Need help quickly - Canoeing / Kayaking

Aqua-Bound:

THUNDER BAY & NORTHWEST ONTARIO
The perfect getaway...
It's in our nature.
www.visitthunderbay.com

Advice, Suggestions and General Help

New Topic

Printer Friendly Version

Need help quickly
Posted by: thedogmother on Dec-28-12 3:26 PM (EST) Category: Kayaks

First off, I am new here. "Hi!" I need help quickly please. I am looking at used kayaks and it is so overwhelming. I am now primarily looking at a Malibu Pro Explorer and a Tarpon 140. I will use it mostly in lakes and Colorado River in Parker. It will be used for fishing and recreational. I would like to pack it up for overnight camping trips as well. Maybe even load my 50# German Shorthair Pointer and go for a ride. I am 5'5" and 130#. What do all you kayak veterans recommend? Thanks!!

Table of Contents

Need help quickly - thedogmother - Dec-28-12 3:26 PM
- For your size... - edzep - Dec-28-12 4:25 PM
- Also Check Out - jimyaker - Dec-28-12 5:30 PM
  - Thanks for the replies - thedogmother - Dec-28-12 7:07 PM
- Probably the Tarpon - ShadyClip - Dec-28-12 7:36 PM

Messages in this Topic

  For your size...
  Posted by: edzep on Dec-28-12 4:25 PM (EST)

I think the 14 ft. Tarpon could be a lot of boat to push, especially for any kind of speed, if not duration. But, I have been impressed by a gal I know, about your size, paddling a Tarpon 14, who usually leads the pack amongst casual 16-foot sea kayaks. Once, we paddled near another group, and I heard their remarks of admiration for that gal, with that boat. She's very fit. Results may vary. I don't know the other boat you mention.

  Also Check Out
  Posted by: jimyaker on Dec-28-12 5:30 PM (EST)

The Manta Ray 12 and 14 and the WS Pungo models.

Jim

  Thanks for the replies
  Posted by: thedogmother on Dec-28-12 7:07 PM (EST)

I am limited to finding a used one. Really can't afford a new one at this point.

  Probably the Tarpon
  Posted by: ShadyClip on Dec-28-12 7:36 PM (EST)

Have you seen these kayaks yet? I am guessing you haven't been able to get them in the water and are just shopping ads.

The best bet is to actually try out kayaks in the water before buying. If you look around in the spring and summer you probably can find demos days so you can at least get a feel what you like and then look used.

But if you want to take a chance and buy a kayak first then going used is a bit safer since you probably can turn around and sell the kayak for what you paid if you don't like it.

Seems like the Malibu is outfitted somewhat for fishing by default while the Tarpon new comes in both a fishing and non-fishing model.

The Malibu is shorter, wider, and claims a higher weight capacity. Probably very stable but that will come at the cost of speed and from reading reviews they sound hard to turn. For fishing and paddling around mellow lakes and rivers it probably fine if you aren't in rush.

The Tarpon is much better known brand kayak with a lot more good reviews. The one you are looking at is longer and also narrower. Still should be a very stable kayak for fishing and dog carrying. Might be a better choice for you since you are the shorter side. I don't think you should have problems with this kayak for what it seem you want to do. If the Tarpon isn't outfitted for fishing you may need to spend a bit more to add some rod holders.

I see lots of people on sit on kayaks porting even larger dogs. Both are probably fine for that.

	For your size... Posted by: edzep on Dec-28-12 4:25 PM (EST)
	I think the 14 ft. Tarpon could be a lot of boat to push, especially for any kind of speed, if not duration. But, I have been impressed by a gal I know, about your size, paddling a Tarpon 14, who usually leads the pack amongst casual 16-foot sea kayaks. Once, we paddled near another group, and I heard their remarks of admiration for that gal, with that boat. She's very fit. Results may vary. I don't know the other boat you mention.

	Also Check Out Posted by: jimyaker on Dec-28-12 5:30 PM (EST)
	The Manta Ray 12 and 14 and the WS Pungo models. Jim

	Thanks for the replies Posted by: thedogmother on Dec-28-12 7:07 PM (EST)
	I am limited to finding a used one. Really can't afford a new one at this point.

	Probably the Tarpon Posted by: ShadyClip on Dec-28-12 7:36 PM (EST)
	Have you seen these kayaks yet? I am guessing you haven't been able to get them in the water and are just shopping ads. The best bet is to actually try out kayaks in the water before buying. If you look around in the spring and summer you probably can find demos days so you can at least get a feel what you like and then look used. But if you want to take a chance and buy a kayak first then going used is a bit safer since you probably can turn around and sell the kayak for what you paid if you don't like it. Seems like the Malibu is outfitted somewhat for fishing by default while the Tarpon new comes in both a fishing and non-fishing model. The Malibu is shorter, wider, and claims a higher weight capacity. Probably very stable but that will come at the cost of speed and from reading reviews they sound hard to turn. For fishing and paddling around mellow lakes and rivers it probably fine if you aren't in rush. The Tarpon is much better known brand kayak with a lot more good reviews. The one you are looking at is longer and also narrower. Still should be a very stable kayak for fishing and dog carrying. Might be a better choice for you since you are the shorter side. I don't think you should have problems with this kayak for what it seem you want to do. If the Tarpon isn't outfitted for fishing you may need to spend a bit more to add some rod holders. I see lots of people on sit on kayaks porting even larger dogs. Both are probably fine for that.