New to the forum and wanted to say Hi

I've dove on kayaks before borrowing friends, but now I want to get my own and set it up for fishing and diving. I'm really looking at the Ocean Kayak T15, and the boat would be used mostly in the ocean between Bragg and Big Sur, would other boat should I check out. I  live in Benicia, what are some good shops in the area that have good reputations. Thanks and looking forward to diving and fishing with you all.

Mark

Welcome, Mark.  It's all about paddling some boats and seeing what you like.  Something ultra-stable likely comes with the trade-off of being harder to paddle...  Find what you like before you buy if possible.   

I go ultra-stable.   

Welcome Mark!  I have a P13 myself and really like it for diving and fishing.  I use it a lot in the local lakes and for Ab diving and am starting to do more ocean fishing with it.  If I was in the ocean more, i would probably go with the 15 footer.  I hear good things about the T13 and T15.  I know my P13 is WET, but the lower center of gravity gives me pretty good stability, without loosing too much speed.  I can get up to about 5.5 mph really paddling, and around 2.5-3.5 mph just leasurely paddling.  Also the lower design is easy to jump back into after a dive.

If you have children the X factors are worth looking into.  I love the child jumper seats that can replace the front hatch cover.

Definately try a few before you buy.  Look forward to seeing you out there!

Matt

Thanks for the info, is there a shop that you can demo kayaks at. I'd like to demo the prowler 13, T13 and T15.

Mark, welcome! 

Re: kayak demos, Outback Adventures has demos - I think you actually rent but you can try as many as you want during that time - they have a "Demo Days" deal in June. There's a store in Larkspur & one in the south bay. Here's their site:  http://www.outbackadventures.com/index.php

Or talk to Mooch about demos at Aquan in San Mateo:  http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,15294.0.html http://www.aquansports.com/Aquan_Sports/Home.html

Also, chime in on some of the forums & folks here are often happy to let you paddle an extra kayak.

Have fun & see ya on the water.

WTThisMadness!!   Think Safety First....kayaker second...and fishing third! 

.....then you can live to take pictures and recant your stories here with us