Boat for Marin shore

I'm a newbie to this board and yak fishing. I want to fish Richardson Bay  and the Marin shore on the East side, Marin Islands, S.Q. area, Paradise etc. and I'm wondering if some of you guys who are already doing it could give some advice on the kind of boats I should be looking at. So far I've demo'd a Prowler 13 and a Hobie Quest. The Hobie was on a windy Richardson Bay, without a rudder and it was tuff to stay on course. I've been told I should consider longer boats and I'm going to demo some others like the Marauder XF and Prowler15. Any advice on what is good choice in your opinion and why would really be appreciated. I like to throw jigs and fly fish, I'm a reasonably fit 59 yrs, 5' 8" and 185lbs. Thanks, Tom

For the bay I would get something with a fair amount of rocker, the wind chop put there can become some of the worst I've seen...anywhere!

scwafish - Thanks for that. As a new commer I've seen and heard the term 'rocker' used here and there but I have to admit, I'm not really clear on just what that means in a boat design. Would you consider it more important than length or a rudder? Thanks again, Tom

The boats I would paddle would be the Prowler 15, Tarpon 160 and the Marauder. If you make it out to the paddlefest you can try all those and more.

Rocker is the "banana factor"...as in the bottom of a rocking chair.  In a highly generalized way something with lots of rocker does great n rough water but is slower and doesn't track as well, something flat is fast, and tracks well but will spear oncoming rough water...look for a boat that offers a good compromise.  The boats Bill suggested are all great choices. There are others as well...how big are you?

Scwafish - Thanks again for the input. I'm a fairly fit 59yrs and 5'8" and 185 heading twords 175lbs or so.

Pelican,

I'd look at a Cobra Tourer. It's a 15 footer BUT very light weight. Very easy to carry around and it's pretty fast on the water as well. But like Bill had mentioned, your best bet would be to test paddle a few other kayaks and see what fits your needs. The Paddlefest at Coyote Point in San Mateo will be the best place to go. And if you make it, come by the NCKA booth and say hello 

anyway, good luck and welcome to the madness 

At your size the door is wide open, go try on some boats, you'll know it when you try it.

Tom,

If you got the cash, look into a Hobie w/ Mirage Drive. You "peddle" w/ your feet for propulsion and fish w/ your hands. This translates to constant contact w/ your rod for quicker reactions to bites or hang-ups. Also the bigger muscles in your legs allows you to be on the water longer or troll further w/o gettin tired.
Hobie just came out w/ the Revolution which is designes as an all around fishing platform.

Hey Everyone  - Many thanks for all the input from you guys. I tried out Prowler 13 & 15, Hobie Guest, Manta Ray 12, Tarpon 160i, X-Factor and MarauderXF. The Marauder just seemed like the best fit. I demoed the boat at BAMII Fri. with Sean and I can't wait till I can take it home next week! Thanks Sean for the low key sales style, ( the boat really sells itself )! Great timing too as the bass are finally starting to show in force in the bay. Thanks again to all, see ya on the water. Tom

If you intend to paddle a distance in wind then a rudder will help. I've done a some paddling in my 15' prowler and a stiff breeze can force you to take a direction that isn't the shortest line to your destination  and also cause you to have to do some heavy paddling from one side only.

If you are only doing short distances than it's not a huge deal. Most likely you will learn to avoid those days or plan your trip to suit the wind direction by knowing when and where the wind rises.