[Collie River Explorers]

HI,

We are a young family looking at our first kayak. Hubby has some sailing boating experience. We live walking distance to the collie river, bunbury WA.

Hubby and I are about 70kg each, with our kids (3 & 5 yrs) about 20kg each. We are looking at a double kayak that we would use mainly for exploring the collie river, picnics, some fishing & at the grand folks canals. With a bit of confidence I might even take the kids to school across the river. Dependent upon transport we might be able to take it away camping - but we already have a space issue & we have a roof luggage carrier!

We have had a demo of the Viking Tempo Fisherman II and were very happy with what it had to offer. We could take both adults and both children at this stage. It seemed quite stable and easy to use both with motor and paddle. It also seemed ok with one or two adults - for those times when hubby needs to escape!

We've also looked at the Hobie (seems expensive) and the Finn (not really suitable to family). I've also read on this forum about the Viking paddles not really being that great. So ....

Whats the advice regarding:
- Viking kayaks?
- other options of kayaks that we might look at?
- if we go the Viking - what is suggested for paddles?
- trolleys for kayaks - is this a viable option for one adult to use?
- transport - roof rack &/or trailer options.

Obviously price is an issue BUT we want something that will last in time. We don't want to be upgrading in a couple of years time (except of course if we need another double, because we're using it so much and the kids are too big).

Any other information in our quest will be eagerly digested!
Thanks

 

[Peril]

HI,

We are a young family looking at our first kayak. Hubby has some sailing boating experience. We live walking distance to the collie river, bunbury WA.

Hubby and I are about 70kg each, with our kids (3 & 5 yrs) about 20kg each. We are looking at a double kayak that we would use mainly for exploring the collie river, picnics, some fishing & at the grand folks canals. With a bit of confidence I might even take the kids to school across the river. Dependent upon transport we might be able to take it away camping - but we already have a space issue & we have a roof luggage carrier!

Welcome Guys. I'm sure all of you will enjoy the kayak. Certainly a great way for the kids to explote the river, learn about nature and become practical environmentalists as they grow.

We have had a demo of the Viking Tempo Fisherman II and were very happy with what it had to offer. We could take both adults and both children at this stage. It seemed quite stable and easy to use both with motor and paddle. It also seemed ok with one or two adults - for those times when hubby needs to escape!

We've also looked at the Hobie (seems expensive) and the Finn (not really suitable to family). I've also read on this forum about the Viking paddles not really being that great. So ....

Whats the advice regarding:
- Viking kayaks?

The Tempo II is a very solid craft. I've had mine for a year. It is a barge compared to other SOTs, but that is to be expected with a 300kg capacity. One person can control it but a rudder is absolutely essential. I have found that when the wind picks up the motor is needed to keep it tracking straight - the thrust of the propellor being much more effective than simply paddling and using the motor as the rudder. I would not use it alone without the motor.

If using it alone, some ballast up front definitely helps. I use an esky for a livewell and fill it at the outset to get the bow sitting a little lower so minimising the effect of crosswinds.

I also have to say that I have received fantastic aftersales service from Viking.

My biggest negative comes with the fitout of the Tempo. Rodholders are fixed with selftappers rather than bolts or rivets so will not survive the pull of a big fish. The seat is average. Paddle comments below.

- other options of kayaks that we might look at?

Check around on the site. Most major manufacturers have doubles and even triples.

- if we go the Viking - what is suggested for paddles?

The paddles I got with mine have aluminium shafts and symmetrical plastic yellow blades. These paddles are fine for a first yak, but are a little heavy and drip a lot. The predator seems to come with a different paddle with black plastic blades with a pronounced scoop. My one trial showed very low power and a tendency to flutter. Might be ok when tracking along at a good clip, but much of our use is stop/start and this paddle is no good for that. Check which paddle you are being offered. Avoid the latter one. For paddling pleasure you might consider a fibreglass paddle from the outset.

- trolleys for kayaks - is this a viable option for one adult to use?

Not tried but I would say yes

- transport - roof rack &/or trailer options.

I have a loadbar that enables me to load and unload from an MPV by myself without damaging the car or the yak. However it is almost as wide as the roofrack so is the only thing you can put on the racks

Obviously price is an issue BUT we want something that will last in time. We don't want to be upgrading in a couple of years time (except of course if we need another double, because we're using it so much and the kids are too big).

Any other information in our quest will be eagerly digested!
Thanks

Might be difficult where you are but take your time and have a good look and a trial of the alternatives. Most SOTs will last a long time so it is important to choose carefully.

BTW I have no affiliation with Viking. I also have my Tempo II up for sale because I'm looking for a yak that is easy to handle by myself. (A pity you are at the other end of the country!)

Good luck in your search.

 

[RedPhoenix]

Unfortunately, due to the change in ownership of this web site and the lack of response by the owners to my requests to remove my email address from all administrative-level notifications and functionality, I have decided to remove my posts on AKFF. Thank you for the great times, the fantastic learning experiences and the many many fish. If you are desperate for the old content of this particular post, it is available below base64 encoded and bzip2 compressed.

Red.

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[Daveyak]

Welcome to the forum & good to see another on here from WA.

Some good paddling & fishing to be had on the estuary & river near you, especially out near 'the cut' at times.

One kayak I'd be looking at for your needs is the Feelfree Triyak http://www.southernadventures.com.au/pa ... Kayaks.htm . Trailblazers here in Albany stock them, not sure who else might carry them in WA.

Or even have a look at the Ocean Kayaks Cabo, available from Canoeing Down Under in Bassendean.