Thats the only way to keep the risk of tipping within limits. There is tons of space for all your gear, and could easily be used for week long trips or longer. Most brands carry a range of sizes and designs. I bought one yesterday (March 18 2012), for $125 with a paddle, car carrier, and PFD. Recommended width: approx. Some brands specialize in building kayaks with specific processes and materials like thermoformed plastics or ultralight composites. Stability is superb, tracking is pretty good. All in all a good boat for tripping - able to take serious knocks and carry plenty of gear. Shopping by brand is just one way to buy a kayak. Unlike other reviewers, I don't find this kayak slow, but since it is my first, and not having raced other kayaks of similar length, that may not be objective. Dimension Kayak products in the Playak Buyers Guide. Our reviews: We can make the world a little bit better with great in-depth reviews. This makesframe folding kayaksbetter fortouring and expeditionswhileorigami kayaksare better forrecreational fun. At 65lbs, a bit heavy when hoisting onto roofracks. Back; Old Town Canoe; Jetboil; Eureka . As a reference, here are the widths of typical kayak types: Recreational Kayak width of 26" to 30". You might also want tocheck out our guide to the best inflatable kayaks as they are a more affordable option compared to folding kayaks. Kayak tripping is his thing. SHOP ALL PEDAL MODELS. That flotation bag inside is pointless and impossible to get back in once taken out. In many ways, choosing a kayak brand is similar to choosing a car brand. On the other hand, shallower hulls are less affected by the wind. Ocean Kayak. I have a leak in the seat that cause the boat to hold a lot of water and weight making it unstable and dangerous. Coming in with a very affordable price point, the Drift is a great sit-in option for beginners, but with attributes of a more advanced kayak. A 2-person kayak offers less storage space than a 1-person kayak. A popular touring kayak many sea lovers are crazy about is the Pelican Maxim sit-in kayak. The size has an influence on the entry and exit, the seat hold, waterproofness. Of course, with todays global markets and paddlesports conglomerates, many of the top kayak brands cover a range of waters and paddlingambitions. For example, West Coast kayak brands like Delta and Seaward produce capable, high-volume coastal cruisers with spacious hatches for packing gear on extended trips. each. If you just want the kayak, I would sell it for $250 with, Dimension Kayaks from Canada was owned by Old Town.This 17' kayak is in excellent condition with very little use.Comfortable seat and rudder for easy tracking.fi ve 7 o3 nine ty3 o twe lve. 14Ft. Read Escapade reviews or submit your own review to share with the paddling community. They are built for flatwater and are stable and beginner friendly. It isn't self bailing but it is long proven seaworthy on the Pacific. Much shorter kayaks are best for whitewater kayaking because they provide you with the necessary agility. Both forms can be incorporated into a variety of lengths and widths of kayak hulls. I have called Dimension 3 times and have never had any response or willing for them to support their product even though it is still on warranty. More width makes you slower, so if you dont want to exceed the usual touring speed of 4 knots (7.4 km/h), you can also choose a width of 62 cm. West Greenland was subject to more wind and waves funneling through the Baffin Strait, and as a result, the kayaks built there had more upturned bows to cut through the rough seas. Best Value Fishing . I get rid of the water easily by pumping my feet which quickly splashes the water out. Copyright 2023 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak - 2 Person. The shape and size of your kayak affect the handling and the cargo space this is where kayak volume becomes essential. They do tend to get uncomfortable over long distances, but that is to be expected for a beginner kayak. It turns on a dime and is extremely manueverable. The good news is that as long as you keep your butt and feet in place (low center of gravity) the boat is very sea-worthy. We love this new sport. Best Recreational Kayak: Old Town Loon 120. It featured my cousin who still fishes the boat. Old Town Canoe Dimension Solo. Was used exclusively for fishing. (River SUP) sup master instructor course from the Italian Federation for Amateur Paddling: October2016-June2017 You should check out the ACA SUP program, as it sounds kinda similar. Cons. It also slows distance paddling down. W. Old Town Dimension Voyageur Kayak with storage. Dimension River Runner R5 Excel DLX 13 Kayak Like NEW!!! Patagonia. The Aerius 490 SL is a spacious and comfortable folding kayak that provides a high level of performance. How long does it have to be, and how wide? Has been kept in covered storage since new. Income disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn affiliate commissions when you buy via links found on DIVEIN.com: If you find a good deal on our site, you click to the retailer and you buy the product, we get a commission of the sale. The maneuverability of this boat hinders the paddler from turning on a dime due to the fact its long with a wide bottom. The Solo is a kayak brought to you by Dimension. Oru Kayak. ( try Old Town ). Factors such as your experience, the type of water in which youll be paddling and amount of extended paddling you may experience should all be considered as you look at the length, width and depth of a kayak. With military-grade durable skin and carbon fiber ribs, this folding kayak can take a hit and will not puncture easily. Its length gives it a pretty decent tracking profile and makes it a very decent touring boat. A fun kayak! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee . You should check out the ACA SUP program, as it sounds kinda similar Hi Charles, Whats the Difference 2022, Top 10 Best Kayak For 300 Pound Person In 2022 (Aug Updated), How To Haul Kayaks With A Fifth Wheel Camper? For a few hundred dollars more, Wilderness Systems kayaks boast more deluxe seating and extra features like additional hatches or bungees for better storage. BKC UH-TK181 12-Foot 5-Inch Sit On Top Tandem 2 Person Fishing Kayak - Best Ocean Kayak for Fishing. The 1004 RAD kayak hoist is similar to the 1003, which also appears on this best kayak storage rack list. Lets look at each of those areas for the options you should consider: Generally the longer a boat is relative to its width, the faster hull speed it will attain, and it will track and glide better than a shorter, beamier kayak. But after have testing them out extensively on a lake near our cottage and on a calm Georgian Bay, we are ecstatic with our purchases. Constructed with durable linear polyethylene for easy care and long-lasting performance. Whether you aspire to paddle rugged ocean coastlines or quiet meandering rivers, consider what waters inform your potential kayak brands designs. This describes the maximum weight of the combination of paddler and luggage in order to still have enough buoyancy with the respective kayak size. There are two measurement methods for determining the kayak volume: Once youve figured out your destination, the next aspect of choosing the optimal kayak size is the proper length-to-width ratio. At that point, you can use those basics dimensional considerations to expand your paddling horizons even further. Add rocker on a Sup Hello there. Old Town. Step 2: Take Your Measurements. It suits my every need-stable but easy to paddle and tracks well, room for my photography gear, removable deck, adjustable seat, easy foot peg adjustment. Copyright 2023 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Read on to find out the best folding kayaks currently available on the market. Tango Fiberglass 2-Piece Kayak Paddle. This is because, unlike many other water sports, you can sit in a kayak both alone and with several people. Back; Old Town. Not for whitewater or choppy conditions. Our Three Layer construction is designed to take a beating. Features. From kayak boats to car racks, you'll find all your supplies at West Marine. Welcome to our site. Built a carrier from the back wheels of a tricycle & wood to walk down to the water. Read our article on the best folding kayaks to find the right folding kayak for you. All these dimensional considerations provide overall dynamics to the characteristics of a kayak. They were not intended for overnight trips but were beginner boats and good at it. Buy it nowPlease textYes it's available, Dimension Escapade 9.5 ft sit in kayak. These boats are generally 6-12 feet long. mine is red. Thanks to the nice folks at the Toronto Rigging Shop, it got repaired. Kayaks that are 30-40 inches wide are the most popular for recreational kayaking, with plenty of width for stability and cargo without sacrificing speed. If you pay over $200 for one in PERFECT shape youre getting hosed. A larger cockpit opening accommodates a bigger/broader paddlers while a deeper deck height provides a better, more efficient seating position for a taller/long-legged paddler. Many brands make more than one style of kayak. They don't track straight AT ALL. Wide kayaks are more stable and easier to balance in, whereas slim kayaks are faster. 10' JOHNSON OUTDOORS DIMENSION KAYAKS, $375 EACH -- SEE PICS -- (NO EMAILING) , RON 8/17 #3890. Like any new model, or model new to you, try before you buy. They refer to brands of kayaks that are usually narrower and longer than sit-on or sit-in recreational kayaks. It is our Playboat. I have two either kayaks (Old Town Adventure XL 139, and a classic 70's canvas 16 footer) but wanted a small play boat. For example, the TuckTec can be set up in around 3 minutes as it is an origami style kayak. Johnson Outdoors Family. That weight can affect the stability and ultimate maneuverability of your kayak when fully loaded. I have had no problem even surfing this yak. With instant forward and reverse, the award-winning PDL Drive is the most reliable and easy-to-use pedal drive on the market. I replaced with longer webbing and doubled up on buckles, and no more problem. Above all, the ratio of length (the waterline) to width is decisive. Beginners would be immediately comfortable in the boat, and could paddle away without worry of having many problems. Sun Dolphin Journey 10. Whitewater heritage influences river-ready recreational kayaks from Southeast brands Dagger and Jackson Adventures. It takes about 15 minutes to set up this folding kayak as you need to blow up the inflatable sections. The Mark I is a slightly more complicated skin-on-frame design for touring or expeditions. Johnson Outdoors Family. Or maybe it was a bike. Then depending on what type of folding kayak you have, either take apart the pieces or fold them into the backpack. Certain brands focus on reliability, while others emphasize speed, off-road capability or comfort. As far as fishing kayaks go, it doesn't get any better than the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100. That makes it maybe the fastest folding kayak, which makes up for it not being so good at tracking. The Haven is a 2 person or tandem model. Back; Ocean Kayak; Jetboil; Eureka; Johnson . It does not make the product pricier for you. In this regard, the purpose of the kayak is far more critical. Color: Red and gray. Weve compiled all the best kayak brands in our comprehensive Paddling Buyers Guide, so you can compare specs, read reviews and discover where to buyall in one easy place. Copyright 2023 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Calculate the total weight in kilograms to be transported by a kayak like this: Total weight = kayak weight + paddler(s) body weight + equipment weight + weight of luggage (food & drinks). Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn, High level of tracking and maneuverability, 2 sealed bulkheads at fore & aft for floatation, Hydraulic jacks allow for changing rocker for different conditions, Durable and can deal with rough conditions, High capacity for bringing along extra equipment and gear, Excellent for long journeys and expeditions, Can be used in rough conditions and offers a number of safety features, Very high capacity for heavy paddlers and bringing along extra equipment and gear. . Kayak brands like Hobie have an owners group where people can discuss repairs, modifications or just share stories about their experiences with the kayaks. Not everyone has a garage or enough storage space for a full-sized kayak. Total weight = kayak weight + paddler (s) body weight + equipment weight + weight of luggage (food & drinks) G should always be between 30% and 60% of the kayak volume measured in liters. However, as I got it free, we are having alot of fun with it, myself and guests alike, and it has come in handy substituting for a extra kayak right now in the warm days of summer. This is the height of the boat directly in front of the cockpit. They are also built to bewatertight and resistant to scratches and knocksas well as being pierced. Best Perception Kayaks For 2023. If interested please contact me at . Shop West Marine for the full collection of kayaks and kayak gear. Your paddling style and ambitions will influence the type of kayak that best suits your needs, which in turn, will lead you toward the best kayak brand to choose. This boat is good and bad in choppy conditions. Deeper hulls offer more room for long-legged kayakers and a bit more storage space. the only problem is lack of dealers. The Nomad, molded into rugged polyethylene by Dimension is a cross between a recreational to light-touring kayak, which can be easily said to suit the novice paddler. 52-58 cm. The same applies to the luggage hatches. Both of us are small and light but have no problem with these boats. On the water, theres little to distinguish this model from a standard, recreational, plastic kayak. Extreme stability and easy paddling characteristics make this kayak ideal for beginners and leisurely afternoon voyages. Extremely happy. Challenger K2 Inflatable Kayak - 2 Person. Find current and past Ocean Kayak product guides. In every model and size, Perception kayaks are known for personal touches that make kayaking fun for paddlers of all experience levels. This makes them smaller and more lightweight than touring style kayaks. Physically trying out a kayak is the best way to ensure it fits and performs as expected. Great also for rough water conditions. Larger volume gives a lot of buoyancy and cargo space, while little volume is lightweight and good for short trips. Lightweight and easy to paddle, the Oru Bay ST is a folding kayak that performs like a traditional model but can be stored in a closet and transported to and from the water in a trunk. Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 8-Foot Sit-in Kayak. The performance of this kayak during demanding tidal conditions tracks well enough with the rudder down, your energy isnt entirely spent. Only kayaks that are short and wide in shape are stable against tipping. Nobody knows sit-on-top kayaks better than Ocean Kayak, and there's a good reason for that: we invented them. These . It didn't have a drain hole in the nose, but I drilled one in. What will your kayak brand be? . That's is how we pay ourselves. Other brands make exceptionally comfortable or durable kayaks, which earns them a spot on thislist. If the brand has been around for a long time, theyve had time to correct mistakes and tweak theirdesigns. I have acquired an Escapde from a friend recently and I love it! On the other hand, they displace less water and are relatively slow. Polyethylene hull, cushioned seat backing, adjustable foot bracing, removable back fin for increased control. My kids LOVE this kayak! If ytou are looking for a dive platform, look somewhere else, but the Solo makes a great workout boat for arobic excercise. Kayak vs Paddleboard? I hope I have helped you out. the rudder makes it turn really good in all conditions I have been in. Ocean Kayak. The distance from the keel to the top of the cockpit at the foredeck peak affects the overall depth of the kayak, as well as volume of the boat and cockpit. All for 300. Item Dimensions LxWxH 144 x 34 x 20 inches : Brand Name Ocean Kayak : Warranty Description limited warranty : Model Name Malibu Two : Suggested Users unisex : Number of Items 1 : Manufacturer Old Town Kayak/Ocean Kayak : Part Number 07.6010.1040 : Included Components Just as Toyota makes vehicles that are of good quality and value, Lexus builds luxury vehicles with extra features (and higher price tags). And when you have the right product, youre a little bit happier which affects the people around you! Finally, you will want to consider how long it takes to set up the kayak. Back; Johnson Outdoors Family. 25 Kayak Black Friday Deals and Sales 2022 [Huge Off], Black Friday Kayak Accessories Deals 2022 [Huge Off], Best Prime Day Kayak Deals In 2022 (July Updated). Once youve honed your skills you may realize, too, that you want to enjoy more than one style of boat to satisfy your paddling opportunities. I bought our kayak this summer, a deal on a renter. Before you ask, What brand kayak should I buy? consider this expert advice to ensure you get the best kayak for your paddling aspirations: The first question you should be asking yourself is, How and where do I want to kayak? Are you looking to paddle casually for an hour or two on sheltered waters, or load your kayak for backcountry camping excursions? Also, consider your normal paddling footwear as a raised heel on a paddling boot, in proper foot bracing position, can affect your posture and overall fit if the deck height is too shallow. the lack of braces was a real seller on the Nomad and I am plenty able to knee/ thigh brace my Nomad. Old Town - Best Tandem Kayaks. This large cooler bag features three handles for easy carrying, three d-rings on each side for tying down to the kayak, and adjustable bungee cord for storing additional gear on top of the bag. Imagine the sounds of the water as you gently glide by with only the paddle and the beautifully crafted boat as company; the serene adventure of riding the waves brings a . You may have a specific kayak model in mind, but with demand surging, its become difficult to find. The kayak weighs 39 pounds and has a max weight limit of 250 pounds. See all photos. They seem quite stable and have a modest amount of storage space behind the seat for a full day excursion. Add rocker on a Sup Hello there. Comes complete with accessories. The Aerius 490 SL folding kayak offers many features including an adjustable foam seat and backrest, two air sponsons, a large deck bungee system, and a number of carrying toggles for extra portability. The only thing I dislike about this boat is the hatch is fairly small in diameter. I also found this boat very sluggish, I didn't paddle it very long but really didn't want to. More Info. It looks like Dimension Kayaks is done, maybe the molds will emerge with another company. He enjoys long kayak adventures and the gear that gets him there. If you are an experienced kayaker looking for a folding kayak that will allow you to travel long distances and even go on expeditions, you definitely want to check out the Long Haul folding kayaks. Start exploring kayak brands based on the types of kayaks they make. Although some of them can be a little expensive, folding kayaks are a great way to take your kayak with you on holiday as well as transport it without having to use roof racks. Read Solo reviews or submit your own review to share with the paddling community. No paddle. The TRAK 2.0 is an excellent, portable folding kayak that offers better performance with the purpose of touring in mind. There are a number of folding kayak-style products and it can be difficult to find the best fit for what you are looking for. Ocean Kayak ; Old Town; Johnson Outdoors Family . More Info. Have paddled the escapade before at a cottage a couple years back. The ideal kayak for beginners paddlers great for lakes or calm rivers. Highly recommend the Escapade as a perfect family kayak, or if small size/portability is important. It mounts to your ceiling joist or a piece of 24 attached to your ceiling and can handle a kayak up to 125 pounds. If you're looking for a tough and rugged canoe, the Discovery 158 is it! Bought one in spring of 2010 for my 13 year old son and he loves it. I wanted a plastic boat because of river and shore use and cost was also a factor. Kayak Deck/Cockpit Height. The Tucktec is a fantastic option if youre looking for a recreational and easy-to-use folding kayak. Ocean Kayak Frenzy One Person, Sit On Top Recreational Kayak - Best Ocean Kayak for Surf. (18 kg). Each of our kayaks is purposely built by paddlers to improve your experience on the water and inspire lifelong adventure. It glides along very smoothly and easily. No Paddles. I have 2 Nomads and paddle with my partner. #1. There are no user comments for this listing. 11'6" Beach SUP-YAK. Basically, the rule of thumb is that a kayak should be at least 350 cm long and 60 cm wide. Their downside, though is that they have virtually no storage space. However, depending on the number of people and the type of kayak (touring, racing, etc. The extra speed and efficiency will mean nothing if you are constantly tipping over sideways! 3 Useful Ways, Kayak Without Knowing How To Swim Complete Guide, Top 7 Best Tandem Kayak For Family In 2022 (Aug Updated). Whether youre new to kayaking or looking to upgrade your gear, the range of options is vast from material style to different kayak dimensions. Many kayak brands carve out some sort of niche or specialization. Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 120T | 12 Foot Tandem Kayak - Best Recreational Ocean Kayak. For over 30 years the Discovery 158 has been one of our best selling canoes. Width: 28.5" (72.4 cm) Weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg) Capacity: 300 lb (136 kg) Perception's entry level recreational kayak, the Drift is designed to be your go to boat for lakes and slow moving rivers. Dual tracking channels keep the boat on course; the kayak's short length makes it exceptionally maneuverable. Size and Weight. I have been a canoe tripper for over 30 years and I was a little reserved about buying these kayaks. Cheap sit-inside recreational kayaks usually dont have bulkheads (interior walls inside the hull, which ensure the kayak remains floating even if the cockpit fills with water). They are MUCH more comfortable than the closed kind; it makes you feel closer to the water and nature. Excursion Pro K1 Inflatable Kayak - 1 Person. Travels well - Easily mounted on car, foam blocks and straps are enough to mount it, even on a windy day. Kayak Sizes and Dimensions. I really like my nomad, It is my first kayak. A thumbs up for anyone interested in taking up kayaking at an affordable price. The Dimension Solo graced the cover of Pacific Fisherman magazine with the first kayak fishing article ever published in major media in February 1995. I needed a large cockpit for comfort as I am 6'3" tall and 230 lbs. Place for an upright seat if you wanted to add one. As experienced kayakers we find them extremely stable and they carry plenty of gear for expeditions of up to 6 days (including water). queensland figure skating. What makes a good kayak brand? Although they are extremely portable and can be folded into a backpack,origami kayaks are designed to be one piece that foldsmaking them slightly less compact than frame folding kayaks. A folding kayak is a portable kayak that can be packed down or folded to a transportable size. With an intelligent hybrid construction of both a frame and inflatable sections, the Neris provides a stable and maneuverable folding kayak for use by both beginners and experienced kayak enthusiasts. While there are certainly quality brands built overseas, buying a boat made domestically is a reliable way to ensure your purchase supports a brand with a focus on sustainability and workmanship. The Pungo 120 weighs just 49 lbs (22 kg), so small to medium-sized paddlers will not . (136 kg) while weighing just 40 lbs. Didn't even try it first. Width. Lets revisit the car brand analogy briefly. Great for touring the lakes, canals, and rivers. Dimensions (L x W x H): 151 x 37 x 18 inches. Best Riot Kayaks For 2023. Because great in-depth gear reviews will help you select the right products for your specific needs, budget, and interests. We call it our playboat. We even squeezed it into a van. Boat measurements. Also, crimp fastener on rudder cable let go - dealer had no crimp tool - unable to help! This sit-on-top made me a believer in them. For a kayak with which you are planning multi-day trips, you need a significantly larger volume than for your day tourer, in which you do not carry any luggage. Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125. I'm a big guy, 6"1, 240 lbs, but fit comfortably. Pedal Kayaks: Just like riding a bike, pedal forward and reverse with the award-winning PDL Drive System, keeps your hands free for what matterscatching fish. But they wear out too. Recommended diameter: approx. The bottom line is for the price this is a fast durable boat for the money. If you and your luggage are heavier than this allowable weight, your kayak may be so deep in the water that it spills over the rim into the cockpit. How to protect carbon fiber kayak against sun damage. Shorter and beamier recreational kayaks (including fishing kayaks) are more casual, floating paddle craft while the feisty maneuvering capabilities of small whitewater boats rely on their dimensions for a whole new level of performances. If youre ready to jump in, follow the links below to see what each brand has to offer. This foam is not sufficient for flotation, and if the kayak fills with water, it becomes useless and may even sink. We test, research, and review the best products in different categories with a focus on quality, performance, and the overall value for the price. Find the best Dimension products and read Dimension reviews written by your fellow paddlers. Origami kayaksare made ofhardened reinforced plastic that folds to create the hull of the kayak. The other two models are the Coast, and the Bay that are closed cockpit performance models that can handle harsh water conditions but do take some practice to master. Makers of the finest canoes and kayaks. $699.00. Great little kayak. NEW INTEX EXPLORER K2 KAYAK 68307NP SALE $229.95 Comfortable for anyone: Kayak includes an adjustable inflatable seat with backrest; Cockpit designed for comfort and space Dimensions: Inflated size 10 feet 3 x 3 feet x 1 feet 8 inch; Maximum weight capacity: 400 pounds Directional stability: Removable SKEG for Often, these brands build kayaks that excel at a particular type of paddling. Shop for Kayak Racks at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Hobie Mirage Lynx 11.1 Kayak. Tandems are usually longer measuring up to 24 feet in length. Very kid-friendly, steady kayak. until then your missing all the fun. You may also find the ideal kayak inadvertently. This means that folding kayaks arevery durable and can take a lot of punishment. Check out a few other kayak recommendations below or explore all kayaks to find the perfect one for you! Length is also a consideration when higher volume/capacity is desired. tobias dorzon position; will there be a social security increase in 2022; rembrandt exhibition 2021; cro binance listing; how to connect sonos soundbar to tv; peak design tripod vs gitzo; synology hyper backup transfer encryption; formule amplitude onde. by AIRE. Best Overall Choice. or Best Offer. There are some variations design- and construction-wise, but the basic dimensions of racing kayaks, set by international regulations, are: Single-person racing kayaks (K1) - a maximum length of 17 feet . At $279 CDN, my wife and I just bought two Dimension Escapade kayaks. $389.99. You can also put some folding models on your back and hop on a bus to get to your waterway. - for gear stowage and the comfort/fit of the paddler.. A larger cockpit opening accommodates a bigger/broader paddlers while a deeper deck height provides a better, more efficient seating position for a taller . The Pakyak Bluefin 142 folding kayak features a lean and long hull that tracks well in most conditions and can even be used to surf small waves. Using your retractable tape measure, start by measuring the length and width of your kayak's cockpit. Additionally, the Oru Inlet provides a range of features that make it comfortable including a spacious cockpit and adjustable foot and backrests. The Neris Smart folding kayak is spacious and comfortable and offers paddlers a fun and enjoyable experience. Most people stick to what it's recommended for, which is safe, but I have had mine on class II+ rivers and it does great! It does not have good secondary stability as I learned when I was reaching towards another paddler but initial stability is excellent. Wide means stable, narrow means sporty. Brand loyalty can be strong among kayakers. One of the distinguishing features of this kayak is its extremely high capacity of 660 lbs, making it ideal for heavy paddlers who also want to bring lots of gear with them. For a Kayak priced at $269, this is a must have. The cockpit is way too short for anyone over 5'8" or so. A higher-decked boat is also affected more by the wind than a boat with a lower profile. sold this design to OLD TOWN. RECREATIONAL KAYAKS. Best fishing kayaks by brand. I bought a pair of these for $175 bucks on a whim. Wavestorm 42.5" Hypermax Bodyboard 2-pack.