Which is safer?

All,

I have been looking at buying kayaks and I have to ask: I want to go fishing with my 13 yr old son. Although he is only 13 he is very tall and well built (not fat) for his age (probably 5'7" tall). Matter of fact he's the tallest kid in school. On top of that he seems to be pretty adept at paddling. Paddled the whole Elkhorn Slough last Sunday without a problem. And the current was crazy, could barely keep up.

As far as I can see, I have two options: 1) two single kayaks (Tridents, Prowlers...) or a double (Zest).

If something goes wrong... which is safer, two singles or a double?

Thanks,
-David

Not an expert, but I think 2 singles would be safer than 1 tandem.
If something happens one can always help the other, but if a freak accident happened and you took on water in a tandem, you would both be sunk.

Not to mention hooking each other with the fishing gear, one wrong cast or turn and you got a hook in an uncomfortable place.

Your son should be fine for years if not forever on a decent prowler 13.


my 2 cents

stoggie

I'm with Stoggie, 2 kayaks make more sense for a lot of reasons. I have a Prowler 13 and its a very stable yak with lots of storage and slides through the water easily. I'm 6'5", 210lbs, yet my 16 year old daughter paddles it with no problems.

Check out Outback Adventures, they often have test rides at our local reservoirs.

Rich

Two is better - especially if your son is a well built kid.  You'll both be happier over time.

Another reason to buy two singles is versatility. If you go camping at a lake with a tandem you both have to come and go at the same time. With singles you can each come and go on the lake as you please. If you want to sleep in and he wants to get a head start it will work out.

If you decide to fish on one kayak you should consider the Cobra Triple. I have one and it holds a full size ice chest, milk crate and a bunch of other stuff.   

Hey Neemo - if you haven't already seen the threads, might check out the new OK Trident 13 (as well as new T11) that should be available soon.
Good luck - Bird

Two, for lots of reasons,,,,,,,,,

As I thought, you guys are awesome 

This is all good because I really like the Trident 15 and he can get the 13...

Wife is not going to like spending the money so I'll have to find a way...

Anybody wants to buy a kid?    Ah, she'll never go for it. 

Anybody wants to buy a kid?   Ah, she'll never go for it. 

I dunno. Catch my wife on a bad day, with the almost-two year old pushing boundaries, and she'd sell him off on eBay.

I'm sure if you time it right, you too could halve your kayak expenses while raising the money for one boat at the same time

Scott

P.S. FYI - Tandem kayaks are often called divorce boats. YMMV.

my 13 year old son paddles a P13 and though much shorter than your son has no real problems with it.  Had the trident 13 been around when we picked him yak up, I would have definitely though about it.  

I recommend a good bowline for each yak that you can use to tow each other with.  We tried it out and I was able to tow him into a pretty stiff wind.

and if your son is strong, let him tow you when you get tired!

The new Tridents come in camo - maybe you can grab two of those and stow them in the yard so your wife won't see them!!!!