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Talk to me about Kayaks
by
R Doug
on 10 Jul, 2016 14:57
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It's been six years since I last considered getting a boat and I'm looking seriously again. So, dear paddlers, let's have a chat.
The first question you'll ask me is, what do I want to do with it?
My answer would be: Mostly flat to slow moving water. Lakes and rivers. Though, I would like the ability to go tup to 1 and 2, if needed. I believe this pushes me to recreational and touring kayaks.
Now, do I want a sit inside or sit on top? I like the traceability and speed with a sit inside touring boat.
Should I care much about a self bailing vs. needing a skirt? I don't see getting into rough water all that much (white or surf) except on rare occasions.
I really like the seats in Wilderness Systems boats. The boats they make which interests me are as follows:
Pungo 120 (sit in recreational)
Tsunami 120 (sit in touring)
Tarpon 120 and 140 (sit on recreational)
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#1
by
coho
on 10 Jul, 2016 16:18
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Gene Blackman to the white courtesy phone, please. Gene Blackman to the white courtesy phone.
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#2
by
Cookie
on 10 Jul, 2016 16:20
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http://www.neckykayaks.comhttp://www.cdkayak.comStick with either of these and you'll be good. You'll only need a skirt if your in a situation where waves are going to be breaking over the gunnals or is cold out and your a Nancy boy. Kidding, it's a great thing in the winter.
Self bailing? Pffft. Nuggets.
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#3
by
R Doug
on 10 Jul, 2016 20:50
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http://www.neckykayaks.com
http://www.cdkayak.com
Stick with either of these and you'll be good. You'll only need a skirt if your in a situation where waves are going to be breaking over the gunnals or is cold out and your a Nancy boy. Kidding, it's a great thing in the winter.
Self bailing? Pffft. Nuggets.
I'll need a skirt. I'm soft.
The good news is my local outdoor store carries those two brands along with Wilderness Systems. It appears the National Whitewater Center has flat water clinics. I believe I'll sign up for a class.
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#4
by
Mrs. DantesDame
on 11 Jul, 2016 02:08
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Necky is a good name. I had an Eddyline and liked it, but that was eons ago.
Remember: it is important to have an appropriate vehicle for boat transportation, too

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#5
by
Cookie
on 11 Jul, 2016 04:44
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http://www.neckykayaks.com
http://www.cdkayak.com
Stick with either of these and you'll be good. You'll only need a skirt if your in a situation where waves are going to be breaking over the gunnals or is cold out and your a Nancy boy. Kidding, it's a great thing in the winter.
Self bailing? Pffft. Nuggets.
I'll need a skirt. I'm soft.
The good news is my local outdoor store carries those two brands along with Wilderness Systems. It appears the National Whitewater Center has flat water clinics. I believe I'll sign up for a class.
Yesterday's response was in haste at work.
My previous boat was a Wilderness Systems. I liked it and was going to get another when I was shopping for a new one. The guy at the store which I trust completely suggested the CD since the quality of the WS had decreased substantially since my "Seacret". I didn't question it.
K loves her Necky.
I'm told the seat takes some getting used to.
I bought the Current Design because it was a "high Volume" boat. Since I'm a high volume kinda guy it seemed appropriate.
I have a skirt as well. If I'm heading out in salt water with any kind of weather, I bring it. Otherwise it's nice to have when it's a rainy day, or very cold. It can be in the way if unnecessary.
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#6
by
R Doug
on 11 Jul, 2016 07:35
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Necky is a good name. I had an Eddyline and liked it, but that was eons ago.
Remember: it is important to have an appropriate vehicle for boat transportation, too 
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I could either outfit the Mini or the 4Runner for transport. I believe I'll choose the 4Runner.

P.S. Given the height of the 4Runner, I'm really digging the Thule Hullavator.
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Yesterday's response was in haste at work.
My previous boat was a Wilderness Systems. I liked it and was going to get another when I was shopping for a new one. The guy at the store which I trust completely suggested the CD since the quality of the WS had decreased substantially since my "Seacret". I didn't question it.
K loves her Necky.
I'm told the seat takes some getting used to.
I bought the Current Design because it was a "high Volume" boat. Since I'm a high volume kinda guy it seemed appropriate.
I have a skirt as well. If I'm heading out in salt water with any kind of weather, I bring it. Otherwise it's nice to have when it's a rainy day, or very cold. It can be in the way if unnecessary.
Good info, thanks. I'll try to find a retailer which has the models I'm interested in stock so I can sit in them to assess comfort.
Sheri and I will be taking the flat water clinic in Charlotte and will follow that up by doing a few self-guided river tours with a local outfitter in their boats.
http://www.yadkinriveradventures.com/Trip%20Descriptions.html
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#7
by
sleazy rider
on 11 Jul, 2016 07:53
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Been thinking on this for a month now myself.
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#8
by
R Doug
on 11 Jul, 2016 10:53
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I phoned the National Whitewater Center near Charlotte to obtain more information about their flatwater clinics. It's a 90 minute class and covers proper stroke technique, boat control, on-water awareness, right-of-way, and self-rescue. This place is about an 80 mile drive from us. And, for $45 each, I can't pass this up.
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#9
by
Cookie
on 11 Jul, 2016 10:58
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Drive here and I'll take you on a great trip.
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#10
by
Mrs. DantesDame
on 11 Jul, 2016 11:07
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Drive here and I'll take you on a great trip.
Perhaps, but I bet that they want to come back, too.
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#11
by
Cookie
on 11 Jul, 2016 11:18
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Drive here and I'll take you on a great trip.
Perhaps, but I bet that they want to come back, too. 
You made it out alive.
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#12
by
shil
on 11 Jul, 2016 11:42
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A couple of boats I've built:
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loginThe yellow boat is a skin on frame Greenland style kayak. It's 16' long and weights less then 20 lbs. It's almost too light, you've got to be real careful with it.
The other is a 17' cedar strip. It's fast like crazy but a little tender, a sportbike of boats.
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#13
by
Cookie
on 11 Jul, 2016 11:46
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Beautiful! Don't want to drag either of those gems over an oyster bed.
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#14
by
Virginian
on 11 Jul, 2016 12:56
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Doug,
My knowledge is limited at best so take my .02 cents with a grain of salt. I have nerve damage where half my legs are numb year round. When i chose to try kayaking I went with a Hobie Pro Angler 12'. The seat is stellar with the ability to adjust the back and lumbar on the fly. The drive mechanics was the value to me as you peddle this rig. Get in shallow water, pull it out and use an oar, want to go in reverse, pull it out and reverse the drive. Pretty slick system. I use mine solely on a lake that I live on so i can't comment on moving water. I'm looking forward to what you guys decide on.
PS: Shil, those are amazing kayaks! It never ceases to amaze me the hidden talent on this forum.
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