Discussion: Kayak suggestions

Hi there, wondering if anyone has any ideas for a new boat.

I have an entry level heavy plastic kayak. Although it's just perfect for sunday family paddles when my galant husband can transport it on and off the car, it's just not practical for solo efforts. At 55lbs, I can't lift it. Well, I can't lift it without being on the brink of a back injury.

So I'm looking for ideas for a new boat. I don't think I want an ultra-light, tippy racing kayak. On the other hand, I don't think I want a touring kayak either. I'd like something that I could use in a race, but also would be good for exploring waterways.

Ideas?

I got my carbon sea kayak (Used it at STORM) from Mike Fekete, who seems to provide boats for all sorts of racers.It's not especially fast compared with a race boat, but it's stable, light (under 30lbs) and was cheap as it was used. I keep thinking I'll trade it for more of a race boat some day, but haven't yet.

I used it at the Georgian Bay Storm gathering in huge waves in late October, and managed to stay aboard while others fell out. Not set up for touring well, as it only has one stern hatch.

Mike's in downtown Toronto which is a PITA but he's glad to lend out almost anything. I think he has some plastic Cobra surf skis which are fairly quick and cheap. Kayaksport@rogers.com

I'm thinking Bash's JKK Eclipse would be a great boat for you, but you can't get them here, and neither can I :(

I do recommend talking with Joe.

http://www.joeoblenis.com/

Wombat.. give me a shout through my website, I have several kayaks on hand now that fit the bill for what it sounds like you are looking for.
If Toronto is more convenient though, Mike Fekete will help you out for sure, he is a great guy and very helpful as well.
A "Fast Sea Kayak" class of kayak may fit your needs and still allow you to tour.

Cheers...Joe O'
www.joeoblenis.com

Oh..and thanks Urthboy ;)

Joe, where are you located?

I have also been dealing with Mike Fekete from Kayak Sports in the purchase of my first kayak, and he is very good to deal with. I demoed a Cobra Eliminator, and have been out on a Viper as well. You can check Cobras out here:

http://www.cobrakayaks.com/kayaks.html

He can likely help you out with any type of kayak you are looking for:

http://www.kayaksport.net/

Mike is located in the GTA.

Thanks so much for the help

Did you like the Viper?

With the Viper, I found the primary stability to be too much of a challenge for me for my first kayak. I think if you have some experience it likely wouldn't be as bad, but on my test run I spent a lot of time in the water. It was a nice boat though and one I would have went for if I had the skills to match.

I ended up going with the Eliminator. I found it much easier to get in/out of, and it had much better primary stability although I expect the Viper would be marginally faster. However given for me it was more of a purchase for fitness/training that was something I could live with.

You should definitely talk to Mike. He can get you in the kayaks to try them out, which is something I am really glad I did. I even ended up purchasing the wrong boat for me (the Viper) and he let me exchange it for something that worked. Couldn't be happier with any of my interactions with him.

Ditto re Mike Fekete for folks in the GTA.