QLD: Gold Coast - first kayak question

[mackyak]

Hi everyone,
Great forum here. Have been reading for a while but only just joined up. I was wondering if I could get some advice on chosing my first kayak.

I am looking at the cheaper end of the market as I will also need to buy all of the other necessary accessories (trolley, roof racks, paddle, gaff, anchor, lanyards etc). The primary function that I want it for is going out through the surf and fishing some of the inshore reefs here on the Gold Coast (up to approx 2km offshore). I’m 6’ and 65kg (pretty skinny). I have a few friends that have been pretty successful doing this type of fishing with some very cheap yaks from BCF etc. I rate myself as a very good swimmer and am pretty safety conscious.

I was looking at the RTM tempo angler as a local store had them on sale for $499 which seemed like a vey good price. Unfortunately they are sold out.

The next option that I was looking at is the Scorpio Leatherback. I have read on the internet that they are either very similar to, or exactly the same as the Mantra Palani which seem to get good reviews. They also come as a package deal.

Then there is the Cobra Fish’n’Dive. For someone inexperienced like me, this seems to be a good option on paper due to it’s stability, however they sound hard to live with due to their slowness and lack of rudder option. I saw some posts from a member “Knot-too-fast” (doesn’t seem to be on the forum anymore) who had put a small petrol outboard on his with counterweights. This sounds a bit out there but I can see the logic for it on this model having owned boats before. Combined price of the Yak and small 4 stroke motor is still less than the price of some basic yaks with a rudder however this would be the upper limit of my budget. Motor would probably not like being submerged in a tip over - would this be unlikely inthis yak even in the surf this may be unlikely if they are as stable as people say.

Next would be OK Prowler. These seem a bit overpriced to me especially compared to the US models that are cheaper and better appointed than the NZ ones. They do always receive good reviews though like most kayaks they seem to be a compromise, but are also starting to get out of my price range.

Can anyone give me some advice? There is a huge pool of experience here and it would be great to learn from someone else’s mistakes!

Thanks.

[nad97]

Whats the budget for yak and gear

[Scott]

If it was me i would look at a second hand stealth supalite. It would be perfect for what you want to use them for. They regularly pop up on here or on ebay for well under a grand.

[mackyak]

I would have no problems with buying a second hand kayak in good condition if it would suit my purpose but have been looking at ebay over the last few weeks and there hasn't been many fishing kayaks that I could find around the gold coast (not that I really know what I am looking for). My budget was to be around $1000 to set up but that looks a bit tricky with a new kayak unless it is the Leatherback. I could possible spend a little more if I was convinced it would suit me for the longer term, and there were definite benefits over the cheaper ones.

[nad97]

Try to demo some befor you buy and you will find a good second hand one if you can wait. There will be people selling kayaks over winter as its to cold form them. My Stealth is the first kayak I have owneed and I am glad I bought it over a plastic one. You also need to make sure you can load and unload it on your own. Keep an eye on gumtree as well as its just as good as ebay.

[Nativeman]

Have you been to Adventure Outlet at Southport ? They have the largest range on the Gold Coast including Stealth, Ocean Kayak, Wilderness Systems brands if I name a few. Craig and Bart there will give you unbaised advice, help you work out want you need and might have the right kayak for you.

Cheers

[mackyak]

No I haven't been there Nativeman but thanks for the advice. I would hoping to have a bit of an idea of what I want before I go shopping. I read your review on the Mantra Palani - do you think it would be a good choice for me?

[missingdna]

+ 1 for Adventure Outlet. Outstanding service and advice. Also a good source for info on any second hand yaks about as owners looking at upgrading will go in shopping for themselves and let drop if they are selling.

frankie

[mackyak]

Thanks guys. Will try to get up there soon. Stay tuned for many more questions in the near future...