Looking at Wilderness Systems Pamilco 160T -EDIT Hobie Outfitter ?

Please give me your input on this kayak. Now looking at a Hobie Outfitter with the advice so far. What is your input.

This will be used for myself, for fishing and enjoying the water. But most of the time I will have my wife and little girl with me. Looks like it fits the bill.

I kow that it is heavy and slow, but other than that let me know what you think. I am planning on going and taking one for a test ride in a week.

We will be going in both fresh and salt water.

Thanks.

OH HELL NO!!! Not if you plan on being in the salt at ALL!
Repeat after me..Sit on top...sit on top....sit on top.....sit on top.
There are tandem sit on tops with a middle area for a child. If you want to take all three of you out then go this route. Sit insides like this are designed for calm water like a smaller lake or pond.
Wilderness systems has a tandem: http://www.rei.com/ProductDisplay.do?productId=48136019&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&color=&img=/media/d/1088123.jpg&view=large
as do many other mfgs. Go the way of the sit on top. Much more versatility and much much safer.

I agree with Tote....be safe and get a sit-on-top. IMO: Self rescue is much easier 

That model is OK for lakes, but I agree that it is a death trap on the ocean. Even for flat water, it is essential to place float bags in the bow and stern. Otherwise, that baby will sink like a stone if it fills with water.

Please give me your input on this kayak.

This will be used for myself, for fishing and enjoying the water. But most of the time I will have my wife and little girl with me. Looks like it fits the bill.

I kow that it is heavy and slow, but other than that let me know what you think. I am planning on going and taking one for a test ride in a week.

We will be going in both fresh and salt water.

Thanks.

That model is OK for lakes, but I agree that it is a death trap on the ocean. Even for flat water, it is essential to place float bags in the bow and stern. Otherwise, that baby will sink like a stone if it fills with water.

I don't think I'd go as far as calling it a "deathtrap" but it is better suited for flat/sweet water. I think Frankfishing would have the final word on that. And floatation is important for all SOT and SIT yaks no matter what the make.

As a Hobie rider (Outback) for about a year now I'd say if you are going in the lakes and bay on flat days the Hobie Outfitter is fine. But other than the Revolution and Adventure the hulls are a little inefficient. If you're cruising w/ the family and want something anyone can do, it's great. But if you want to get into anything serious you really have to work at it. There's a few guys here @ NCKA that make it work though.. 

Z

It's got a huge cockpit and no flotation. With a kid on board, I stand by the "deathtrap" description.

That model is OK for lakes, but I agree that it is a death trap on the ocean. Even for flat water, it is essential to place float bags in the bow and stern. Otherwise, that baby will sink like a stone if it fills with water.

I don't think I'd go as far as calling it a "deathtrap" but it is better suited for flat/sweet water. I think Frankfishing would have the final word on that. And floatation is important for all SOT and SIT yaks no matter what the make.

As a Hobie rider (Outback) for about a year now I'd say if you are going in the lakes and bay on flat days the Hobie Outfitter is fine. But other than the Revolution and Adventure the hulls are a little inefficient. If you're cruising w/ the family and want something anyone can do, it's great. But if you want to get into anything serious you really have to work at it. There's a few guys here @ NCKA that make it work though.. 

Z

 I have the wilderness 13 T Tarpon and it was built for what you want. It is a challange to rig like these other guys fishkillers but for what you want Its the real deal. If your ever in my neck of  the woods (Chico) you are more then welcome to borrow it. Randall

It's got a huge cockpit and no flotation. With a kid on board, I stand by the "deathtrap" description.

fair enough.

Z

Of course, you're right that it's a safe kayak in flat conditions.  I try not to be overly dramatic, but in this case I think it was needed. A friend has that boat, and I was equally adamant about it when he wanted to take his kid out on the bay with no flotation added. That kayak is 85 - 90 pounds when it's dry. Fill it with water from a couple of waves, and it's an anchor!

It's got a huge cockpit and no flotation. With a kid on board, I stand by the "deathtrap" description.

fair enough.

Z