brad
New Member
Posts: 21
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Post by brad on May 23, 2011 18:12:13 GMT -5
Jenn and I did this trip on Saturday via micks.
She got an awesome photo at harrisonville will try to post later.
I'm looking to pick up 2 kayaks, any suggestions?
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Post by gregobrien on May 23, 2011 19:12:06 GMT -5
I have two of the shortest Perception models. The older one is a Perception Swifty 9.5 and the newer one is a Perception Prodigy 10.0 No reason to get extravagant. I have friends with ultra high end touring kayaks... when they come to the Pines they rent because their super-specialized units don't turn well enough for the winding cedar-water runs we have here! Both are the cheapest of the general recreation models... they both can be had on sale for under $300 each (paid $199 for the prodigy after rebate). I've used them throughout NJ and PA including some light to moderate rapids/rocks. Very easy to handle, easy to portage, and very durable. I'm sure they give up features and hull efficiency to high end units, but I'd rather be paddling that working to pay for a fancy kayak  Dicks sporting goods is having a great sale right now, EMS and REI also have good sales from time to time, there are a few specialty paddling shops throughout S. Jersey that will let you try before you buy... they also frequently sell demo units for cheap. |
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Post by tneigel on May 24, 2011 8:38:47 GMT -5
Greg, that is not a bad deal at all for two boats.
They match the lenght of the standard rental and that 10 gives just a bit more room and tracking. I'd check that out. and if after a year or two you wanted something else, you could sell again for the same price.
I would have recommended Bel Haven's sept boat sell off where I got my 12 foot pungo for $350 but they don't seem to have them anymore. I use the pungos for all around. Good for the rivers buts sometimes a little tugging to get that big keel around the tight bends, and good for moderate open water or like Union Lake in the wind and waves.
With most kayaking, its either:
wide, short and stable (but slow) or,
longer and faster and more tracking (but harder to turn)
Piney rivers and short boats match pretty good for all around. Then as folks get more and more experience, keep moving up and longer. I like the pungo because its wide and a cockpit you can fall in and out of, since I'm old and fat!
Whatever you get, start to consider the paddle as important or even more so than the boat.. Lightweight quality, equals every penny's worth on the ole back.
I want a 13.5 kevlar (with an insurance policy)....
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Post by gregobrien on May 25, 2011 0:17:45 GMT -5
I agree... the small Perceptions work for me because I prefer small, winding streams almost exclusively. I live on the upstream Rancocas and that is about the widest water my kayaks see on a regular basis. Both of my kayaks show their shortcomings on open water. Anything with a strong current and very little wind (northern Delaware River on a calm day) is acceptable... but any time spent on a large body of water with a crosswind (think Great Bay or the Mullica downstream) will make you realize why the large touring kayaks are worth the extra dollars. I just don't encounter those situations too frequently. That said, I also wish my kayaks had a dry compartment (stuffing a dry bag behind the seat can be a drag) and at least one bungy tie down on the deck (why wear a lifevest when the water is knee deep? lol)... but you get what you pay for |
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Post by muck on Jun 6, 2011 10:40:53 GMT -5
Bungees come cheap! If you don't do a try-out of a new boat at least sit in it & think of the little things. I test paddled my Heritage Featherlight 12, and all was great. After some seat time, I realized how "flat" the profile was, and that my feet had to stay at an un-natural angle because the deck is too low. After a while, I feel like a penquin.
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