Comparing kayaks

saw this on another site - interesting comparison chart.


Click on the "comparison page" on this link.....


http://kayakfishingstuff.com/ri_fishing_kayak_view.asp?Fishing_Kayaks=15

Honestly, I don't agree with a lot of the ratings on this chart.  Tere was a good thread about it on another site.  I'll see if I can find it.

The chart seems relatively useful, particularly for a first time buyer, but it is just a chart.  Not everyone likes to rig their kayak the same way. Heavier or lighter people will have different stability issues.  Who cares how fast  it is if you don't go far.

I noticed that the chart rated the Prowler as one of the fastest. The last time I was in my Prowler my buddy and I had to paddle about a mile back to the launch. He was in a Ocean Scupper Pro. People claim that the Prowler is faster, but I couldn't see much difference between us. So it may be faster, but it won't show as a difference until you start covering very long distances at speed.  Since, I'm fishing a mile is about the most I usually press for speed. The rest of the time, I am drifting or trolling. So, who cares.

I think all the kayaks listed are good enough to use - but what really MAKES the kayak better than the rest is the guy (or gal) paddling it    (and of course, a few personal modifications would help as well )

Bottom line: The kayak, no matter how it looks or feels on the water, will not handle well without an educated / experienced / healthy paddler.

...just my 2 cents  

Here is another site on kayak reviews

http://www.plasticnavy.com/kayakreview/index.htm

If anyone feels like writing reviews I will be happy to put them on the site.