Old guy and want opinions with a new sit on

I posted here last maybe 7 years ago or so and now that I'm retired (73yo), I'm looking for a new sit on or even a solid quality inflatable for river and lake use, no ocean. I have have a 10+ year old Tarpon 120 but it's getting too heavy for me to car top. It's been in storage for 8+ years and will be selling it cheap. If I drop down to a 10' kayak, will it support me ok at 240lbs/6-2? Anyone use Lifetime brand as I see they are a lot lighter than this Tarpon. What about a sit in with the big cockpit? I see Dicks, Tractor Supply, etc. carry a good selection. Anyone using a 10-12' inflatable? The weight is attractive. I'm in Sac and hope to get on the water this weekend.

Inflatables are usually inexpensive and light however can be challenging to navigate in windy conditions.
A better option IMHO would be Eddyline Carribean 12 at less than 50 pounds empty.

Yup Eddyline

I have been using an Eddyline Caribbean 14 for about 6 years, and recommend them for their lightweight. They now offer models with a lawn chair style seat which would be a plus.

Another vote for Eddiline kayak.

I've been using the Eddyline Caribbean for the last 8or9 years. Great light weight boat.

I also looked at the Sea Eagle inflatables, but never purchased one.

Al

Watch out, jimx2000, these guys are all Eddyline salesmen!   

Sorry, couldn't resist.   

Those Eddyline kayaks are super sleek - a C12 might be my next kayak.

For OP's question about Lifetime kayaks - I had a Lifetime tandem kayak for a couple years. It was cheap, and for it's size, wasn't too heavy. It had a little wheel in the keel which made launching at a boat ramp very easy.  But, it didn't have any attachment points for rod holders or accessory gear. The seats weren't great for longer days. Our model was super wide and stable, but also felt kinda slow for a 13' kayak. It was perfect for family outings on a lake, with the dog and the kids, which we did a few times before it sat unused for a couple years. I'm sure they make a fishing model that would probably work great for freshwater fishing, just not sure how much weight it would save vs other plastic kayaks of comparable size.

Not to change the conversation too much, but have you considered a small pickup for kayak transport? I carry my kayak in my F150 bed, and even though it is 4x4, my tailgate is a lot lower than most roof lines. I just slide it right in, no need to lift anything over my head. Maybe a Ranger or Tacoma might fit your need, and make carrying the kayak easier.  Older Rangers can be had for pretty cheap, and some had longer beds.

Get an older Ocean Kayak Prowler 13.

They can carry a  lot but are light and sturdy so if you drop it it's not a big deal. You see them on Craig's list occasionally for a good price. I keep mine for rocky shore launches and lake fishing.

I've got a Lifetime Tamarack Angler. It's a decent entry level yak for someone younger than me! I'm 5'7" and about 190#. I wouldn't recommend it for someone that's bigger/taller. I added stabilizers because it was so damn rolly/tippy. It's also slow and doesn't track straight for anything. That all being said, I've caught some really nice fish and take it out on the Monterey Bay. Might be okay for lake use though.

I will second a previous recommendation for the OK Prowler 13. It's a light boat that paddles well and they can be found cheap. I recently saw one for sale in Antelope, CA for under $200 on Facebook.

A couple years ago I picked up a used Hobie inflatable and would recommend you consider that if you go the route of inflatables. These are much more expensive and do suffer from hull slap when it gets choppy. That said the inflatable never felt unstable in choppy conditions. Pros: folds up into the back of your car/easily portable, comfy lawn chair, no problem to cover 8+ miles. Cons: hull slap, you need to inflate/deflate every time, challenging to rig with rod holders, etc., and greater cost than other options.

There is more than one way to solve the problem.

I'm curious what you end up deciding on.

I toyed with the idea of a Sea Eagle at first (when I was just starting out 3-4 years ago). I specifically wanted to go ocean fishing, and a million people told me to go with a tried and true sit-on-top pedal kayak so I have since gotten an Old Town 120 Sportsman PDL and Salty. Very happy with both and my decision.

However I do know there will come a time when I won't be able to lug those around anymore (especially the Sportsman, weighing in at 116 lbs) and I'll probably be looking at Sea Eagles again... maybe not for open ocean but for lakes and such.

I don't have one nor have I tried one, but the specs on the Hobie Lynx seem decent for being a lightweight hull at 47lbs, and the drive is another 16.  It looks easy to load and be comfortable on lakes.

https://www.hobie.com/kayaks/mirage-lynx/

Get an older Ocean Kayak Prowler 13.

They can carry a  lot but are light and sturdy so if you drop it it's not a big deal. You see them on Craig's list occasionally for a good price. I keep mine for rocky shore launches and lake fishing.

Also quite a good paddler with very decent stability. Very seaworthy.  One of the best designs ever.
Bushy