New guy here!

I haven't been able to find any used ocean going kayaks that looked like they would be good for a novice diving off of.  The navigator looks a couple hundred bucks cheaper, which is a factor in my decision making.  It is not as wide as the fishndive, but I assume that after a few times I will get decent at getting in and out of it.

How big are you bsteves?  I am 6', 190, would the navigator be able to handle me with a bunch of gear?

Thanks.

I owned, fished from, and free dived off of a Cobra Navigator XF for several years.  It's not a bad boat.  It isn't as stable as the Fish-n-Dive and you give up a bit of desk space for a front hatch.

If you think you'll be mostly diving off the kayak, I'd say a Fish-n-Dive or even an OK scrambler are your best best for price and easy of reentry with scuba gear.  These were some of the original SOT diving/fishing kayaks and you should be able to find a used one.

Brian

I 2nd the scrambler. It was my first boat and while it wasn't the fastest it was stable. I even had the 'dive' version that seemed to have a tank well that was well, shaped for a scuba tank. The guy I bought it from dove from it quite  bit.

A scrambler would be great, but looking at the OK website it looks pretty bare bones.  Can I add a seat and extra hatches and pole holders?  I would love to get something by Ocean Kayaks because my brother works for a distributor and I will get a massive discount, they don't sell Cobra or WS kayaks though. 

The Scrambler is also noticeably narrower than the fishndive, at only 29" wide.  I have relatively good coordination and learn quick, I just want to make sure this is stable enough for me.  The Scrambler is really looking like the right one for me at this time, especially being much cheaper than the other options, although I assume I will be spending 100-200 on a seat and some hatches if available.

Thanks

here is a pic of how i rigged the rear of my scrambler - the rod holder i made from ABS sits in the scupper holes when its not on the cart - i can take a total of 5 rods if desired - easily reach for supplies out of the milk crate - front has a FF and hatch - ive been in as big as 10' swells and never fallen off other than rolling in the surf a few times - but that happens to everybody.  this is a very stable kayak that will serve you well

I can back up the Scrambler nod.  I ran with a Scrambler XT for a few years and it served me well - still a great backup boat.

 

Thanks for the pics, especially of your set up, JK.  TallPaul has a Scrambler and his nice enough to take me out to try it on Monday so that will give me a chance to make sure it will work for me.  I am going to be able to get one new for around 425 so I figure I should be able to get everything I need (paddle, seat) for around 500ish.