wear a life jacket in the kayak. EXTREMELY Quiet and great to use to sneak up on ducks in the marsh! Try it! You will be pleased...just make sure that your bigger dog is WELL behaved in the boat.

I wish I would have bought one years back instead of the smaller Sportspal S12 canoe I had.

summer2005pictures190ny4.jpg


A view with the front utility skirt and net in place

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My kids sitting in it with my dog behind the seat. Plenty wide.


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Late season success! http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/9350/summer2005pictures193sq0.jpg
 
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Old Town Predator 14'. I have had mine for a 4 years. I fish out of it on a small rocky river a few times a week in the summer with a 76 lb dog. In hunting season it hauls the dog, a few decoys and myself. I like it in rocky gravelly areas that grind-up fiberglass. I do not usually hunt out of the boat, but needed a layout boat this last season, so I grassed it, removed the seat and built a back board. It was a bit tight to lay in for hours, but it killed birds and was plenty stable.
 
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